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's Your Favorite Venomous Snake?   Posted: Nov 13, 2013   (90 votes, 12 comments) by chris4sg14   Gaboon Viper   Black Mamba   King Kobra   Lancehead   Rattlesnake   Inland Taipan   King Brown     (90 votes, 12 comments)
Survey Results
Gaboon Viper 31% (28) Black Mamba 11% (10) King Kobra 13% (12) Lancehead 3% (3) Rattlesnake 39% (35) Inland Taipan 2% (2) King Brown 0% (0)
Survey Comments
Gabon viper I saw a Gabon on a tv show about snakes years ago and fell in love. Their beauty and power held me in thrall. I wish I lived in an area where there were responsible handlers so I could learn to handle them. Viper keeper on YouTube is a joy for me, at least I can watch. Posted by Noir6 on November 19, 2015 Gabon viper I saw a Gabon on a tv show about snakes years ago and fell in love. Their beauty and power held me in thrall. I wish I lived in an area where there were responsible handlers so I could learn to handle them. Viper keeper on YouTube is a joy for me, at least I can watch. Posted by Noir6 on November 19, 2015 Favorite I voted rattlesnake. My favorite would definitely be black phase crotalus horridus but if I had a choice to legally keep and work with, I'd pick crotalus adamanteus Posted by BlackPhaseTim on August 22, 2015 My favorite Papuan Taipan O. Canni and East African Green Mamba D. Angusticeps are my personal favorites venomous snakes,,,, Despite they are very very dangerous,,,, Posted by Rem013 on June 26, 2014 Favorite kind of snakes Speaking about PitViper snakes my favoirte are some species of rattler and Lachesis Muta and Terciopelo from south america Speaking about Elapide i go with Costal Taipan and some species of Naja species like Rinkals from Africa and Equatorial Spitting Cobra Posted by RattleAbe on May 18, 2014 Why is Rhino viper not on this list ? Posted by BlackMamba88 on January 15, 2014 Favorite venomous I voted for rattlesnakes. Specifically, C. lepidus is my favorite. Pretty little snakes, and every one is just a little bit different. Posted by RidesNHerps on December 26, 2013 Favorite I voted for rattlesnake, but more specifically, my favorite is the timber rattlesnake. Posted by Peter84Jenkins on December 23, 2013 Death Incarnate Black mamba is my favorite, followed by various krait species (especially the B. multicinctus) and Naja species (especially N. samarensis). Then the coastal taipan. Posted by Mamba84 on December 19, 2013 Favorite venomous snake. It's a short list, but for me, personally, it's the Black Mamba hands down. Don't get me wrong, King Cobras are fantastic. The main difference there is the diet issues and housing space required for the King. Black Mambas to me are NOT ugly as a lot of handlers say, except for maybe the really brown or olive colored locales. Besides that, they are an extremely attractive and intriguing Elapid to me. Just their whole demeanor and the way they carry themselves is incredible. They spot you the minute you walk into the snake room, incredibly alert and are NOT afraid. Following movements of the keeper with both eyes AND tongue. Just look at they face and head of a large adult---reeks of intelligence and awareness. They NEVER have feeding issues and if handled regularly they don't freak out all that bad really. Their reputation for aggressiveness precedes them, but is somewhat exaggerated I believe. They truly can be gentle giants, if allowed to be themselves and look incredible as display animals when setup with branches and lighting. Anyway, enough raving. Obviously they're my favorite. Posted by elapidkeeper on December 1, 2013 favorite venomous snake I agree, eastern diamondbacks are my favorite!! Posted by ROBERSONREPTILES on November 27, 2013 Specifically Specifically, the Eastern diamondback is my favorite venomous snake. Posted by Chris_Harper on November 23, 2013 To post a comment, you must be logged in. If you are not a member, become one now!