10 Most Dangerous Snakes in the World, Deadly Venomous

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Did you know that about 2% to 3% of people suffer from ophidiophobia? It is an extreme fear of snakes, explains WebMD. Classified as an anxiety disorder, people with this phobia are so afraid of snakes that the fear interferes with their daily lives.

It is not uncommon for people to be afraid of reptiles because snakes are venomous. Some species have venom so strong that it can kill humans.

Citing Britannica and Live Science, let's discover some of the world's most dangerous snakes that haunt other species with their deadly venom.

The Most Venomous Snakes in the World

1. Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus)

The Inland Taipan, also known as the " fierce snake", is often considered the most venomous snake in the world. Inhabiting the semi-arid regions of central-eastern Australia, a single bite from this snake can deliver enough venom to kill prey or humans. Fortunately, this snake is reclusive and rarely encountered by humans, according to the Australian Museum.

2. Coastal Taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus)

The Coastal Taipan can be found in tropical coastal areas to monsoon forests and is highly venomous. A single bite injects venom-containing neurotoxins that can prevent nerve transmission. While this species is agile and can attack with incredible precision, it prefers to avoid confrontation.

3. King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah)

The King Cobra is notorious for flashing its hood when threatened. It is also known as one of the longest venomous snakes, growing up to 5.4 meters in length.

Its venom is undoubtedly deadly. LiveScience reported that each bite delivers about 7 milliliters of venom, which can easily kill a human in 15 minutes and an adult elephant in a few hours. Needless to say, the king cobra is one of the most dangerous snakes with deadly venom.

4. Banded Krait (Bungarus fasciatus)

The banded krait is another deadly snake found in Southeast Asia. This species can grow up to 2 meters and is easily identified by its black-and-white or yellow-banded body.

Being nocturnal, the banded krait is more likely to bite at night. A 2016 study published in the journal PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases found that its venom can cause paralysis and prevent the diaphragm from moving, eventually leading to respiratory failure.

5. Saw-Scaled Viper (Echis carinatus)

Found in the Middle East and Central Asia, the Saw-Scaled Viper is one of the most dangerous snakes due to its highly toxic venom and tendency to be aggressive. It is one of the species responsible for about 58,000 deaths in India, according to Live Science.

6. Russell's Viper (Daboia russelii)

Citing Britannica, the Russell's Viper is found throughout Asia, especially in India, Taiwan, and Java. This species is the main cause of mortality among rice farmers because of its presence in farmlands.

One should avoid being bitten by Russell's viper as its potent venom causes fatal effects including severe bleeding, organ failure, and even acute stroke.

7. Eastern Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus)

When it comes to the deadliest snakes in the world, the Eastern Tiger Snake should be on the list. This reptile is native to the mountains and grasslands of southeastern Australia. While it mainly preys on fish, lizards, and frogs, this reptile can cause human poisoning in as little as 15 minutes.

8. Boomslang (Dispholidus typus)

Boomslang, which lives in the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa, has a hemotoxic venom that can cause internal and external bleeding. Even a juvenile has caused the death of a herpetologist after biting his thumb, according to a 2017 report in the journal Biochimica et Biophysica Acta.

9. Fer-de-lance (Bothrops asper)

The fer-de-lance, or "lance head" in French, is a venomous snake found from cultivated lands to tropical forests in Asia and the Americas. Similar to the previous species, a bite from this viper can cause bleeding in a person.

10. Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis)

The infamous Black Mamba, native to sub-Saharan Africa, is one of the most venomous snakes in the world. In addition to being large and agile, the so-called deadliest snake in Africa has a bite that is usually fatal. With just two drops of its venom, an untreated bite can kill a person with a 100 percent mortality rate, according to Live Science.

Britannica | Live Science | Discover Wildlife

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