VenomousReptiles.org Survey

Survey Question	Current Survey Question Should hobbyists ever free handle venomous reptiles with their hands? Recent Surveys Most venomous/toxic Naja species in the world? I have read that the Philippine cobra is the most venomous (mice, 0.2 mg/kg SC with the lowest reported value being 0.14 mg/kg SC) (Brown, 1973). I have recently, come across something in the Indian Journal of Experimental Biology (Vol. 30, (issue 12), pages: 1158-1162, 1992) which stated that the LD50 for Naja oxiana was the most toxic/venomous (mice, 0.18 mg/kg SC and lowest reported value was 0.10 mg/kg). Along with that, the mortality rate for untreated Naja oxiana bites are the highest among all Naja species (70-80%). N.oxiana also produced the lowest known lethal dose (LCLo) of 0.005 mg/kg, the lowest among all cobra species ever recorded, derived from an individual case of poisoning by intracerebroventricular injection. Following N. oxiana and N. philippinensis are N. melanoleuca at 0.225 mg/kg SC and then N. samarensis at 0.23 mg/kg. The water cobras (N. annulata and N. christyi also have very toxic venoms, but no SC values are listed. Only intraperitoneal (IP) values of 0.143 mg/kg for N. annulata and 0.12 mg/kg for N. christyi. IP values tend to be generally lower (more toxic than subcutaneous values, so it would be unfair to compare their IP results to the subcutaneous (SC) results of other Naja species. Then I have heard that (without solid evidence) that Naja nivea is the most venomous, although their murine SC LD50 range anywhere from 0.4 mg/kg (Toxicon, Vol. 5, issue 1, page 47, 1967) to 0.72 mg/kg (Australian venoms and toxins Databse). So which is the most venomous? To me it seems obvious that it is the Caspian or Oxus cobra (Naja oxiana), followed by the Philippine cobra (Naja philippinensis). What do you think or know? I've noticed that the Australian venom and toxin Database seems to have higher LD50 values for all snakes across the board. For example, for the black mamba IP value of 0.01 mg/kg is listed (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/004101018890219X) and Ernst and Zug et al 1996, list a SC value of 0.05 mg/kg for the black mamba. While the Australian venom and toxin Database listed much less toxic LD50's. So there seems to be a lot of variation. 2014-01-23 What's Your Favorite Venomous Snake? 2013-11-13 Deadliest Bite? 2013-09-16 IF the science of self-immunization for a snake envenomation was proven/perfected what is the least benefit(percentage) you would accept before practicing it on yourself? 2013-06-06 how did you learn to keep venomous reptiles? 2013-03-02 View All Survey Questions Have a good idea for a VenomousReptiles.org Survey question? Enter your idea!
What are hotherp keepers ideas of saftey, keeping venomous?   Posted: Feb 17, 2009   (69 votes, 11 comments) by mowguli   lockable enclosures   lockable hideboxes   written posted procedures should envenomation occur or you have a fire this list is endless   hooks &tongs   liability to others and our fellow brethren   a doctor that is prepared for the worst case event   how about a vet for the health of our herps     (69 votes, 11 comments)
Survey Results
lockable enclosures 75% (52) lockable hideboxes 0% (0) written posted procedures should envenomation occur or you have a fire this list is endless 4% (3) hooks &tongs 9% (6) liability to others and our fellow brethren 6% (4) a doctor that is prepared for the worst case event 3% (2) how about a vet for the health of our herps 3% (2)
Survey Comments
safety first all of the above Posted by horridus606 on June 9, 2009 Just to add Its been said enough that all are important. And although i do agree i believe as well it starts with the correct enclosures. Posted by Reptilekevin on March 2, 2009 I Agree I agree all are important, but it all starts with the enclosures you outfit your hot house with and we all know that the only exceptable ones LOCK and lock tight! Posted by varivenom on February 24, 2009 yeah Uhhhh, all of the above,mostly. Posted by xvenomx on February 24, 2009 Survey Options As others have already said, to choose one and only one of these would be unwise. (Reading between the lines) if the spirit of the survey question was more to rank these options in priority then.... I would say having the right equipment would be my first. This goes beyond lockable enclosures, hideboxes, hooks, tongs but would also include a "safe" hotroom (not on display in your livingroom as a conversation piece) and a working knowledge of the specie being kept (experience preferred). Having a mentor, another must. Not having the right "equipment" increases the need for everything else on the list (which are all must haves as well). ~ PTK Posted by Ptk on February 22, 2009 just not right This survey is Retarded and redundant . Posted by pictigaster1 on February 22, 2009 all important all are logical and important.All needed to stay safe. Rather safe than sorry right? Posted by zabumafu on February 19, 2009 Safe Reptile Keeping Yep, this survey only allows one vote, and all of the above items are very important. Posted by Cro on February 19, 2009 All of the above We got cheated, there should have been a "All of the Above" option to click on as all are just as important. Paul Posted by Adamanteus70 on February 18, 2009 H. All of the above All of the above are important Posted by Crotalusssp on February 17, 2009 Not enough Not able to click enough boxes.All are important. Posted by pictigaster1 on February 17, 2009 To post a comment, you must be logged in. If you are not a member, become one now!