Third species of Taipan discovered

Taipans rank up there as some of the most deadly snakes and now a third species has been recently discovered. During a recent biological survey, two more of these rare Taipans have been located bringing the count worldwide to a grand total of 5 animals. From PerthNow:

The two western desert taipans (Oxyuranus temporalis) were found as part of a survey in October by the WA Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) and the Spinifex People, in partnership with the WA Museum, the Adelaide Zoo, and Museum Victoria. .... The inland taipan has the most toxic venom worldwide, and the coastal taipan is the third most toxic. The venom toxicity of the western desert taipan is, as yet, unknown but likely to be extremely dangerous. The adult male and female snakes, measuring more than one metre, are being housed at the Adelaide Zoo to allow the venom of the snakes to be assessed, and determine whether a species-specific antivenom is needed.

With the numerous reports each year of taipans in urban locations, this research may be life saving for many. To read the full article, click here.