The inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) is considered the most venomous snake in the world.
This designation stems from its extremely potent venom, measured by its murine LD50 value. A lower LD50 value indicates higher toxicity; the inland taipan's value is around 0.025 mg/kg SC (subcutaneous injection) according to some studies, and even lower at 0.01 mg/kg SC based on Ernst and Zug et al. (1996).
Here's why the inland taipan earns its reputation:
- Potent Venom: Its venom is a complex cocktail of neurotoxins, procoagulants, and myotoxins. This combination is highly effective in quickly immobilizing and killing its prey (primarily rodents).
- High Venom Yield: While it isn't the snake with the largest venom yield, it still averages around 44 mg per bite, which is more than enough to be lethal to humans.
- LD50 Value: This is a standardized measure of venom toxicity. The lower the LD50, the less venom is needed to kill 50% of a test population (usually mice). The inland taipan's low LD50 confirms its extreme toxicity.
It's important to note that while the inland taipan has the most potent venom, it is a relatively shy and reclusive snake found in remote regions of Australia. Therefore, human encounters are rare, and bites are even rarer. Other venomous snakes, like the saw-scaled viper and the black mamba, are responsible for far more human deaths annually due to their more aggressive nature, wider distribution, and higher frequency of human contact. However, regarding venom toxicity, the inland taipan holds the title.
