Deadly Australian Snake Breaks World Record for Single Venom Extraction Enough to Kill 400 Humans

A single bite from a coastal taipan, one of Australia’s deadliest snakes, can kill a hundred humans. Not anymore! That record has been broken by Cyclone, a captive coastal taipan at the Australian Reptile Park in New South Wales who unleashed over 0.18 ounces of venom in a single extraction, enough to kill 400 humans. The record-breaking extraction is three times the average for the species.

The Australian Reptile Park: A Hub for Venom Extraction

Located about 30 miles north of Sydney, the Australian Reptile Park is renowned for its unique venom extraction program. It remains the only zoo in Australia that “milks” taipans and other deadly snakes for their venom. The venom extracted is vital to produce antivenom, which is essential in treating snakebite victims across the continent.

Meet Cyclone, A Dangerous and Unpredictable Resident

Cyclone, described by operations manager Billy Collett as one of the most dangerous snakes in the park, is notorious for its unpredictable behavior. Coastal taipans, including Cyclone, are known for their extreme nervousness and aggression. Even the slightest movement can trigger a violent response, making handling these snakes particularly hazardous.

Coastal Taipans are one of the World’s Most Venomous Snakes

The coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) is a highly venomous species found in the coastal regions of northern and eastern Australia. These snakes are the longest of all Australian venomous snakes growing up to 6.6 feet in length. They have distinctive rectangular heads with large, orange-brown eyes. Their body color varies from yellow and brown to nearly black, and they are known for their lethal venom and aggressive nature.

Where is the Coastal Taipan Found?

The Coastal Taipan inhabits the eastern coast of Queensland, the northeastern corner of New South Wales, parts of the Northern Territory, and the Kimberley in Western Australia. This snake inhabits tropical and dry forests, as well as savannah woodlands. It often takes refuge in old animal burrows, under roots, fallen logs, and deep leaf litter. Human-related areas like rubbish dumps and discarded building materials are also common shelters, mainly due to the presence of rodents.

Longest Fangs Among All Venomous Snakes

The fangs of a coastal taipan are the longest among all Australian snakes measuring up to 13mm, or half an inch long! They strike with lightning speed, inflicting multiple bites injecting almost 60 mg of venom enough to kill.

Deadliest Venom During Tests on Human Heart Cells

The venom of a coastal taipan is the third most toxic of any land snake in the world and the deadliest when tested on human heart cells. Just 3 mg of venom was found enough to cause death in a human with the venom from a single extraction enough to kill 100 humans and 25000 mice.

Venom Extraction: A Lifesaving but Risky Procedure

Milking venomous snakes like Cyclone is a perilous task. Keepers at the Australian Reptile Park must carefully secure the snake and encourage it to bite into a plastic-covered shot glass, releasing its venom. This venom is then freeze-dried and sent to vaccine manufacturers, playing a crucial role in the development of antivenoms that save lives.

Record-Breaking Venom Production and Its Implications

Cyclone’s record-breaking venom production surpassed the previous record of 0.17 ounces, held by another coastal taipan named Whiplash at the same zoo in 2022. The venom extracted from Cyclone and other snakes at the park is vital in combating the thousands of snake bites reported annually in Australia. On average, the country sees about 3,000 snake bites each year, leading to approximately 500 hospital admissions every year.

The Deadly Effects of a Coastal Taipan Bite

A bite from a coastal taipan is potentially fatal, with its venom targeting the nervous system and preventing blood clotting. Victims may experience a range of severe symptoms, including headaches, nausea, vomiting, paralysis, internal bleeding, and kidney damage. Children are particularly vulnerable, often suffering from convulsions following a bite.

Cyclone’s Venom Will Ironically Save Lives

After a bite from a coastal taipan, immediate administration of antivenom with intubation within 2-6 hours can be lifesaving. Despite the dangers, timely administration of antivenom, derived from venom like Cyclone’s, can prevent fatalities which is why venom extraction is so important.