A coastal taipan named Cyclone recently delivered three times the average amount of venom for its species in one go, setting a new record.
A coastal taipan in Australia has set a new world record for the largest amount of venom delivered in a single bite, according to the snake’s keepers.
Cyclone, the record-setting taipan, discharged over 0.18 ounces (5.2 grams) of venom in one bite. This quantity is three times the typical venom output of a coastal taipan and could potentially be lethal to 400 humans, as reported by the Australian Reptile Park, located about 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of Sydney in New South Wales.
“Cyclone is one of our most perilous snakes here at the park and is known for being quite unpredictable, keeping us all on high alert,” said Billy Collett, the park’s operations manager, in a statement provided to Live Science.
Coastal taipans are among the most venomous snakes globally, native to the coastal areas of northern and eastern Australia. These snakes generally reach lengths of 6.6 feet (2 meters) and are recognized by their rectangular head, pale snout, and large, orange-brown eyes. Their coloration ranges from yellow and reddish-brown to dark brown and nearly black.
“While coastal taipans are not the most venomous snakes in the world, their aggression and the severity of their bites are well-documented, with fatalities occurring annually,” Collett added.
The previous record for venom yield was held by another taipan at the park named Whiplash, who produced 0.17 ounces (4.9 grams) of venom in 2022.
The Australian Reptile Park is unique in Australia for “milking” taipans to produce antivenom. The process involves safely securing the snake, allowing it to bite into a large plastic-covered shot glass, and collecting the venom, which is then freeze-dried for use in antivenom production.
Cyclone’s record-breaking venom will contribute to antivenom supplies, which are crucial for treating the approximately 3,000 snake bites reported annually in Australia. These bites lead to around 500 hospital admissions and an average of 2 deaths per year. The Australian Snakebite Project recorded 31 coastal taipan bites between 2005 and 2015, with no deaths reported in that period, though another study noted at least one fatality between 2000 and 2016.