King Cobra (*Ophiophagus hannah*) |
Southeast Asia, India |
Highly dangerous; neurotoxic venom can cause respiratory failure and death. |
- The largest venomous snake, capable of delivering a large amount of venom in a single bite.
- Known for its intimidating hood and ability to stand upright.
|
Inland Taipan (*Oxyuranus microlepidotus*) |
Australia |
Extremely dangerous; has the most toxic venom of any snake, but rarely encounters humans. |
- Known as the "fierce snake," its venom is highly neurotoxic and can kill within hours if untreated.
- Rarely bites humans, making it less of a public health threat.
|
Russell’s Viper (*Daboia russelii*) |
South Asia, Southeast Asia |
Very dangerous; causes a large number of snakebite fatalities due to its aggressive nature and haemotoxic venom. |
- Venom causes severe bleeding, coagulopathy, and kidney failure.
- Responsible for many snakebite deaths in its range, particularly in rural areas.
|
Black Mamba (*Dendroaspis polylepis*) |
Sub-Saharan Africa |
Extremely dangerous; neurotoxic venom can cause rapid death if untreated. |
- Known for its speed and potent venom, which causes paralysis and respiratory failure.
- Often considered one of the deadliest snakes in the world.
|
Fer-de-Lance (*Bothrops asper*) |
Central and South America |
Highly dangerous; haemotoxic venom causes severe tissue damage and systemic effects. |
- Responsible for the majority of snakebite fatalities in Central America.
- Venom causes intense pain, swelling, and necrosis, often leading to amputation.
|
Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (*Crotalus adamanteus*) |
Southeastern United States |
Very dangerous; potent haemotoxic venom causes severe damage and can be fatal. |
- The largest rattlesnake species, known for its distinctive rattle and diamond pattern.
- Venom causes significant tissue destruction, coagulopathy, and systemic effects.
|
Caspian Cobra (*Naja oxiana*) |
Central Asia (Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan) |
Extremely dangerous; neurotoxic venom can cause death within hours. |
- One of the most venomous cobras, with highly potent venom.
- Known for causing fatalities due to respiratory paralysis.
|
Coastal Taipan (*Oxyuranus scutellatus*) |
Northern Australia, New Guinea |
Highly dangerous; neurotoxic venom can cause rapid death. |
- Second only to the Inland Taipan in venom toxicity.
- Known for its aggressive nature and swift, fatal bites.
|
Gaboon Viper (*Bitis gabonica*) |
Sub-Saharan Africa |
Highly dangerous; venom is cytotoxic and haemotoxic, causing severe tissue damage. |
- Has the longest fangs of any snake and can deliver a large amount of venom.
- Venom causes massive swelling, tissue necrosis, and coagulopathy.
|
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake (*Crotalus atrox*) |
Southwestern United States, Mexico |
Very dangerous; haemotoxic venom causes tissue damage and systemic effects. |
- A common cause of snakebite envenomation in the United States.
- Venom causes pain, swelling, and bleeding; can lead to systemic shock if untreated.
|