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!
Thanks for voting! Your vote has been included in the results below. How many snakes do you personally keep at home ?   Posted: Oct 27, 2000   (232 votes, 3 comments) by Charper
Survey Results
0 10% (23) 1 to 5 20% (47) 6 to 10 13% (31) 11 to 20 19% (44) 21 to 40 16% (37) more than 40 22% (50)
Survey Comments
State Licensing What might be good for one and not another would apply here.I agree with state licensing for Hot herps,only in states where you presently are not allowed to keep them.I think a person should have the opportunty to at least prove he/she is a responsible mature person capable of maintaining venomous snakes and willing to follow all rules required to do so.Nothing more than most of us already do, locks on cages,locked escapeproof hot room,signs posted,etc.Many states that do not permit the keeping of hot snakes will allow that same person a license to by rifles and shotguns upon passing a 100 question exam .The questions coming from a state booklet that the dept. of fish&game provides .I dont think a fee would matter in the least,its just the individuals right to decide this is what they want and then prove their sincerity by earning it. Rocco Posted by ROCKY1 on November 12, 2000 Licensing ??? This survey is just to give the site managers and surfers an idea about the people that come here. This survey is completely anonymous. There is no record of how you vote. I am a venomous keeper myself and respect everyone's need for anonymity in certain matters. Thanks, Chris Harper webmaster Posted by Anonymous on November 4, 2000 Licensing The only reason for licensing is for authorities to nose around your house at any time.They have nothing else to do.I am against any government control! My mother and my wife are enough telling me what to do! Posted by Anonymous on November 1, 2000 To post a comment, you must be logged in. If you are not a member, become one now!