Most dangerous Animal in South Asia

1. Snakes:

The story is very different in Asia with estimates ranging between 15,000 and 50,000 deaths every year as a direct result of snakebites. Most of these deaths occur in India although Sri Lanka seems to be disproportionately effected by snake bite deaths.
The main culprits in India and South Asia are collectively known as the “Big Four”; Russell’s viper, saw-scaled viper,king kobra, Indian cobra and the common krait. The cobras are the most common of these snakes and as a result responsible for the most deaths. The common cobra (Naja naja) has a highly potent neurotoxin which can cause death by tissue damage. The much larger King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is widespread throughout South East Asia and is in fact the biggest venomous snake in the world. Despite reaching nearly 18 ft (5.5m) and having a bite capable of killing an elephant the King cobra is not aggressive and will avoid humans. Of all the cobras the Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) is the most dangerous, being more aggressive and having a stronger venom.
In Thailand the majority of snakebite deaths are caused by the monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia).
The kraits are only found in Asia. They are nocturnal and not aggressive, however they have incredibly potent neurotoxic venom which can kill within 4 hours. Most encounters with humans are accidental with kraits seeking shelter in boots, tents or even getting into sleeping bags with people.
The largest group of dangerous snakes in Asia are the pit vipers – so called because of the heat sensitive pits between their eyes and nose. These are responsible for the majority of deaths in South Asia and Japan alike. Most notorious of all these is Russell’s viper which is responsible for more snakebite fatalities than any other snake. It is large, common, aggressive and packs a lethal does of  intoxicate venom. This may cause internal bleeding, necrosis, kidney failure and septicemia among other things.
And whilst we are talking about snakes lets not forget the constrictors. Asia is home to the world’s longest snake, the reticulated python. Whilst you may think these aren’t dangerous as you can buy one at the local pet shop you’d be wrong. These 20ft (7m) plus monster serpents have been responsible for numerous deaths both in the wild and in captivity. Although more than capable of killing an adult human these pythons are actually incapable of swallowing their victim as an adult’s shoulders are too wide.

2. Sloth Bear:

It one of the most feared animals in Asia. Many tigers will give them a wide berth, whilst elephants and rhinos actually actively dislike them and will charge them on sight.
Standing at around 6ft (2m) tall when upright, Sloth bears can weigh in at up to 420lbs (150kg) for a big male. They are armed with very long powerful, sickle shaped claws which they use for digging termite mounds up. It is these claws that make them the Freddy Krueger of the animal world.
With many animals there is a degree of predictability in their behavior and often some advice on what to do if confronted by one – not so for the sloth bear. These animals are as likely to attack as to run away. For some reason these animals seem to have a particular dislike of humans and it is reckoned that there is about one attack per week in India. It’s almost as if they hold a grudge for all the mistreatment such as being hunted and trained as dancing bears or even pets.
Of all the animals to be attacked by the sloth bear really is the last you want it to be. They are seriously vicious and can make a real mess with those scythe like claws and teeth. And the worst thing is they go for the face. It is no exaggeration to say sloth bears rip their victims faces off.
So far I’ve only talked about regular sloth bears. What about when sloth bears go psycho?! Well this is what apparently happened in Mysore, India in the 1940s. The Sloth bear of Mysore allegedly went on a murderous rampage killing at least 12 people and maiming dozens more. All the victims had their faces ripped apart with survivors losing lips, noses and / or eyes.

3. Asian Giant Hornet:

Its known as a  ‘yak killer’ hornets these super-sized wasps can measure over 2 inches (5 cm) in length and have a 1/4 inch (6mm) long sting. But it isn’t just their size that makes them dangerous. The venom of Asian giant hornet is also particularly potent containing a combination of cytotoxins and neurotoxins. The first of these will cause tissue damage and pain with one researcher describing the sensation as “like a hot nail being driven into my leg”.
In Japan alone 30 to 50 people a year are killed by giant hornet stings. That makes them Japan’s deadliest animal by a long way.
In China the story is similar with over 40 deaths in Shaanxi province in just three months. The official line here is if you get stung 10 or more times, seek medical help. If you get stung more than 30 times, you’re in big trouble.