Oxyuranus, commonly known as the taipan, is a genus of highly venomous snakes native to Australia. They inhabit the arid outback and tropical forests. Known for their potent venom, taipans have slender bodies, large heads, and can grow up to 2.5 meters. They primarily feed on small mammals and birds.

Oxyuranus, commonly known as the Taipan, is native to Australia. This genus includes three species: the Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus), the Coastal Taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus), and the Central Ranges Taipan (Oxyuranus temporalis). Their geographical distribution is primarily confined to mainland Australia, with specific regions depending on the species.

The Inland Taipan inhabits semi-arid regions, particularly in the black soil plains of western Queensland and northeastern South Australia. These areas are characterized by hot, dry climates with sparse vegetation. The Coastal Taipan is found in moist, tropical, and sub-tropical coastal regions of northern and eastern Australia, where the climate is warm and humid, and the vegetation is dense. The Central Ranges Taipan is found in the central Australian deserts, which have arid climates with extreme temperature variations.

Taipans are highly adapted to their respective environments. The Inland Taipan, also known as the 'fierce snake,' has evolved to thrive in areas with low prey availability by having extremely potent venom to quickly subdue its prey. The Coastal Taipan prefers dense rainforests, open woodlands, and sometimes sugarcane fields, where it preys on mammals and birds. Adaptations include a long, slender body for agile movement through dense vegetation. The Central Ranges Taipan's ecology is less understood due to its recent discovery and rarity, but it is thought to occupy niches similar to other arid-zone snakes.