Inland Taipan - World's Most Venomous Snake is Not the Most Dangerous

People have been arguing over the most venomous snakes for as long as I can remember (and I've been keeping and researching snakes for more than 20 years).

The reason there is so much dispute over the most venomous snakes in the world is because people judge them by different criteria, and this inevitably leads to arguments.

For example, some people build their lists of the most venomous snakes by using the LD50 test. LD50 stands for lethal dose 50 percent. In the case of snake venom LD50 is a scale used to measure the potency of a snake's venom. It refers to the amount of venom that, when given all at once, kills 50 percent of the animals tested (mice, in this case).

Other people create lists of the most venomous snakes in the world by considering the venom yield, meaning the amount of venom the snake can produce with a given bite.

Thus, you can probably find dozens of lists that claim to contain the "Top 10 Most Venomous Snakes" in the world, and many of these lists will conflict with each other.

Most Venomous Does Not Mean Most Dangerous

While I'm at it, I'd like to clear up another important point regarding venomous snakes. Many people create lists of what they claim are the "most dangerous" snakes in the world, and they will simply list ten of the most venomous snake as ranked by the LD50 tests mentioned above.

But there is a big difference between a highly venomous snake and a highly dangerous snake. Many snakes that are high on the venom charts are shy and reclusive, and therefore account for very few human fatalities. How could you put such snakes on a list of the world's most dangerous snakes?

On the flip side of that coin, there are certain venomous snakes that, while they do not rank in the top-ten most venomous, still account for a large number of human fatalities each year. This might be because that particular snake is found in highly populated areas far from medical care, that the snake is comparatively more aggressive toward humans, or a combination of these factors.

A good example of this would be the saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus), which accounts for a relatively high number of deaths in Sri Lanka. While it is certainly highly venomous, the saw-scaled viper does not appear on any top-ten lists of "most venomous snakes." However, it accounts for more deaths than any other snake within its range, largely because of its habit of hiding itself in areas trafficked by humans.

My point is, you cannot make a list of the most venomous snakes in the world and refer to them as the "most dangerous" snakes ... nor the opposite. They are two separate things, and they need to be treated as such.

To echo that sentiment, here's an excerpt from a Princeton University Press interview with Mark O'Shea, snake expert, TV personality and author of the book Venomous Snakes of the World:

"The most dangerous snake is not the most venomous. The most venomous snakes are taipans, Australian brown snakes and sea snakes but they have small venom yields and few snakebites to humans and few human fatalities in the scheme of things ... with that in mind I have encountered many dangerous snakes from rattlers to cobras, sea snakes to desert vipers but I regard the most dangerous snake I have encountered to be the Sri Lankan Russell's viper..."

Most Venomous Snake - Meet the Inland Taipan

Despite all of the semantic arguments and scientific disputes, there is one fact that most people seem to agree on. The most venomous snake, measured by the LD50 test or any type of criteria, is the inland taipan snake of Australia.

The inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) possesses the most toxic venom of any snake in the world. But here again, that does not necessarily mean that the inland taipan -- also known as the fiece snake -- is the "most dangerous" or deadliest snake in the world. As we discussed, most venomous does not always translate to most dangerous.

In fact, the inland taipan proves this point for me. Worldwide, more than 40,000 people die each year from venomous snakebite. But Australia only has 2 - 3 snakebite deaths each year. So how can a continent with the world's most venomous snake, the inland taipan, have such a relatively low number of snakebite deaths each year? The answer, of course, is that the inland taipan, while highly venomous, is not one of the deadliest snakes in the world.

Sure, it has lethal venom with the potential to kill humans, but there is a world of difference between potentiality and reality. The inland taipan is the world's most venomous snake by most standards, but is by far NOT the world's deadliest snake.

* You may republish this article online if you keep the author's bio below with the active hyperlinks to the author's site. Copyright 2007, Brandon Cornett.

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Brandon Cornett is the publisher of Reptile Knowledge, a website full of reptile information, photos and more. Learn more about the most venomous snakes and many other reptile species by visiting http://www.reptileknowledge.com

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Ten Exciting Things to Do When Visiting Slovakia

Are you particularly fond of medieval stories? If you answered yes, then Slovakia will be a great place to visit. Because of its numerous fortified castles, medieval towns, caves, and mountains, it will delight any traveler looking for something different and unique to their personal experiences.

