Be Snake Aware in the Goldfields As the Weather Starts to Warm Up, the Snakes Are Starting to Come out of Hiding

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Be Snake Aware In The Goldfields As the weather starts to warm up, the snakes are starting to come out of hiding. It is important to note that in the Goldfields there are legless lizards (that look very similar to snakes; but are non‑venomous), non‑venomous snakes (pythons) and venomous snakes. The way to tell the difference between these three species is the scales on their underside. If you see a snake or suspect a snake to be nearby, DO NOT approach or • The top photo, shows a kill it. Snakes are a protected species venomous snake. Their belly in Western Australia and killing them scales are long and horizontal. without reason can result in a fine. There are qualified snake handlers in Coolgardie. Please contact the Shire of Coolgardie on 9080 2111 if you are • The middle photo, shows a in need of assistance with a snake. non-venomous python. Their Please do not try and catch the snake belly scales are shorter and have yourself, as they can strike and may smaller scales next to them. be venomous. If you get bitten by a snake, immediately apply pressure to the • The bottom photo, shows a wound and imobilise it, moving it non-venomous legless lizard. as little as possible. Call triple zero Their belly scales are small and (000) and try your best to recall what more patterned. the snake looked like, to help with identification for anti‑venom. Common snakes in the Goldfields: • King Brown snake – venomous • Western Brown snake - venomous • Dugite snake ‑ venomous • Tiger snake ‑ venomous • Carpet Python – non‑venomous • Stimson’s Python – non‑venomous • Hooded Scaly‑Foot legless lizard – non-venomous Brown snake. Dugite snake. Tiger snake. Carpet python. Hooded scaly-foot legless lizard. Issue 88 September 2019 Page 19 [email protected].

Copy Link

Recommended publications

Neurotoxic Effects of Venoms from Seven Species of Australasian Black Snakes (Pseudechis): Efficacy of Black and Tiger Snake Antivenoms
Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology and Physiology (2005) 32, 7–12 NEUROTOXIC EFFECTS OF VENOMS FROM SEVEN SPECIES OF AUSTRALASIAN BLACK SNAKES (PSEUDECHIS): EFFICACY OF BLACK AND TIGER SNAKE ANTIVENOMS Sharmaine Ramasamy,* Bryan G Fry† and Wayne C Hodgson* *Monash Venom Group, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton and †Australian Venom Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia SUMMARY the sole clad of venomous snakes capable of inflicting bites of medical importance in the region.1–3 The Pseudechis genus (black 1. Pseudechis species (black snakes) are among the most snakes) is one of the most widespread, occupying temperate, widespread venomous snakes in Australia. Despite this, very desert and tropical habitats and ranging in size from 1 to 3 m. little is known about the potency of their venoms or the efficacy Pseudechis australis is one of the largest venomous snakes found of the antivenoms used to treat systemic envenomation by these in Australia and is responsible for the vast majority of black snake snakes. The present study investigated the in vitro neurotoxicity envenomations. As such, the venom of P. australis has been the of venoms from seven Australasian Pseudechis species and most extensively studied and is used in the production of black determined the efficacy of black and tiger snake antivenoms snake antivenom. It has been documented that a number of other against this activity. Pseudechis from the Australasian region can cause lethal 2. All venoms (10 ␮g/mL) significantly inhibited indirect envenomation.4 twitches of the chick biventer cervicis nerve–muscle prepar- The envenomation syndrome produced by Pseudechis species ation and responses to exogenous acetylcholine (ACh; varies across the genus and is difficult to characterize because the 1 mmol/L), but not to KCl (40 mmol/L), indicating activity at offending snake is often not identified.3,5 However, symptoms of post-synaptic nicotinic receptors on the skeletal muscle.
