Oxyuranus scutellatus canni

(Slater, 1956)

Vernacular names
English : Papuan taipan
French : Taipan de Nouvelle Guinée

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Elapidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification
This is Australia’s longest venomous snake, reaching up to 2.9 meters in length, maybe even more. This subspecies is dark olive brown with reddish pattern on back. Sides of head are cream, head is long with angular ridge over reddish eyes.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs in a large coastal band in south and south-east New Guinea. Species also found in most of coastal northern Australia. Lives in coastal forests, woodlands, plantations and thickets.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a fairly large range and occurs in many protected areas in both Australia and New Guinea. No known threats at this time.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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