Australian Wildlife
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Fierce Snake. Oxyuranus microlepidotus Said to be the world's most deadliest snake! Although it has existed in Australia for millions of years, the first live specimen was not captured until 1975. The Fierce snake's venom is extremely toxic and a small animal would die within seconds, its nervous system and heart instantly paralysed. Because of its late discovery, few facts are known about this snake's habits. Fortunately, the Fierce Snake only lives in an isolated area around where the South Australian, New South Wales and Queensland borders meet. |
Taipan. Oxyuranus scutellatus. The Tiapan was thought to be the world's most venemous snake until the discovery of its cousin, the Fierce Snake. Taipans lives in the far North of Australia and down the Queensland coast, but have been found in Western New South Wales as far South as the Murray River. The Taipan is an aggressive hunter, moving at high speed through grasslands with ease. On finding its prey by scent, the reptile flings itself at the victim and inflicts several rapid bites. Like most other venomous snakes, the Taipan uses its venom sparingly. As they don't regard man as prey, they have been know to strike and bite without releasing any venom. |
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Tiger Snake. Notechis sculatus. Few snakes can match the sinister reputation of the Tiger, but recent observations indicate their ferocity and aggressiveness may not be as bad as first thought. In the early days of settlement, Tiger snakes were blamed for the majority of deaths from snake bite. Although they are as venomous as African Mambas and Asian Cobras, the fact they are common throughout most of Australia meant they were more likely to come in contact with humans. |
Death Adder. Acanthophis antarcticus. A small snake that conceals itself by burrowing under leaves, leaving only a portion of its tail exposed. Unsuspecting birds or animals looking for an easy meal are attracted to the small tail only to be suddenly caught by the adder's amazing speed. If trodden upon, the death adder strikes without warning, usually close to the ground, causing bites to the lower limbs. Its venom is extremely neurotoxic; 50 percent of its victims died within days before antivenom was developed. |
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Copper Head. Austrelaps superbus. The Copperhead snake is highly dangerous to humans. If provoked, it raises its forebody from the ground and flattens its neck, angry and hissing ready to strike. Its extremely potent venom is mainly neurotoxic, attacking the nerves of the body, but it also contains blood destroying properties. Colour and size varies with the locality and Copperheads may be tan, brown or black. They are more tolerant to the cold and have been seen sunbaking in mid-winter when other snakes are hibernating. One of their worst enemies are other Copperheads because they are prone to eat each other. |
Sea Snakes. Highly dangerous and capable of causing death to man, the venom of a sea snake has been rated as 10 times more toxic than a cobra! Often confused with eels, there are at least 30 species of sea snakes in Australia and they range from the tropics to the cold waters of Tasmania. One of the most common is Hydrophis elegans which grows to over two metres long. Sea snakes are shy and not aggressive if left alone. They usually only bite if touched or molested. |
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There are many other varieties of venomous snakes in Australia, too numerous to illustrate here. There are various brown snakes, tree snakes, broad head snakes, banded snakes and sea snakes. They will all defend themselves if provoked, so it is best to leave a snake alone if coming across one. If you want to see snakes, go to a reptile park or museum and view them in safety. If after reading all this you still go bushwalking, always keep a lookout for snakes. Never put your hand inside hollow logs or burrows. You never know what might be in there! |