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!
If you could have a great snake adventure,only in the USA where would it be?   Posted: Aug 27, 2008   (110 votes, 14 comments) by pictigaster1   Texas, Mottled rocks   New Mexico, Banded rocks   Arizona, Tigers rattlers   Florida, Eastern diamondbacks   OTHER     (110 votes, 14 comments)
Survey Results
Texas, Mottled rocks 6% (7) New Mexico, Banded rocks 22% (24) Arizona, Tigers rattlers 15% (16) Florida, Eastern diamondbacks 41% (45) OTHER 16% (18)
Survey Comments
Been on all four Well I have worked with lepidus in Mexico, NM, and Texas....looked for Mojaves in Arizona, had some fun looking for cottonmouth and easterns in Florida....so I guess I would like to see what the Appalachans have to offer... Posted by DarthCane on January 19, 2010 US Herp Trip I chose Texas Mottled Rocks, as I have tried once to view them in nature without any luck. We we're in the Big Bend region of Texas and the only rattlesnake we saw was the Western Diamondback.We did see some other interesting snakes from the region like the Trans Pecos Ratsnakes,Great Plains Ratsnake, Baird's Ratsnake,Longnose Snake, Gopehersnake, a form of Coachwhip and the Chihuahan Hooknosed Snake. Also I would like to life list the Transpecos Copperhead from that region, lol. Maybe next time. Posted by Tetrodotoxin on January 17, 2009 Florida - "Mega-snakes" The escaped boas and pythons in Florida that grow large would be interesting. Posted by Zeah on November 9, 2008 Banded Rocks!! I guess the thought of actually working to find a rattlesnake scares most of you! The challenge of hiking mountains in pursuit of the most beautiful of rattlesnakes is worth the effort. Posted by Mofugly on September 25, 2008 timber rattler Ohio timber rattlesnake,cool to see!! Posted by newguy on September 19, 2008 South Carolina South Carolina-Jasper County Canebrake and Eastern Diamondback rattlesnakes the best a man can get Posted by H20mocasin on September 8, 2008 EDB BTDT on the others. I want to see a huge EDB! Posted by svsnakes on September 5, 2008 leps Going after leps in a rare local tomorow upton county should also find some good pictigaster Posted by pictigaster1 on September 4, 2008 Mottled Rock Rattlesnakes ! Lepidus in extreme West Texas ! Snake hunting does not get better than that ! Best Regards John Z Posted by Cro on September 2, 2008 my real dream is easterns Posted by pictigaster1 on August 30, 2008 leps I am in shock no votes for lepidus Posted by pictigaster1 on August 30, 2008 Herping trip in USA Although it wouldn't be a long trip, I still had to pick the EDB, These are held in a special place in my heart, and I am working to try to educate the public on helping to preserve these magnificent animals. To me, it don't get any better than the E.D.B., the worlds largest rattlesnake. Posted by pdk9Roper on August 28, 2008 I chose the EDB, but have very happy memories of the NM lepidus! Posted by Pug on August 26, 2008 U.S. herping trip I chose NM, but anywhere out west would be good for me.I herp all over GA and FL and SC all the time, I haven't been out west yet. Maybe someday. Posted by agkistrodude on August 25, 2008 To post a comment, you must be logged in. If you are not a member, become one now!