VenomousReptiles.org Survey

Survey Question	Current Survey Question Should hobbyists ever free handle venomous reptiles with their hands? Recent Surveys Most venomous/toxic Naja species in the world? I have read that the Philippine cobra is the most venomous (mice, 0.2 mg/kg SC with the lowest reported value being 0.14 mg/kg SC) (Brown, 1973). I have recently, come across something in the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology (Vol. 30, (issue 12), pages: 1158-1162, 1992) which stated that the LD50 for Naja oxiana was the most toxic/venomous (mice, 0.18 mg/kg SC and lowest reported value was 0.10 mg/kg). Along with that, the mortality rate for untreated Naja oxiana bites are the highest among all Naja species (70-80%). N.oxiana also produced the lowest known lethal dose (LCLo) of 0.005 mg/kg, the lowest among all cobra species ever recorded, derived from an individual case of poisoning by intracerebroventricular injection. Following N. oxiana and N. philippinensis are N. melanoleuca at 0.225 mg/kg SC and then N. samarensis at 0.23 mg/kg. The water cobras (N. annulata and N. christyi also have very toxic venoms, but no SC values are listed. Only intraperitoneal (IP) values of 0.143 mg/kg for N. annulata and 0.12 mg/kg for N. christyi. IP values tend to be generally lower (more toxic than subcutaneous values, so it would be unfair to compare their IP results to the subcutaneous (SC) results of other Naja species. Then I have heard that (without solid evidence) that Naja nivea is the most venomous, although their murine SC LD50 range anywhere from 0.4 mg/kg (Toxicon, Vol. 5, issue 1, page 47, 1967) to 0.72 mg/kg (Australian venoms and toxins Databse). So which is the most venomous? To me it seems obvious that it is the Caspian or Oxus cobra (Naja oxiana), followed by the Philippine cobra (Naja philippinensis). What do you think or know? I've noticed that the Australian venom and toxin Database seems to have higher LD50 values for all snakes across the board. For example, for the black mamba IP value of 0.01 mg/kg is listed (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/004101018890219X) and Ernst and Zug et al 1996, list a SC value of 0.05 mg/kg for the black mamba. While the Australian venom and toxin Database listed much less toxic LD50's. So there seems to be a lot of variation. 2014-01-23 What's Your Favorite Venomous Snake? 2013-11-13 Deadliest Bite? 2013-09-16 IF the science of self-immunization for a snake envenomation was proven/perfected what is the least benefit(percentage) you would accept before practicing it on yourself? 2013-06-06 how did you learn to keep venomous reptiles? 2013-03-02 View All Survey Questions Have a good idea for a VenomousReptiles.org Survey question? Enter your idea!
Whats Your Favorite Type Of Venomous?   Posted: Nov 10, 2008   (181 votes, 20 comments) by SpikeyReptiles   Crotalids   Elapids   Vipers   Rear Fanged     (181 votes, 20 comments)
Survey Results
Crotalids 40% (72) Elapids 27% (48) Vipers 30% (55) Rear Fanged 3% (6)
Survey Comments
Rattlers Timber rattlers and Eastern Diamondbacks Posted by charlie2t on June 9, 2009 crotalus horridus horridus my beloved timber rattlesnakes are the closest to my cold heart Posted by horridus606 on June 9, 2009 hmmmm.... mambas and rattlers Posted by swampbilly1986 on December 27, 2008 Vipers most Vipers are great to view but not all are great to own.I have dealt with many snakes though but the Vipers take the lead of my favorites. happy to take any questions. Posted by VenomAndValor on December 25, 2008 Crotalids THey are awesome. Especially Agkistrodon. Posted by TheFifthDay on December 22, 2008 vipers had cotton mouths and mambers in the past . but really into the gaboons and tree vipers now Posted by gear211 on December 16, 2008 Elapids Elapids are my favorite hands down espcially the spitters. Posted by EPARR1 on December 14, 2008 Crotalids I love the EDB's the most, I agree with John, in the same order too. Keith Posted by pdk9Roper on December 13, 2008 My Vote I keep and love all tree vipers. All meaning every species i can get my hands on 13 species to date. MORE TO COME HEHE! Posted by varivenom on December 5, 2008 Rattlers,Cottons,and Coppers OH MY! Posted by rthom on November 29, 2008 Vipers. With pits. Especially B. Asper [you go, you bad boy you..lol] Posted by Voided37 on November 22, 2008 elapids did vote for elapids! though i have some fascinating viper sp. too was a hard choice for me! but dendroaspis,Naja just rocks it for me! all the best, Posted by RW on November 22, 2008 ATHERIS Old world vipers ftw! Posted by atheris1887 on November 20, 2008 My 3 favorites species are Eastern diamondbacks, Russell's viper, and Urutu's. Posted by Chris_Harper on November 19, 2008 Crotalids Love my Rattlers! Posted by lostriverdoc on November 18, 2008 Crotalmania The New World vipers rule ! Gabonica is definitely the Old World mackdaddy. Posted by MojaveMan on November 18, 2008 El elapidos Taipans and mambas and cobras oh my... Posted by toddg on November 18, 2008 Crotalids Will have to go with the rattlesnakes, followed by the copperheads and cottonmouths. Best Regards John Z Posted by Cro on November 17, 2008 Rattlesnakes are the pinnacle of ophidian evolution!!!!!!!!!!! Posted by SOLENOGLYPH on November 11, 2008 CROATS LIKE ANY TRUE AMERICAN Posted by pictigaster1 on November 10, 2008 To post a comment, you must be logged in. If you are not a member, become one now!