[Show full text]
Tiger Snake Antivenom
Husbandry Manual for Tiger Snakes Notechis spp (Peters 1861) sl Reptilia:Elapidae Author: John. J. Mostyn Date of Preparation: 2006 Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, Richmond Course Name and Number: Captive Animal Management 1068 Lecturer: Graeme Phipps / Andrew Titmuss/ Jacki Salkeld/ Elissa Smith © 2006 John J Mostyn 1 Occupational Health and Safety WARNING This Snake is DANGEROUSLY VENOMOUS CAPABLE OF INFLICTING A POTENTIALLY FATAL BITE ALWAYS HAVE A COMPRESSION BANDAGE WITHIN REACH FIRST AID FOR A SNAKE BITE 1) Apply a firm, broad, pressure bandage to bitten limb, and if possible, the whole length of limb, firmly. 2) The limb should be immobilized by a splint and kept as still as possible. 3) Keep the patient still and call for ambulance. Immobilization and the use of a pressure bandage reduces the movement of venom from the bite site. This restriction of venom will allow more time to transport the patient to hospital. The patient should remain calm and rest. If possible, transport should be brought to the patient, rather than patient to transport. Fig 1 (Mirtschin, Davis, 1992) 2 Tiger Snake Antivenom What is Tiger Snake Antivenom? Tiger snake antivenom is an injection designed to help neutralize the effect of the poison (venom) of the tiger snake. It is produced by immunizing horses against the venom of the tiger snake and then collecting that part of the horse’s blood which neutralizes this poison. The antivenom is purified and made into an injection for those people who may need it after being bitten by a tiger snake. Tiger snake antivenom is also the appropriate antivenom if you are bitten by a copperhead snake, a rough scaled snake or a member of the black snake family.
[Show full text]
Myths Surrounding Snakes
MYTHS SURROUNDING SNAKES MYTH 1: Bites from baby venomous snakes are more dangerous than those from adults because they always deliver a full dose of venom. The legend goes that young snakes have not yet learned how to control the amount of venom they inject. They are therefore more dangerous than adult snakes, which will restrict the amount of venom they use in a bite or “dry bite”. This is simply untrue and all the evidence points towards bites from adults being more severe. Tests have shown that juvenile snakes can control their venom just as much as adults. Furthermore lets consider the following factors: adults have significantly larger fangs to deliver their venom and considerably more venom available than a juvenile. Therefore if a juvenile has venom glands only big enough to hold a 2ml of venom compared to an adult that can hold 30ml or more, then the bite from an adult will always have the potential to be more severe. I presume the reason this myth came into existence was to dissuade people from having a carefree attitude towards the potential dangers of a juvenile snake. The moral of the story is to treat every snake as a potentially dangerous and never expose your self to a situation where a snake of any size can bite you. MYTH 2: If you see a snake they’ll always be more Although it is possible to see more than one snake, for the most part this statement is untrue. Snakes are solitary animals for most of their lives so generally you will only ever encounter individuals.
[Show full text]
Pirra Jungku Project Species Guide
The Pirra Jungku Project is a collaboration between the Karajarri Rangers, Environs Kimberley Pirra Jungku Project and the Threatened Species Recovery Hub with funding from the Australian Government’s National Environmental Science Program and the species guide Western Australian Government’s NRM Program. Reptiles * Asterix means the animal can be tricky to ID. Take a good photo, or bring it back to camp for checking, but do this as a last resort. Don’t bring back any snakes, in case they are poisonous. Dragons Upright posture (stick their heads up), have small, rough scales, each leg has 5 clawed fingers/toes. MATT FROM MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA CC BY 2.0 WIKIMEDIA COMMONS JESSSARAH MILLER LEGGE Slater’s ring-tailed dragon Central military dragon (Ctenophorus slaterii) (Ctenophorus isolepis) Rocky country. Reddish colour with black Sandy country. Very fast on ground. spots on back and dark rings on the tail. Reddish colour with white spots and stripes. JESSCHRISTOPHER MILLER WATSON CC BY SA 3.0 WIKIMEDIA COMMONS ARTHUR CHAPMAN NICOLAS RAKOTOPARE Pindan dragon Horner’s dragon Northern Pilbara tree dragon (Diporiphora pindan) (Lophognathus horneri) (Diporiphora vescus) Thin, slender body. Two long white stripes Ta-ta lizard. White stripe from lip to back legs. Lives in spinifex. Plain colour, sometimes down back that cross over black and orange Tiny white spot in ear. with orange tail, and long white and grey tiger stripes.* stripes down body.* CHRISTOPHERSARAH LEGGE WATSON CC BY SA 3.0 WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Dwarf bearded dragon (Pogona minor) Grey with flat body with spiny edges. Has small spines on either side of the jaw and on the back of the head.
