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    Snakes of The Wet Tropics: Snakes Are Protected by Law

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    Eric Ho
    The document discusses snakes found in the Wet Tropics region of Australia. It describes 43 snake species that live in the area, ranging from small blind snakes to large pythons over 6 meters long. Only a few species are dangerously venomous, but they play an important role in controlling rodent populations. The document provides information on identifying snakes, what to do if bitten, similarities to harmless look-alikes, and encourages leaving snakes alone unless they pose a threat.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    Snakes of The Wet Tropics: Snakes Are Protected by Law

    Uploaded by

    Eric Ho
    55 views6 pages
    The document discusses snakes found in the Wet Tropics region of Australia. It describes 43 snake species that live in the area, ranging from small blind snakes to large pythons over 6 meters long. Only a few species are dangerously venomous, but they play an important role in controlling rodent populations. The document provides information on identifying snakes, what to do if bitten, similarities to harmless look-alikes, and encourages leaving snakes alone unless they pose a threat.

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    snakesofthewettropics.pdf

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    The document discusses snakes found in the Wet Tropics region of Australia. It describes 43 snake species that live in the area, ranging from small blind snakes to large pythons over 6 meters long. Only a few species are dangerously venomous, but they play an important role in controlling rodent populations. The document provides information on identifying snakes, what to do if bitten, similarities to harmless look-alikes, and encourages leaving snakes alone unless they pose a threat.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    55 views6 pages

    Snakes of The Wet Tropics: Snakes Are Protected by Law

    Uploaded by

    Eric Ho
    The document discusses snakes found in the Wet Tropics region of Australia. It describes 43 snake species that live in the area, ranging from small blind snakes to large pythons over 6 meters long. Only a few species are dangerously venomous, but they play an important role in controlling rodent populations. The document provides information on identifying snakes, what to do if bitten, similarities to harmless look-alikes, and encourages leaving snakes alone unless they pose a threat.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    Snakes of the Wet Tropics

    Snakes are protected by law


    Snakes are shy creatures. When confronted by humans, they will usually retreat if given the
    opportunity to do so. As most bites occur when people try to catch and kill snakes, they
    should always be left well alone.

    Snakes in the Wet Tropics


    The Wet Tropics region is home to 43 species of snakes, representing an impressive 30% of
    Australia’s snake fauna. These images represent a selection of the more common species,
    most of which have ranges extending beyond the Wet Tropics. Of the species pictured, only
    the northern crowned snake is unique to this region. The snakes of the region range from
    small, worm-like blind snakes to six metre pythons. Only a handful fall into the dangerously
    venomous category, but these few play an important role in balancing the natural
    environment, as they are significant predators of rats and mice.

    Snakes in the backyard


    If you live near bushland or creeks you are more likely to encounter snakes in your garden,
    especially if there is habitat disturbance such as burning or clearing of vegetation in the local
    area. To discourage snakes from taking up residence around your home remove likely hiding
    places such as logs, building materials, long grass, loose rocks, discarded flower pots and
    corrugated iron.

    Snakes in the house


    Snakes will sometimes enter a house in search of food and shelter - particularly during
    periods of extended rain. The risk of this happening can be reduced by having well-sealed
    doors and screens over external windows. If a snake enters your house, contact the
    Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service for advice on its removal. Cairns (07) 4046 6600.
    Townsville (07) 4796 7777.

    Snakes on the road


    Snakes like to warm themselves on roads and are often injured by passing cars. Drive slowly
    so you can safely give way to them. If you find injured wildlife phone Cairns 0407 962 075.
    Townsville 0414 717 374.

    First Aid
    • In the unlikely event of a snake bite, don't cut the wound and try to suck the poison out.
    Don't wash the wound, as the venom may be used to identify the type of snake.

    • Apply a crêpe bandage to the entire limb, at the same pressure as for a sprained ankle.
    Then apply a splint to the limb with a second bandage.

    • This will help keep the affected limb immobile. Seek medical help.

    • Do not attempt to capture or kill the snake for identification as this may lead to further bites.

    • Antivenene has been developed to ensure recovery in most cases. The important action is
    to reassure the victim and get them to medical assistance as soon as possible.

    Wet Tropics Management Authority - Rainforest Explorer


    Snakes of the Wet Tropics

    Snake look-alikes (harmless)

    LEGLESS LIZARD - Delma mitella

    Largest of its genus with a length to 75cm. It is closely related


    to geckos and occurs only in Australia and New Guinea. They
    have no forelimbs and only flap-like hindlimbs. A rare and
    poorly known species, they most likely feed on insects and lay
    2 eggs per clutch. Found only at a few rainforest edge sites on
    the eastern side of Atherton Tableland and Paluma.

    Non-venomous and Pythons

    COMMON TREE SNAKE - Dendrelaphis punctulata

    Common tree snakes are active during the day and found in a
    variety of habitats. They are agile climbers and come in a
    variety of colours. Their backs can be black, grey, green or a
    spectacular blue and their bellies are always paler.

    Length to 2m.

    KEELBACK - Tropidonophis mairii

    Keelbacks are often seen near water and are active both day
    and night. At Cape Tribulation a striking yellow form can be
    seen. They are known to eat small cane toads.

    Length to 1m.

