# Coastal Taipan (*Oxyuranus scutellatus*)

> The coastal taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus) is one of the world's most venomous snakes, inhabiting sugarcane country of northern and eastern Australia. Adults reach about 2 m and 3 kg, and are listed Least Concern.

- **Category:** Reptile
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Northern and eastern coastal Australia and New Guinea.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/coastal-taipan/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Reptilia
- **Order:** Squamata
- **Family:** Elapidae
- **Genus:** Oxyuranus

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Oxyuranus scutellatus |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Sugarcane fields, woodland, and savanna |
| Lifespan | 15–20 years |
| Weight | 2–4 kg |
| Top speed | up to 15 km/h |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Fast, nervous elapid

Coastal taipans are long, slender elapids with rectangular heads and large eyes suited to active hunting by day. They strike repeatedly when cornered.

## Warm-blooded prey specialist

Rats, mice, and bandicoots are seized with fast strikes and held until venom subdues them — unusual among Australian elapids that often release after biting.

## Queensland coast and New Guinea

Tropical and subtropical woodlands, sugarcane belts, and savanna from northern Australia into southern New Guinea. Seasonal activity peaks in warmer months.

## Respect, not panic

Least Concern and locally common. Antivenom saves most bite victims; farmers benefit from rodent control when snakes are left undisturbed in fields.

## Frequently asked questions

### How venomous is the coastal taipan?

Its venom is among the most toxic of any land snake; untreated bites can be fatal without antivenom.

### Do coastal taipans chase people?

They are nervous and may defend themselves aggressively if cornered, but they do not hunt humans.

### Where are coastal taipans found?

Northern and eastern coastal Australia and southern New Guinea, often near sugarcane and rodent-rich farmland.

### What do coastal taipans eat?

Mainly rodents and small mammals, taken with multiple quick strikes.

### Is there antivenom for taipan bites?

Yes — Australian hospitals stock taipan antivenom; early treatment is critical.

---
Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/coastal-taipan/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.