{"id":26349,"date":"2023-04-07T09:00:47","date_gmt":"2023-04-07T07:00:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sciencefocus.com\/?p=139661"},"modified":"2023-04-07T09:37:13","modified_gmt":"2023-04-07T07:37:13","slug":"top-10-biggest-snakes-in-the-world","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcsciencefocus\/rss_feed\/top-10-biggest-snakes-in-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10: Biggest snakes in the world"},"content":{"rendered":"

Take a look at the biggest and deadliest snakes on planet Earth… if you dare. <\/p>

By James Cutmore\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Friday, 07 April 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Measuring and listing the biggest snakes<\/a> in the world is no mean feat. Aside from the obvious dangers involved in approaching a snake with a tape measure, snakes do not tend to stay still in a completely straight line very often. So if you want to measure a snake (though we would not advise you to try!), it is best that they are heavily sedated before you start.<\/p>\n

We have brought together some of the world\u2019s largest snakes, in terms of length at least, and sorted them into a handy top 10.<\/p>\n

A lot of factors can affect the weight and size of snakes, so to keep things relatively accurate, our list comprises measurements taken from wild individuals (as captive snakes tend to be heavier and grow longer due to easy access to food).<\/p>\n

Finally, because of the unreliability of the data out there, this list should be taken with a pinch of salt.<\/p>\n

10. King brown \u2013 Pseudechis australis<\/b><\/i><\/h2>\n
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A king brown snake on desert rocks, photographed in Australia. Photo by Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Also known as the mulga snake, the king brown is a highly venomous species, native to large parts of Australia. It has been recorded at lengths of up to 3.3m<\/a> in the wild. While not as dangerous as some of Australia\u2019s other snake species, its venom can cause blood clots and muscle damage if administered to humans in large enough quantities.<\/p>\n

9. Boa constrictor \u2013 Boa constrictor<\/b><\/i><\/h2>\n
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A close-up of a boa constrictor. Photo by Bruno Mairlot\/Flickr<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Boas are non-venomous constrictor snakes, usually found in the tropical habitats of South America. They have a large variation in colours and patterns to help them blend in to their surroundings. On average, they have been known to grow up to 4m<\/a> in the wild, with females generally being larger than males overall.<\/p>\n

8. Black mamba \u2013 Dendroaspis polylepis<\/b><\/i><\/h2>\n
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Black mamba on the move over sand, photographed in South Africa. Photo by Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Equally at home on the ground or in the trees, the black mamba is one of the most formidable snakes in the world. While on average they only tend to grow to 3m, some adults have been known to reach 4.3 to 4.5\u00a0m in the wild. When threatened, this snake can attack from quite a distance, travelling at 16km\/h and delivering a rapid succession of bites from its ultra-sharp fangs.<\/p>\n

7. Indian python \u2013 Python molurus<\/em><\/h2>\n
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A man holding a huge Indian python, Sinharaja Forest National Park, Sri Lanka. Photo by Alamy<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Perhaps best known as Kaa in\u00a0Rudyard Kipling\u2019s \u2018The Jungle Book<\/em>\u2018 (and the Disney film of the same name),\u00a0the Indian python is non-venomous, and is also quite slow-moving and ponderous. The longest recorded specimen was found in Pakistan, measuring 4.6m in length, and a hefty 52kg in weight.<\/p>\n

6. King cobra \u2013 Ophiophagus hannah<\/b><\/i><\/h2>\n
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A king cobra takes a shower. Photo by Alamy<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The king cobra is the longest venomous snake on our list, with an average length of 3.2 to 4m, with one individual\u00a0recorded at 5.85m<\/a> in the wild. They tend to prey on other snakes, including other king cobras, but are capable of delivering a fatal dose of neurotoxic venom to a human if threatened.<\/p>\n

5. African rock python \u2013 Python sebae<\/b><\/i><\/h2>\n
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A large African rock python photographed in the Entebbe Reptile Village, Wakiso County, Uganda. Photo by Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Africa\u2019s biggest snake species and a member of the constrictor group, the African rock python is fearsome, and has been known to eat the occasional monkey or crocodile. Growing up to 6m in length in the wild, they certainly have the stomach for it. They are also known for the distinctive triangular shape below their eyes, and their rows of sharp teeth.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0Burmese python \u2013 Python bivittatus<\/b><\/i><\/span><\/h2>\n
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A Burmese python with its mouth wide open. Photo by Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption> \u00a9Alamy<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The stunning Burmese python can grow up to 5m in length, while the official record holder is a snake named \u2018Baby\u2019, who reached a length of 5.74m<\/a>. However, this pales in comparison to an individual that was estimated to be 8.2m, although this sighting \u2013 and indeed the measurement \u2013 is unofficial. Sadly, due to the illegal pet trade, this snake is now considered to be an invasive species in Florida, USA.<\/p>\n

More images from BBC Science Focus<\/em>:<\/strong><\/p>\n