1.) Bansk Bystrica

This resort is located between mountains which makes it a popular choice during winter and summer. In its center is the popular SNP square dating back to 13th century. It's more popular structures are the Assumption of the Virgin Mary church, the enormous house of Veit Mhlstein, the renovated Stredoslovenske Muzeum reminiscent of renaissance house and the museum of the SNP.

2.) Nov BaHa

This city is located in Central Slovakia where the mounts Pohronsk Inovec and tiavnick vrchy join. This area is a great landscape that shows the picturesque town of Nov BaHa. Pohronsk Inovec happens to be the predominant mountain here which is situated 900 m. above sea level from tiavnick vrchy to Trbe, and the altitude of the town proper is 220 m. above sea level.

3.) Partizanske

Historical monuments populate this area which includes the Simonovany Castle or water castle which is located on an island surrounded by the river Nitra. Another castle nearby is Brodzany with a green garden and a museum of its own named after a famous writer Alexander Sergejevic Puskin. And you may want to peek inside the Church of God's Heart to see the marble cross showing a statue of Jesus.

4.) Bojnice's Castle

The castle here in Bojnice is the main attraction of the area where several events are held, depending on the season. There's the International Festival of Ghosts and Spirits, Valentine's weekend, Christmas at the Castle and Fairytale Castle. The first is clearly the most popular among them.

5.) Zoo

This is also situated in Bojnice and makes the trip worth it. It boasts of the most modernized zoos in Central Europe where adults and children will find something to enjoy. There are parks that show different trees with interesting animals. Imagine looking at no less than 47 types of reptiles, over 80 kinds of fished, 75 mammal species and more 130 bird varieties.

6.) Walking Zone

If you're in the mood for some walking, then Pchov will give you just that. An advanced community within a naturally beautiful setting, you will get to walk into a fountain created by an academic artist complete with colored lights that keeps changing. A Catholic church here was built way back during the 13th century, complete with a huge Communion table behind of which you will see a Cross.

7.) Javorniky

In Javoniky, you can go hiking, cycling, and riding horses, too. On your way, you can pick some blueberries when you reach the top of Jovorniky and taste them fresh. In this place is the hotel, Podjavornik, which provides spa services and a swimming pool.

8.) More Castles

In Rajecke Teplice is a baroque architecture of a church and a constructed Spa Aphrodite complete with thermal springs. This spa offers a relaxing time after all the activities with even therapeutic actions to boot. After a spa, you can then take a quick trip to nearby areas that offer more castles such as the one in Kunerad and the castle Lietava.

9.) Tvrdosin

This place is another haven with the wooden church built in Gothic style. It is the oldest of its kind in Tvrdosin. It has been reconstructed and restored several times that it even won the Europe Nostra Award for this extensive work.

10.) Vysok Tatry

This is also known as High Tatras. This mountain is the highest point at 2,655 meters which many travelers visit. Rugged and mountainous areas make up much of the central and northern regions, a breathtaking sight to behold.

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/slovakia to view or share Slovakia travel videos.

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Are Sharks Stalkers or is It Another One of These Shark Tales?

Shark tales have been partly responsible for Selachophobia which is an obsessive and uncontrollable fear of sharks through the years. Lets just say that movies such as Jaws and Deep Blue Sea also contributed to this phobia and the amount of people that are now affected by it. One of the main problems that the Hollywood versions contributed to is the image of sharks as stalkers and cold blooded killers.

As the fact that sharks are considered being cold blood killers, well, lets analyze this statement to figure out if it is an active member of the shark tales or if it is mainly based on facts. First of all, most sharks are cold blooded, to the exceptions of certain shark species such as the Salmon shark which in some cases make this statement a fact. So, I guess Jaws is cold blooded as it was a great white shark.

Now, lets look at the killer part of the term cold blooded killer. When you consider the fact that sharks must kill living beings, big or small, from plankton to seals, their main purpose being to feed themselves for survival, then I would call them killers just the same as humans who will kill animals to feed themselves.