[Show full text]
Very Venomous, But...- Snakes of the Wet Tropics
No.80 January 2004 Notes from Very venomous but ... the Australia is home to some of the most venomous snakes in the world. Why? Editor It is possible that strong venom may little chance to fight back. There are six main snake families have evolved chiefly as a self-defence in Australia – elapids (venomous strategy. It is interesting to look at the While coastal and inland taipans eat snakes, the largest group), habits of different venomous snakes. only mammals, other venomous colubrids (‘harmless’ snakes) Some, such as the coastal taipan snakes feed largely on reptiles and pythons, blindsnakes, filesnakes (Oxyuranus scutellatus), bite their frogs. Venom acts slowly on these and seasnakes. prey quickly, delivering a large amount ‘cold-blooded’ creatures with slow of venom, and then let go. The strong metabolic rates, so perhaps it needs to Australia is the only continent venom means that the prey doesn’t be especially strong. In addition, as where venomous snakes (70 get far before succumbing so the many prey species develop a degree of percent) outnumber non- snake is able to follow at a safe immunity to snake venom, a form of venomous ones. Despite this, as distance. Taipans eat only mammals – evolutionary arms race may have been the graph on page one illustrates, which are able to bite back, viciously. taking place. very few deaths result from snake This strategy therefore allows the bites. It is estimated that between snake to avoid injury. … not necessarily deadly 50 000 and 60 000 people die of On the other hand, the most Some Australian snakes may be snake bite each year around the particularly venomous, but they are world.
[Show full text]
A Comparison of Two Populations of Tiger Snakes, Notechis Scutatus Occidentalis
A Comparison of Two Populations of Tiger Snakes, Notechis scutatus occidentalis : The Influence of Phenotypic Plasticity on Various Life History Traits Fabien Aubret (DEA) Laboratoire d’Herpétologie, CEBC– CNRS, Université de Poitiers School of Animal Biology, University of Western Australia This thesis is presented for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy of the University of Western Australia and of the Université de Poitiers. March 2005 “Not a single one of your ancestors died young. They all copulated at least once. ” Richard Dawkins (b. 1941). 2 Summary The phenotype of any living organism reflects not only its genotype, but also direct effects of environmental conditions. Some manifestations of environmental effects may be non-adaptive, such as fluctuating asymmetry. Growing evidence nevertheless suggests that natural selection has fashioned norms of reaction such that organisms will tend to display developmental trajectories that maximise their fitness in the environment which they encounter via enhanced growth, survival, and/or reproduction. Over recent decades, the adaptive value of phenotypic plasticity has become a central theme in evolutionary biology. Plasticity may have evolutionary significance either by retarding evolution (by making selection on genetic variants less effective), or by enhancing evolution (as a precursor to adaptive genetic change). Reptiles are excellent models for the study of such theories, notably because they show high degrees of phenotypic plasticity. Many plastic responses have now been documented, using a diversity of taxa (turtles, crocodiles, snakes, lizards) and examining a number of different traits such as morphology, locomotor performance, and general behaviour. Islands are of special interest to ecologists and evolutionary biologists because of the rapid shifts possible in island taxa with small and discrete populations, living under conditions (and selective pressures) often very different from those experienced by their mainland conspecific.
[Show full text]
The Role of Adaptive Plasticity in a Major Evolutionary Transition
Functional Blackwell Publishing Ltd Ecology 2007 The role of adaptive plasticity in a major evolutionary 21, 1154–1161 transition: early aquatic experience affects locomotor performance of terrestrial snakes F. AUBRET,*† X. BONNET‡ and R. SHINE* *University of Sydney, Biological Sciences A08, 2006 New South Wales, Australia, ‡Centre d’Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, CNRS, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France Summary 1. Many phylogenetic lineages of animals have undergone major habitat transitions, stimulating dramatic phenotypic changes as adaptations to the novel environment. Although most such traits clearly reflect genetic modification, phenotypic plasticity may have been significant in the initial transition between habitat types. 2. Elapid snakes show multiple phylogenetic shifts from terrestrial to aquatic life. We raised young tigersnakes (a terrestrial taxon closely related to sea-snakes) in either a terrestrial or aquatic environment for a 5-month period. 3. The snakes raised in water were able to swim 26% faster, but crawled 36% more slowly, than did their terrestrially-raised siblings. A full stomach impaired locomotor performance, but snakes were less impaired when tested in the environment in which they had been raised. 4. Thus, adaptively plastic responses to local environments may have facilitated aquatic performance (and impaired terrestrial performance) in ancestral snakes as they shifted from terrestrial to aquatic existence. 5. Such plasticity may have influenced the rate or route of this evolutionary transition between habitats, and should be considered when comparing habitat-specific locomotor abilities of present-day aquatic and terrestrial species. key-words: development, elapid, locomotion, phenotype Functional Ecology (2007) 21, 1154–1161 doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2007.01310.x that vary over small spatial and temporal scales.