    BLIND SNAKE - Ramphotyphlops polygrammicus

    Length to 40cm. Small and glossy, with reduced eyes capable


    only of detecting light and dark. Often found in termite
    chambers where they feed on termites and eggs, larvae and
    pupae. All blind snakes lay eggs, are non-venomous and
    incapable of biting humans. Found in rainforest from Dunk
    Island to Cooktown, also Cape York and Torres Strait.

    Wet Tropics Management Authority - Rainforest Explorer


    Snakes of the Wet Tropics
    SLATEY GREY SNAKE - Stegonotus cucullatus

    Slatey grey snakes are often found near water and are more
    likely to be seen at night or after rain. Their backs generally
    range from grey to black in colour and their belly is very
    striking glossy white. They are defensive by nature and caution
    should be taken.

    Length to 1.5m.

    AMETHYSTINE PYTHON - Morelia kinghorni

    The amethystine python is Australia's largest snake. They live


    in rainforest and woodlands but will venture into urban areas in
    search of food. Colour pattern varies from almost plain tan to
    boldly patterned brown and yellow. They are distinguishable
    from Carpet Pythons by large head scales. Has a
    characteristic iridescent sheen. Will bite if threatened.

    Length to 6m.

    CARPET PYTHON - Morelia spilota

    This boldly patterned snake is found in many habitats,


    including farms and urban areas. They vary in colour, although
    in the Wet Tropics a distinct jungle pattern occurs. Will bite if
    antagonised.

    Length to 3m

    SPOTTED PYTHON - Antaresia maculosa

    The nocturnal species may be seen in a wide variety of habitats from wet
    coastal forests to cane fields. Colour uniform light brown overlaid with
    dark brown blotches.

    Length to 1m.

    Wet Tropics Management Authority - Rainforest Explorer


    Snakes of the Wet Tropics
    WATER PYTHON - Liasis mackloti

    As the name suggests these pythons are often found near


    water. Their backs are usually uniform brown or olive with an
    iridescent sheen to the scales and yellow to cream bellies. May
    behave defensively if alarmed.

    Length to 3m.

    Venomous - Low danger

    BROWN TREE SNAKE - Bioga irregularis

    The most commonly sighted snake in the region, usually


    nocturnal and often encountered in trees. A rear-fanged, mildly
    venomous species. Bites from large specimens should be
    treated with caution. They can be defensive when alarmed.

    Length to 2m.

    NORTHERN CROWNED SNAKE - Cacophis churchilli

    The only snake unique to the Wet Tropics and found in most
    habitats including rainforests and drier forests. The backs of the
    northern crowned snakes are metallic brown with a yellow band
    on the top of the neck. Found from Townsville to Daintree.

    Length to 0.3 - 1.4m.

    COLLARED WHIP SNAKE - Demansia torquata

    All whip snakes are slender with tapering whip-like tails. The
    collared whip snake is found in open forests from Airlie Beach to
    Cooktown. They have grey to brown backs, with a much darker
    head. A pale ‘comma’ mark may be seen on each side of the eye.

    Length to 0.7m.

    Other whip snakes found in the region include the yellow-faced


    (low danger), black and Papuan (highly dangerous).

    Wet Tropics Management Authority - Rainforest Explorer


    Snakes of the Wet Tropics

    Venomous - HIGH danger

    RED-BELLIED BLACK SNAKE - Pseudechis porphyriacus

    Red-bellied black snakes are usually found near water and are
    common around Kuranda and Julatten. The underside of northern
    forms can be white to pinkish, with dark edging to the belly scales.
    The distinctive red colouration is confined to the lower flanks. An
    antagonised red-bellied black snake will behave defensively by
    flattening its neck and body but will retreat if at all possible.

    Length to 2m.

    COASTAL TAIPAN - Oxyuranus scutellatus

    Coastal taipans are found in a range of habitats including open


    forest, grasslands, grassy beach dunes, pastures and cane fields.
    Their backs are variable, from pale brown to black and their bellies
    are somewhat paler with orange spots. The head is rectangular
    and distinct from the neck. Given the opportunity taipans will
    retreat quickly, but will defend themselves if cornered.

    Length to 2.6m.

    EASTERN SMALL-EYED SNAKE - Cryptophis nigrescens

    These snakes are nocturnal and are superficially similar to the


    red-bellied black snake. They have a black back and a pink or
    white belly. They can be distinguished by their very small eyes.

    Length up to 1m.

    NORTHERN DEATH ADDER - Acanthophis praelongus

    These snakes favour dry forest and grassland and often lie
    camouflaged in leaf litter. They have unique short, stout bodies,
    with broad heads and a grub-like lure at the end of the tail. The
    lure is used to attract small mammals and reptiles.

    Length to 0.4m.

    Wet Tropics Management Authority - Rainforest Explorer


    Snakes of the Wet Tropics
    ROUGH-SCALED SNAKE - Tropidechis carinatus

    Rough-scaled snakes are mainly found in cool, high altitude


    rainforests and moist open forests and pastures. They are one
    of the few venomous Australian snakes that regularly climb
    trees, are known for their defensive behaviour and are
    distinguishable by their banded appearance. Seen here in a
    defensive pose.

    Length to 1 - 1.2m.

    Wet Tropics Management Authority - Rainforest Explorer

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