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!
How do you think these animal shows could BETTER EDUCATE AND EXCITE THE PUBLIC towards conservation?   Posted: Jun 03, 2010   (64 votes, 6 comments) by Voided37   By risk taking personalities like Steve Irwin?   By showing their place in the ecosystems?   By appealing to their 'cute' qualities?   By showing their relationships to us in our past?   By showing how we can profit off them?   By making us laugh at their antics?   By revealing their demise worldwide?     (64 votes, 6 comments)
Survey Results
By risk taking personalities like Steve Irwin? 9% (6) By showing their place in the ecosystems? 72% (46) By appealing to their 'cute' qualities? 2% (1) By showing their relationships to us in our past? 5% (3) By showing how we can profit off them? 3% (2) By making us laugh at their antics? 2% (1) By revealing their demise worldwide? 8% (5)
Survey Comments
Snakes play a important role in the ecosystem. They eat unwanted pesks such as rats. They are ocassionally feared. To teach and share knowledge with people who want to learn the ways of herpetolology is also a way that you can expand thier knowledge on snakes Posted by nightsnaker on December 17, 2010 By showing their place in the ecosystem eventually all will come to understand just how valuable snakes are. Remove them permanently and the rats and mice take over eliminating our food stores. In some countries where this has happened our welfare was imperiled right along with the snakes. We and ALL the critters [flora and fauna] form that thing called a food chain. Break a link and eventually we're broken also... I'm glad to see so many here understand this. And never underestimate the value of risk where the hot variety of snakes are concerned. Without the risk inherent in life so much of it becomes not worth living and just plain loses it's fascination. The threat of a bite while in their habitat [the woods] adds a dimension to it I don't want to be without. Long live our reptilian friends. Steve Posted by Voided37 on June 30, 2010 I have to come right out there and say this. i find that most of the shows on television lack studies on the venomous of the south. We find bullcrap shows on tv about everything over seas but nothing on the US Southern venomous. Honestly when was the last time you saw a show that covered canebrakes or EDB's? Posted by stockbridgeherper on June 8, 2010 The biggest motivator is money. It isn't for everyone but I think that the snake keepers are doing a lot of good for reptiles through creating an industry where they are very valuable. "Conservation through commercialization" Posted by snakeguy101 on June 7, 2010 I do education talks to grade school students all the way up to college students almost every week. My biggest topics cover the ecological importance, and how the media/movies have exploited un-due fear. Posted by Irishviper on June 6, 2010 promoting conservation at snake shows When dealing with the mob you will draw some people for all of these reasons, an all of the above option might be considered. If the community could unite and build a common marketable theme like Smokey the Bear or Woodsy the Owl perhaps Conservation Cobra? Something for the non-enthusiast to connect with. Posted by Ptk on June 5, 2010 To post a comment, you must be logged in. If you are not a member, become one now!