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UPSC Prelims 1991 · Environment · Species Watch
The most poisonous snakes found in India are
- (a) Cobra, Viper, Banded kraits
- (b) King Cobra, Grass snake, Banded kraits, Cobra
- (c) Cobra, Python, Banded kraits, Rat snake
- (d) Cobra, Grass snake, Kraits, Rat snake
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (a) Cobra, Viper, Banded kraits
Cobra, vipers (Russell’s, saw-scaled) and kraits are India’s deadliest snakes.
The idea
Strictly, snakes are venomous (they inject poison by biting), not poisonous. Most Indian snakes are harmless. Four venomous species cause most deaths, and they are called the Big Four.
Spectacled cobra and common krait: venom attacks the nerves → paralysis → Russell’s viper and saw-scaled viper: venom attacks blood and tissue → bleeding
Why the others are wrong
(b) The grass snake is harmless.
(c) Pythons and rat snakes are non-venomous.
(d) Grass snake and rat snake are harmless.
The trap
The python is huge, but it kills by squeezing, not venom.
Also know
Pythons kill by squeezing; rat snakes and grass snakes are harmless and useful because they eat rats. India has more snakebite deaths than any other country. Antivenom is made by injecting small doses of venom into horses and collecting the antibodies; one product covers all the Big Four.
🔒 India’s Big Four: spectacled cobra, common krait, Russell’s viper, saw-scaled viper.