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!
What is your goal in keeping venomous snakes?   Posted: Sep 29, 2008   (122 votes, 8 comments) by Nightflight99   Make money as a breeder   Make money as a dealer   Use snakes for educational purposes   Get involved in conservation and research   My personal fascination   Goal? What do you mean?   I do not keep venomous reptiles, nor do I intent to do so     (122 votes, 8 comments)
Survey Results
Make money as a breeder 2% (3) Make money as a dealer 1% (1) Use snakes for educational purposes 20% (25) Get involved in conservation and research 21% (26) My personal fascination 44% (54) Goal? What do you mean? 4% (5) I do not keep venomous reptiles, nor do I intent to do so 7% (8)
Survey Comments
Medicine! I have always wanted to keep hots for the purpose of acquiring venom for medical research. Not antivenin creation so much, but for in-depth medical analysis of protein content, function, etc. This has always been my primary area of interest, and I would love to contribute to finding tomorrow's death sentence-turned-cure. Posted by PunkAndRun on March 24, 2009 Veterinary care falls under "research" I suppose, and improving the knowledge and standards of veterinary care for venomous and dangerous reptiles is definitely my primary goal. These animals deserve proper veterinary care in case of illness or injury, and far too often they don't receive it. Whatever I can do to improve that situation, that's what I'm here for. Posted by MSTT on October 16, 2008 Love for snakes I really love snakes they way they are...they are not huge nor do they have jaws and claws but they kill more these carnivorous predators and their tubular structure makes them adaptable for any kind of environment...one thing which I may not enjoy is its eating..they eat their prey whole...you cannot find a meal tasty by swallowing wholly!!!!...I feel predators enjoy their meal more than snakes because they can taste meat and flesh and also relish some blood as well......talking about snakes my favorite is Black Mamba..which I would say as the perfect snake which is built for the kill...they have speed..size...potent venom...a lashing strike...you name it.. Posted by Tigersnake on October 13, 2008 Love! They are impressive, respectable predators. They are independant and cool. What ISN'T to love about them except uneducated fear? Posted by ThomasH on October 9, 2008 I own what I'm personally fascinated with, and I certainly use every opportunity to educate the willing when possible. Posted by guttersnacks on October 8, 2008 Can't legally in TN without exceedingly hard to acquire licensing. But I'd love to for the sake of assuring some specimens would always be available to restock whatever wilderness may be left, if any is left.. Also that I may just enjoy them when I felt like it, although their best left in their own home, not mine. Steve Posted by Voided37 on October 3, 2008 categories I think that education and conservation (and probably research) should be one category. That's like separating Ecology and Evolution - they really don't make sense apart from each other. :) Posted by earthguy on October 2, 2008 LOVE For the pure love of it.As a child I sold snakes to pet shops as a teen I sold snakes to the shed herpitafauna as an adult I sold to many other places thousands of snakes.I opened a pet shop and worked at pet shops and a zoo opened a rattlesnake museum have done many school shows.I no longer care about selling snakes. I keep what I like and trade a few and sell a snake not very often.What I would like to see is this hobby continue,for me its a hobby and a way of life,I would love to see young herpers grow and contribute to this hobby. Posted by pictigaster1 on September 30, 2008 To post a comment, you must be logged in. If you are not a member, become one now!