Pseudonaja

Pseudonaja, commonly known as brown snakes, is a genus of venomous elapid snakes endemic to Australia. These snakes are among the most dangerous globally, with even juveniles capable of delivering a fatal bite to humans. It is important to note that the king brown snake, despite its common name, actually belongs to the genus Pseudechis, which consists of black snakes.

The Pseudonaja genus comprises several species and subspecies, including:

- Pseudonaja affinis

- Pseudonaja aspidorhyncha

- Pseudonaja guttata

- Pseudonaja inframacula

- Pseudonaja ingrami

- Pseudonaja mengdeni

- Pseudonaja modesta

- Pseudonaja nuchalis

- Pseudonaja textilis

These snakes inhabit various regions across Australia.

Among them, the eastern brown snake (Pseudonaja textilis) is particularly notorious for its venom. A bite from an eastern brown snake can cause severe medical complications, including venom-induced consumption coagulopathy (a disorder affecting blood clotting), kidney damage, abdominal pain, respiratory difficulties, convulsions, and hypotension. While smaller species of Pseudonaja may not inflict severe harm, bites from larger species such as P. textilis and P. nuchalis can be lethal.

Brown snakes are known for their skittish nature and may bite if they feel threatened or if approached too closely. They are responsible for a substantial number of snakebite-related fatalities in Australia. In addition to posing a danger to humans, brown snakes can also threaten pets and livestock.

Although the venom yield per bite is relatively low, its potency means that bites from certain species can have serious consequences. However, not all bites result in severe medical issues. Despite their fearsome reputation, most encounters with brown snakes do not lead to critical outcomes.