<<

This guide can be used to assist in the identification of in the Central/Alice Springs Region of the Various of are found in the Centre. The . Snakes are incredibly variable in most common of lizard, which may be unwelcome colour, even within species. Any handling of snakes around your home, is the , also known as a Common or confirmation of identification should be left to the . Monitor Lizards have sharp claws and teeth and experts. some are very large and powerful. Larger can also Snakes and Lizards use their tails to deliver a hefty blow. Whilst these lizards For enquires or removals please contact: are not venomous, they can inflict nasty wounds and of Central 1800 453 210 prey on small pets. If you encounter a lizard and it is not presenting a problem to you, simply let it go on its way. In cases of larger, perhaps threatening lizards, do not try What to do if you see a snake and catch, corner or kill the .   • Stay calm. Contact 1800 453 210 for further advice. • Keep children and pets away from the area. • Maintain a safe distance from the snake. • Watch the snake.

• If you can confidently identify the snake as harmless, Photo: Phil Mangion leave it be. • If you are unsure of the identification of the snake, take a photograph. Call: 1800 453 210

How to keep snakes away Max. Length: 2.5m • Keep your yard clutter free. Clutter provides warm, Perentie Varanus giganteus, Long neck, solid build with a long tapering tail, typically brown coloured with large cream spotted markings. dark areas where snakes like to hide. • Avoid tall growing grass and dense shrubs; unkempt grass and dense vegetation provides hiding places Photo: Phil Mangion for snakes. • Undertake regular pest control, as pests, such as , provide a source for snakes. • Remove ground level water sources that snakes may be drawn to drink or swim in. Water also provides a habitat for frogs, an important food source for some Max. Length: 55cm species of snakes. Bearded Dragon Pogona vitticeps, wide, low body, spiky-looking scales around lower jaw and lower edges of the body, triangle shaped head, • Patch up any holes; by blocking all access points into colour is variable. your home, snakes will be unable to enter. Carefully

inspect your property and if you notice any holes, no GaryPhoto: Vas www.nt.gov.au matter how small, patch them up. • Use snake and rodent mesh. Household pets like chickens, , rabbits and guinea-pigs are all food items for snakes. Keep your pets safe by lining their cages with snake and rodent mesh.

Max. Length: 50cm Delma sp. Note: this is a legless lizard, ear holes present, broad fleshy tongue, colour is variable. kill the to be must not Ground Ground dwelling Climbing active Most in the day active Most in the night They and mice help keep wild. or capture corner, to permits are Territory,

tight so but not area, wound They

in the role an essential Eats Eats Frogs Eats Birds Eats Eats not prey, kill is designed to them around Having bay. at populations your pests from deter may property your home. the Northern In snakes. keep to required the from acquired Pick up the phone, not the snake. Pick up the phone, not snakes. play Snakes environment. Stay calm. Stay mobility. Minimise Call 000 pressure A wound. the to pressure Apply should be applied firmly bandage limb or entire blood flow. it stops that limb. Splint Snake people and of scared are people. Snakes occur bites Most fear. out of bite only when people try

• • Snake bite first aid first bite Snake • • • • • facts Snake •

Non- venomous Mildly venomous Highly venomous Eats Key to snake identification snake to Key

Photo: Brendan Schembri Photo: Tom Parkin Photo: Matt Summerville Photo: Brendan Schembri whip like colour), (mottled splotches and black patterning. with cream in colour. dark brown to cream underbelly, eye. shape under Max. Length: 1.2m Length: Max. Max. Length: 2.5m Length: Max. Max. Length: 80cm Length: Max. Max. Length: 2.7m Length: Max. lighter head and jaw, defined head and jaw, , defined bredli spilota Carpet Centralian colouration brown to orange stimsoni , darker Python Stimsons psammophis, quick moving, Demansia Snake Whip Yellow-faced tail, dark tear brown-reddish-tan and cream bands, bands, and cream - brown-reddish-tan ramsayi Python Woma ground reptiles, mammals, birds, eats at night, active bodied. Most heavy dwelling.

Photo: Phil Mangion Photo: Gary Vas Photo: Gary Vas Photo: Brendan Schembri

Two of of Two black in colour. to head and neck, solid yellow

creamy typically greatly; vary can Max. Length: 1m Length: Max. Max. Length: 2.5m Length: Max. Max. Length: 1.5m Length: Max. bodied, colour scales, heavy defined , large, australis Pseudechis (King Brown) Snake Mulga the most common colour forms shown above. shown forms colour the most common , defined scales, commonly has commonly scales, , defined mengdeni Snake Brown Western greatly. vary can and pattern colour on underbelly, spots orange darker colouration, , ochre/orange suta Suta Snake Curl build.