Hydrophis belcheri, commonly known as the faint-banded sea snake which has been concerned as highly venomous species of Elapidae family. This species is considered as one of the most deadliest snakes in the world, due to its potent venom. One drop of the faint-banded Sea Snake’s venom is capable of killing a human within minutes.
This species mostly confined to
tropical reefs in Indian Ocean, Gulf of Thailand and Australia. The snakes are
often found along shallow areas, close to the coast, as most its prey is easier
to find in these regions and also provide natural protection from predators.
Their natural habitat that closer to the coastline is one of the dangerous
impact that causes greater contact with human. Hence, it is appropriate to
identify faint-banded sea snake to prevent from danger.
The sea snake grows to impressive
lengths by adulthood, at approximately one meter in length and has a thin,
chrome colored body with yellow and green crossbands. They possess a small,
flattened head, along with a compressed body and set of scales. It is capable
of moving throughout the water at high speeds, approximately twelve miles per
hour. They also possess a flattened tail which is similar to a flipper that
they use to move quickly through the water.
The drastic level of their venom
The venom of the faint-banded Sea
Snake is so toxic, that a single bite can kill a human being in less than
thirty minutes. Some studies have even indicated that the venom may be a
hundred times more toxic than the deadly Inland Taipan Snake. Venom contains
high levels of neurotoxins and myotoxins, one drop of the snake’s venom is
capable of killing 1,800 people.
Symptoms
A snake’s bite may cause extreme
vomiting, nausea, migraines, excruciating abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness,
convulsions, and paralysis. Other symptoms include hysteria, uncontrollable
bleeding, as well as respiratory and kidney failure. Although antivenoms have
been developed to combat the toxicity of the snake’s bite, immediate treatment
is crucial for survival.
Fortunately, faint-banded sea
snake has a timid temperament and would normally have to be subjected to severe
mistreatment before biting. Usually those bitten are fishermen handling nets,
although only a quarter of those bitten are envenomed since the snake rarely
injects much of its venom. Because of this docile nature of faint-banded sea
snake, it does not cause on severe danger.
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