Coastal taipan
Scientific Name: Oxyuranus scutellatus
Discovered by: John Edward Gray (1842)
Location: Australia
Conservation Status
Population: Unknown, but populations appear healthy
Physical Characteristics
Length: 1.5-2 meters
Coloration: Highly variable, but typically brown or olive-brown with lighter-colored underparts. Some individuals exhibit a more reddish-brown hue.
Locomotion: Serpentine locomotion
Life History
Lifespan: 10-20 years
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Primarily diurnal, but can be active during twilight hours
Taxonomy
Habitat & Distribution
Coastal regions of eastern Australia, grasslands, and woodlands
Geographical Range: Eastern Australia, including coastal areas of Queensland, New South Wales, and possibly Northern Territory
Habitat Adaptations
- Tolerance to warm climates
- Efficient foraging in grassland and woodland environments
Key Adaptations
- Highly potent venom for efficient prey incapacitation
- Fast, agile movement for hunting and escape
- Camouflage coloration to blend in with its environment
Senses
Vision
Range: Good in day and night
Sensitivity: Detects movement effectively
Chemoreception
Range: Forks in tongue detect scent particles
Sensitivity: Highly sensitive to chemical cues
Conservation
Current Threats
- Habitat loss and fragmentation due to agriculture and development
- Venom extraction
- Road mortality
Conservation Efforts
- Protection of habitat through national parks and reserves