The antivenom developed for the coastal taipan is effective against bites from both the inland and the Papuan species.Įgg clutch size varies between the species. Fortunately, an antivenom was developed in 1955, and there have been no recorded fatalities in Australia since then. The taipan venom does both – so the old tiger snake antivenom did not work on taipan bite victims. Snake venom in general works in one of two ways – either by attacking the nerve centres ( neurotoxicity) or by coagulating the blood ( coagulopathy). Part of the reason for the taipan’s fearsome reputation is the dual nature of the venom. In order to maintain its specialised diet, the taipan has developed an extremely potent venom, along with fearsome speed and a ‘ snap and release’ multiple bite that minimises the risk of injury to the snake by struggling prey items. It is diurnal, and generally most active in the morning. The taipan preys exclusively on small mammals – generally rat and mouse species. Their feeding strategy is almost identical, as is the action of their venom. The three taipan species share much in common. The Taipan genus ( Oxyuranus) is represented by two Australian taipan species, and a Papuan taipan.
Until the development of an antivenom in 1955, over 90% of bites were fatal. A third, the Papuan Taipan, is found in Papua New Guinea. There are two species of Taipan in Australia – the Inland Taipan and the Common Taipan. The Taipan is a very venomous, moderately aggressive snake.
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