[Show full text]
Structure±Function Properties of Venom Components from Australian Elapids
PERGAMON Toxicon 37 (1999) 11±32 Review Structure±function properties of venom components from Australian elapids Bryan Grieg Fry * Peptide Laboratory, Centre for Drug Design and Development, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Qld, 4072, Australia Received 9 December 1997; accepted 4 March 1998 Abstract A comprehensive review of venom components isolated thus far from Australian elapids. Illustrated is that a tremendous structural homology exists among the components but this homology is not representative of the functional diversity. Further, the review illuminates the overlooked species and areas of research. # 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. 1. Introduction Australian elapids are well known to be the most toxic in the world, with all of the top ten and nineteen of the top 25 elapids with known LD50s residing exclusively on this continent (Broad et al., 1979). Thus far, three main types of venom components have been characterised from Australian elapids: prothrombin activating enzymes; lipases with a myriad of potent activities; and powerful peptidic neurotoxins. Many species have the prothrombin activating enzymes in their venoms, the vast majority contain phospholipase A2s and all Australian elapid venoms are suspected to contain peptidic neurotoxins. In addition to the profound neurological eects such as disorientation, ¯accid paralysis and respiratory failure, characteristic of bites by many species of Australian elapids is hemorrhaging and incoagulable blood. As a result, these elapids can be divided into two main classes: species with procoagulant venom (Table 1) and species with non-procoagulant venoms (Table 2) (Tan and * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. 0041-0101/98/$ - see front matter # 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd.
[Show full text]
Snake Venom Detection Kit (SVDK)
SVDK Template In non-urgent situations, serum or plasma may also be used. Other samples such as lymphatic fluid, tissue fluid or extracts may 8. Reading Colour Reactions be used. • Place the test strip on the template provided over page and observe each well continuously over the next 10 minutes whilst the colour develops. Any test sample used in the SVDK must be mixed with Yellow Sample Diluent (YSD-yellow lid), prior to introduction into the The first well to show visible colour, not including the positive control well, is assay. Samples mixed with YSD should be clearly labelled with the patient’s identity and the type of sample used. The volume of diagnostic of the snake’s venom immunotype – see interpretation below. YSD in each sample vial is sufficient to allow retesting of the sample or referral to a reference laboratory for further investigation. Well 1 Tiger Snake Immunotype Snake Venom Detection Kit (SVDK) Note: Strict adherence to the 10 minute observation period after addition of Tiger Snake Antivenom Indicated Detection and Identification of Snake Venom SAMPLE PREPARATION the Chromogen and Peroxide Solutions is essential. Slow development of 1. Prepare the Test Sample. colour in one or more wells after 10 minutes should not be interpreted ENZYME IMMUNOASSAY METHOD • Any test sample used in the SVDK must be mixed with Yellow Sample Diluent (YSD-yellow lid), prior to introduction as positive detection of snake venom. Well 2 Brown Snake Immunotype into the assay. INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS Brown Snake Antivenom Indicated Note: There is enough YSD in one vial to perform two snake venom detection tests.
