A taipan is a highly venomous snake that belongs to the genus Oxyuranus in the elapid family. They are large, fast-moving, and endemic to Australia and New Guinea. There are three recognized species of taipans, one of which is the coastal taipan, which has two subspecies. The inland taipan is considered to be the most venomous snake in the world, while the coastal taipan is the third-most venomous snake in the world. The Central Ranges taipan is the third species, which was discovered recently. Taipans are egg-layers and mainly feed on rodents. They are quick to defend themselves if disturbed and their venom is very potent, which can be fatal to humans. Here are some interesting facts about taipans:

• Taipans are among the most venomous snakes on earth. Of the three most venomous species, two of them are taipans.
• The venom of one bite from the inland taipan is strong enough to kill 100 men.
• Taipans have evolved specifically to kill warm-blooded animals and their venom contains a deadly stew of neurotoxins, hemotoxins, and myotoxins.
• Taipans are usually active during the day, but if the temperature becomes too hot, they will hunt in the evening or at night when it’s cooler.
• Taipans mate in the spring, which in Australia and New Guinea is from August to December.
• The common name, taipan, was coined by anthropologist Donald Thomson after the word used by the Wik-Mungkan Aboriginal people of central Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia.
• The coastal taipan is the largest Australian elapid, with a maximum length of 2.9 meters (9.5 feet) .
• The inland taipan is usually a quite shy and reclusive snake, with a placid disposition, and prefers to escape from trouble. However, it will defend itself and strike if provoked, mishandled, or prevented from escaping.