Venomus Pythons? New research Benefits Snakebite Victims

[findi]

Hi All,

In recent years, researchers have found toxins in a wide array of snakes and lizards formerly believed to be harmless…even the Bearded Dragon is not above suspicion (please see below), but venomous pythons? While working at the Bronx Zoo, I was several times called upon to assist in confiscating snakes that had appeared in the pet trade before we learned of their potentially lethal venom (i.e. Asian Watersnakes, genus Rhabdophis). All evidence of toxicity must be taken seriously…bear in mind that both the Boomslang and Savanna Twig Snake were thought to be harmless until each killed a prominent herpetologist! The recent discovery of toxins in the mucus of certain pythons poses a unique and unexpected concern for snakebite victims.\

Studies at the University of Queensland have revealed the presence of toxins in the mucus of several python species. Read more here http://bit.ly/YVaSiX

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Thanks, Frank
My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with http://bitly.com/LC8Lbp

 

[The Snark]

Wow. Serious food for thought. So the toxin is created in the salivary glands? Does it appear as a deliberate biochemical process taking place or an incidental chemical that is produced in parallel with the normal salivary function?

 

[Munch]

I am guessing it is the Durvernoy's gland? like in heterodon.sp, or it may simply be saliva glands.

 

[findi]

Hi al,

Thanks for your interest...saliva in those snakes that have been studied is generally described as "modified saliva" or similar; the process as to how/why is evolved may vary, perhaps widely, among the families, but much remains to be learned. As I recall, there's a very good account in "Snakes: the Evolution of Mystery in Nature", but also new info has been added since the books publication (but get the book if you do not have it, a real gem). Best, Frank