[Show full text]
Predation by Snakes Thwarts Trial Reintroduction of the Endangered Woma Python Aspidites Ramsayi J
Predation by snakes thwarts trial reintroduction of the Endangered woma python Aspidites ramsayi J. L. Read,G.R.Johnston and T. P. Morley Abstract Case studies of well-documented snake reintro- species (Dodd, 1987, 1993; Reinert, 1991) has hindered the ductions are limited, despite their potential value for implementation of snake reintroductions. conservation and ecosystem recovery. The Endangered Experimental evidence suggests that translocated snakes woma Aspidites ramsayi is a large boid snake that has move further, more erratically and exhibit lower survivor- declined considerably and is now threatened throughout ship than resident snakes (Fitch & Shirer, 1971; Landreth, much of central Australia. We describe a trial release of 1973; Galligan & Dunson, 1979; Reinert & Rupert, 1999; captive-bred womas into the feral predator-free Arid Re- Plummer & Mills, 2000; Butler et al., 2005). Behavioural covery Reserve in northern South Australia. All of the changes that decrease survivorship of translocated snakes reintroduced womas were killed within 4 months, with are accentuated for captive-bred individuals that may be predation by the mulga snake Pseudechis australis con- less efﬁcient at feeding or locating suitable refuges than ﬁrmed or implied in all cases. Lessons learned for the wild-caught relocated animals (Plummer & Mills, 2000; conditioning of captive-bred snakes for wild release and Mathews et al., 2005). Reintroduction success of captive- the role of the mulga snake in structuring Australian arid- bred snakes is therefore likely to be enhanced where prey zone snake assemblages are discussed. populations are high, snake movements are contained, refuge sites from predators are plentiful and temperature Keywords Arid zone, Aspidites ramsayi, Australia, elapid, extremes are limited.
[Show full text]
Woma Python and Inland Taipan
Government of South Australia South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board STUDENT WOMA PYTHON FACT SHEET Aspidites Ramsayi The Woma Python is a nocturnal snake that is Australia have come from sandy areas in the usually quiet and shy, mostly seen at dusk or north-east of the state, predominantly along the during warmer nights. It is rarely seen and has a Birdsville and Strzelecki Tracks. patchy distribution in South Australia, mostly in the north-east of the state. It eats lizards, snakes, Marla birds and small mammals (including dingo pups Oodnadatta and young rabbits). Woma Pythons wiggle their tail to distract initially cautious prey and then attract it to within striking distance. The python then coils around the prey, constricting it until it finally dies. Ceduna Port Augusta IDENTIFICATION The Woma Python can grow to 2.7 metres in Distribution Distribution total length and weigh up to 5.8kg. The body is ADELAIDE a yellowish brown to yellowish white with many wavy brownish bands that join along the back. Juveniles are more prominently patterned and POTENTIAL THREATS TO coloured than older animals. WOMA PYTHONS Land clearance and introduced predators have Woma Pythons can be confused with the Mulga resulted in significant declines of the Woma (King Brown) Snake or Western Brown Snakes. Python in central northern New South Wales Woma Pythons can be distinguished by the shape and the south east of Queensland, and is near of the head, which is rounded near the eyes but extinction in southwestern Western Australia. narrower at the snout. Woma Pythons compete with cats and foxes and DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT may also be eaten by these species, particularly Woma Pythons are found in desert dunefields and when the snakes are still young and small.
[Show full text]
Effects of Australian Snake Venoms on Coagulation: Differential Potency
Effects of Australian snake venoms on coagulation: Differential potency, biochemistry, and antivenom efficacy Christina N. Zdenek BSc., MPhil A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at The University of Queensland in 2020 School of Biological Sciences Abstract Venomous snakes are a valuable bio-resource for potential therapeutic drug design and development yet are also a major health hazard for society. Snakebite is a globally neglected tropical disease which disproportionately affects the poor and can cause debilitation and death. Snake antivenom is the only recommended treatment for snakebite, yet antivenom efficacy is often untested against many species for which it may be prescribed. In lieu of unethical testing in vivo, venom and antivenom tests in vitro can inform clinicians treating human and pet (domestic and livestock) snakebite victims. Australian venomous snakes (family: Elapidae; subfamily Hydrophiinae) are a specious group of some of the most venomous snakes in the world, whose bites can cause life-threatening coagulopathy (ie. disruption of blood haemostasis). This thesis focuses on Australian elapid venom effects on plasma—primarily human plasma—and the efficacy of currently available antivenoms. Chapter 1 introduces the main concepts and coagulotoxic theme and includes some redundancy with the introductions of individual chapters because all data chapters have either been published as papers or are prepared as such. For this same reason, knowledge gaps are identified within each chapter’s introduction, rather than in Chapter 1. Chapter 2 focuses on the two most coagulotoxic genera within Elapidae: taipans (Oxyuranus) and brown snakes (Pseudonaja). The toxins (FXa:FVa) responsible for the exceptional coagulotoxicity of these venoms are a complex of snake venom Factor Xa, and the cofactor Factor Va.
[Show full text]