GOLDEN POISON DART FROG
The Golden Poison Dart Frog is the most dangerous of the poison dart frogs. The native people of South American rainforests use the poison of these frogs on their darts and arrows when hunting – which is where they get their name; poison “dart” frogs. The frogs are staked on top of a fire and heated. The native people then rub their darts on the backs of the frogs to coat it with the poison. This poison that is coated on the dart can last for over two years.
The frogs do not produce their own poison instead it is obtained from the insects they eat in their natural habitats in the South American rainforests. That is why frogs in captivity are not poisonous, or poisonous frogs that are taken captive lose their toxicity after some time.
PLATYPUS
Male Platypuses have a calcaneous, sharp spur about 12 millimetres long on each ankle. The spur is connected via a long duct to a gland that produces venom, particularly in the breeding season. The venom can cause severe pain to humans, and although not lethal, the pain caused has been described as excruciating. Swelling rapidly develops around the wound and gradually spreads throughout the affected limb. Information obtained from case histories and anecdotal evidence indicates that the pain develops into a long-lasting hyperalgesia (temporary increased sensitivity to pain) that persists for days or even months. Therefore, if there is a need to handle a Platypus (helping an injured animal for instance), it should always be picked up by the end half of the tail to avoid the spur in case it is a male
SLOW LORIS
The slow loris is the only venomous primate, but it is controversial whether or not the slow loris be called venomous because the venom is only acquired through grooming. The venom from Nycticebus coucang comes from the brachial glands on its arms. This gland produces an oily secretion and can be found in adolescents as young as 6 weeks old.
The venom has no need to be used on prey so it is solely a defense mechanism. These animals are typically non-aggressive and only bite when they feel very threatened. It is unclear whether or not the slow loris bites with its toxin to scare a predator or attacker off or if it is to incapacitate the attacker so it can get away. The venom contains about 200 volatile components to it and the structure of the venom is not yet known. The venom emits disgusting and nauseating smells from both the toothcomb in the mouth and directly from the brachial glands. The strong smelling substance is usually released in times of stress. When this secretion gets into the mouth and is mixed with saliva, the oily substance becomes toxic.