If on the other hand, you mean to use the term cold blooded killer when talking about sharks, using this term as killing for the purposes of power and taking a life just because they enjoy killing well, you are wrong. In fact, hunters and prize fishermen correspond to this category compared to sharks.

In reality, the facts about sharks that have been discovered by experts show that the brain of the shark is not able of thinking things through, revenge or just to be proud of killing a prey of a certain size like humans do. Humans are the only ones that even show off the head of their prey on the wall.

In fact, sharks do not care for the bony humans. While unprovoked attacks do happen, while rare, they are mainly caused either to protect themselves or simply by confusing humans with a favorite prey such as a seal. So, now we can confirm the fact that sharks are not cold blooded killers, they mainly feed to survive. As a result, we can consider this statement as another one of these shark tales.

Now, are sharks stalkers or is it another one of these shark tales? Well, if you think of hunting for food as stalking, well I guess that you would say that sharks are stalkers as they are stalking their prey. If on the other hand you mean that sharks are stalking humans like the great white shark did in the movie Jaws and its sequels then I would say no. Why? It is simply because sharks brain is not designed for the thinking process or even seeking revenge, it is just too small. Hollywoods magic is responsible for this attribute in their sea monster. In some of Jaws sequels, the storyline even implied that the shark or sharks were seeking revenge. Well, when you consider only the facts and the shark anatomy you know that these attributes are coming from human imagination, not reality.

My name is Sylvie Leochko. The movies Jaws and Deep Blue Sea are amongst the Hollywood creations that made people believe that sharks can be stalkers. Is this another one of these shark tales? If you wish to learn more about shark tales, I encourage you to visit the following main page: http://sharks.findoutnow.org/shark-tales.html

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Top Ten Places to Visit in Nepal

Are you ready for some high altitude adventure with in a soul-warming environment? Then pack your bags and experience some of the most majestic peaks, most exhilarating torrents and wonderful people Nepal has to offer. Here are some places you may want to visit when go.

1.) Katmandu

Find your inner peace in the streets of Nepal's capital and cultural center. You can walk on the streets of this once inaccessible city and experience the culture, the people, the history, and the faith Nepal had embraced, imbibed, and relived for centuries. Katmandu is also one of the Nepal's starting points in activities like trekking, rafting and other sports.

2.) Royal Chitwan National Park

If you want to experience some jungle adventure with the elephants and ravaging rapids, you may want to stop by Nepal's Royal Chitwan Park. Covering some 932 sq kilometers, this national park serves as a home for 450 species of birds, 45 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 43 species of mammals. One can also enjoy guided jungle walks, terai culture, wild life breeding project, and safari drives inside 4WD cars.

3.) Nagarkot

Located 32 kilometers east of Katmandu, Nagarkot is a great place to visit if you want to see how beautiful and majestic the Himalayan Mountain range can be. A lookout tower in Nagarkot, for one, enables visitor to have a 360-degree scenic view of the Katmandu valley and Himalayan Mountain peaks. Drive up the city, book for a hotel, wake up early, and experience a different kind of sunrise with cool winds blowing every word away.

4.) Pokhara

Located some 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, this enchanting city is the rally point for trekking and rafting destination. Pokhara offers perfect scenery and gripping natural beauty not only for those who looks for fun but also for those seeking solace. Be it the preview of the Himalayan Mountain range, a row in Phewa Lake, a trek beside Seti Gandaki River and Devi's Fall, or a peek to the Mahendra Cave, a trip to Pokhara is a experience worth the journey.

5.) Pashupatinath Temple

Four kilometers east of Katmandu lies a temple of immeasurable sacredness for Hindu people - the Pashupatinath. Hindu believes that dying and being cremated in Pashupatinath and having one's ashes scattered in Bagmati River will give a Hindu salvation and release from the cycles of birth and rebirth. Have a peek of Hindus life, death and tradition by visiting this holy ground.

6.) Patan

Art lovers and enthusiasts should always put a stop in Patan in their Nepalese trip itinerary. Patan is the oldest city in the Ksthmandu valley and is the home for Nepalese architecture, arts, traditions, and crafts drawing mainly from religious customs. Walk around the city and feel as if you're walking inside an open museum.

