Types of Taipan Snake Species

Although they formerly had a much wider distribution, the inland taipan is now found mainly in south-west Queensland and South Australia. Also known as the western taipan, the small-scaled snake or the fierce snake, they live on alluvial plains and areas with dry soil. Their habitat has very little vegetation with the inland taipan normally taking refuge in rocks and burrows of other animals.

The size of this ferocious snake is medium to large with an average of 6 ft in length. Their body is robust with a triangular shaped head. They have large eyes with a dark iris and rounded pupils. The inland taipan's coloration is seasonal, with their back being dark brown in winter and olive yellow in summer. Their belly is always yellowish with orange spots. The reason for the color change is due to thermoregulation reaction against ambient temperatures.

The inland taipan is a carnivorous animal, feeding mainly on mammals, especially rats and mice in their habitat range. They are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the daylight hours. The inland taipan's name of fierce snake is well justified since they are the most venomous of the three taipan species. In fact, the venom of the inland taipan has been recorded as being the most toxic of all snake species.

Despite their lethality, incidents of taipan snakes killing humans are relatively rare. This is due to their reclusive behavior and habitats away from human populations. However, we always need to be careful when we see an inland taipan since they will not hesitate to attack if they feel threatened. They will usually warn when they are disturbed, but they will attack with speed and precision.

In terms of conservation status, the inland taipan snake is classified as least concern. Despite this face, it is not without potential threats. These include the reduction of their prey by the introduction of other predators and possible alterations to their habitat.

If you want to learn about some other deadly animal species, take a look at our article on the most venomous animals in the world.

Due to their similar appearance, this type of taipan is sometimes confused with the western brown snake (Pseudonaja mengdeni). Further study is required to confirm the distribution of this type of taipan snake. However, it has been identified in Western Australia with a smaller presence in the northern territory. For this reason, it is also known as as the Western Desert taipan. As far as we are aware, their habitat includes areas of red sandy soils, dunes with the presence of certain eucalypts, ecosystems with scattered weeds and some shrubby undergrowth.

This species was only discovered and identified in 2007 and not many more individuals have been found. The size is similar to that of other taipans, with an average 6 ft in length. The head is rectangular, but tapers to the snout, which is rounded, and has large eyes with black irises. Their coloration is light brown with some olive-grey patterns. The head has a much lighter coloration than the rest of the body.

It is suggested that it has a specialized mammalian diet. Although its venom is slightly less toxic than that of the inland taipan, it is still lethal if they bite a person. Great care must be taken in the event of encounters with this species. The first identified individual was seen during a warm afternoon and did not flee in the face of human presence, but rather adopted a threatening posture.

It is classified in the category of least concern and no particular threats are reported for this Australian taipan snake. If you want to learn more, check out our article on fun and interesting facts about snakes.

Image: Jordan Vos (flickr.com)

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