Developments in our understanding of the systematics of venomous snakes since the beginning of 1996 are discussed and reviewed with special emphasis on their relevance and implications for toxinologists and clinicians. Groups of snakes affected by recent developments include the genera Elapomorphus, Rhabdophis, Vermicella, Atheris, Daboia, Agkistrodon/Gloydius, Bothrops/Bothriopsis and Trimeresurus. Other important publications on venomous snakes are noted.