7.) Wildlife Reserve of Koshi Tappu

Sprawling some 175 km2 near the River of Sapta-Koshi in Eastern Nepal, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is the best place to watch native and migratory birds in action. Thousands of birds converge in this area, especially during the months of January, February and March. The trip which normally includes jungle walks, jeep drives, and boat rides, coupled with treks to Bhutan and Sikkim or rafting trip in Sunkosi will make any Nepalese trip an unforgettable experience.

8.) Lumbini

Lumbini is the perfect place to go to if you are into cultural, archaeological and religious treasures. With the number of stupa, meditation grounds temples, courtyards and more, a walk in Lumbini is a walk with Buddha. Enter the birthplace of one of the greatest man of world religions - Siddharta Gautama, founder of Buddhism - and be captivated by its serene environment and meditate and reflect with its outmost tranquility and peaceful atmosphere.

9.) Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is an ancient town east of Katmandu in the Katmandu Valley. Experience Nepalese life as it happens in this city by enjoying the scenery in Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Potter's square. Make your trip complete with a taste of Khopa Dhau, Bhaktapur's home-made curd.

10.) Royal Bardia National Park

Located in Western Terai, Royal Bardia National Park is the largest park in the region with 968 km2. It serves as a sanctuary for tigers, small and large mammals, deer, reptiles, birds, and a herd of the last known elephants in captivity. Enjoy wildlife as it happens along with short rafting in Karnali and Bheri as well as trekking to Dolpo and Rara lake.

Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/nepal to view or share Nepal travel videos.

How To Perform A DNA Sample Collection for DNA Testing

DNA testing is most accurate method for confirming biological relationships between individuals. The most common form of testing nowadays is DNA Paternity testing, which is done to confirm the relationship between an alleged Father (and sometimes Mother) and a child.

If you are planning to do a DNA Paternity test, or any other DNA Relationship test, the following article provides you information on how to go about taking a sample of your DNA for DNA testing purposes.

The object of the exercise is to obtain a sample of cheek cells from which the scientists at the lab can extract DNA to match and identify genetic relationships. To do this, you're going to need to take a swab sample from all of the parties involved, that is the mother, father and the child in a traditional paternity test situation. Don't worry - it's not at all painful and the whole process is very simple and straightforward.

To start with, instruct everyone partaking in the DNA test to avoid eating and drinking for at least half an hour prior to giving their sample to avoid any contamination of the sample that may negatively effect the testing. Additionally, it's also advisable to avoid smoking for a period of one hour prior to submitting the sample for DNA testing.

The samples once collected should be clearly marked, labelling both the name and relationship of the party involved on the envelope provided, as well as in the submission sheet you should be provided with the DNA testing kit. The samples of each person should also be kept separate to avoid any risk of cross contamination which would also negatively the results of the DNA test. Normally the envelopes provided are colour coded to provide some form of differentiation. Clear administration of the samples is of paramount importance in protecting the accuracy of the test; therefore it is critical that you follow all instructions contained within your DNA kit sample pack.

When it comes to actually taking the samples, you will require two cotton swabs per person to ensure that in the event one of the swabs does not work, a second sample is available. With the swab end kept free from contact with anything that may contaminate the DNA, rub firmly against the inside of the cheek and tongue to gather saliva and cells which will contain the vital DNA material. In isolation from potential contaminants, and having refrained from touching the cotton end of the swab, the swab should be allowed a minimum period of around 60 minutes to dry off before it is sealed ready to go to the lab. Repeat this process for all the swabs required for each person taking the paternity test.

Once you've collected all the relevant samples and filled in the necessary documentation, it is time to send the pack off to the laboratory performing the DNA testing. It is normally advisable to send the DNA samples through a postal method that can be tracked such as registered mail or courier to ensure it arrives at the DNA testing laboratory.

Depending on how long your particular choice of testing laboratory tends to take, you could be waiting anywhere from a number of days to a number of weeks for the results of the DNA test to arrive.

Kevin Camilleri writes articles for dna paternity test. Other articles written by the author related to paternity testing, home paternity test and paternity test kit can be found on the net.