Important Venomous Snakes and Spiders of Australia
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Lake Pinaroo Ramsar Site
Ecological character description: Lake Pinaroo Ramsar site Ecological character description: Lake Pinaroo Ramsar site Disclaimer The Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW (DECC) has compiled the Ecological character description: Lake Pinaroo Ramsar site in good faith, exercising all due care and attention. DECC does not accept responsibility for any inaccurate or incomplete information supplied by third parties. No representation is made about the accuracy, completeness or suitability of the information in this publication for any particular purpose. Readers should seek appropriate advice about the suitability of the information to their needs. © State of New South Wales and Department of Environment and Climate Change DECC is pleased to allow the reproduction of material from this publication on the condition that the source, publisher and authorship are appropriately acknowledged. Published by: Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW 59–61 Goulburn Street, Sydney PO Box A290, Sydney South 1232 Phone: 131555 (NSW only – publications and information requests) (02) 9995 5000 (switchboard) Fax: (02) 9995 5999 TTY: (02) 9211 4723 Email: [email protected] Website: www.environment.nsw.gov.au DECC 2008/275 ISBN 978 1 74122 839 7 June 2008 Printed on environmentally sustainable paper Cover photos Inset upper: Lake Pinaroo in flood, 1976 (DECC) Aerial: Lake Pinaroo in flood, March 1976 (DECC) Inset lower left: Blue-billed duck (R. Kingsford) Inset lower middle: Red-necked avocet (C. Herbert) Inset lower right: Red-capped plover (C. Herbert) Summary An ecological character description has been defined as ‘the combination of the ecosystem components, processes, benefits and services that characterise a wetland at a given point in time’. -
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. -
Fowlers Gap Biodiversity Checklist Reptiles
Fowlers Gap Biodiversity Checklist ow if there are so many lizards then they should make tasty N meals for someone. Many of the lizard-eaters come from their Reptiles own kind, especially the snake-like legless lizards and the snakes themselves. The former are completely harmless to people but the latter should be left alone and assumed to be venomous. Even so it odern reptiles are at the most diverse in the tropics and the is quite safe to watch a snake from a distance but some like the Md rylands of the world. The Australian arid zone has some of the Mulga Snake can be curious and this could get a little most diverse reptile communities found anywhere. In and around a disconcerting! single tussock of spinifex in the western deserts you could find 18 species of lizards. Fowlers Gap does not have any spinifex but even he most common lizards that you will encounter are the large so you do not have to go far to see reptiles in the warmer weather. Tand ubiquitous Shingleback and Central Bearded Dragon. The diversity here is as astonishing as anywhere. Imagine finding six They both have a tendency to use roads for passage, warming up or species of geckos ranging from 50-85 mm long, all within the same for display. So please slow your vehicle down and then take evasive genus. Or think about a similar diversity of striped skinks from 45-75 action to spare them from becoming a road casualty. The mm long! How do all these lizards make a living in such a dry and Shingleback is often seen alone but actually is monogamous and seemingly unproductive landscape? pairs for life. -
Exploring Our Frogs (Years 7–8)
Exploring our frogs (Years 7–8) Lesson plan Victorian Curriculum F–101 links: Introduction Science Investigating the frogs of your local area provides a great context for developing student Levels 7 and 8 understanding about biological classification, Science Understanding ecosystem processes and the impact that humans have on the natural environment. It is Science as a Human Endeavour also a great way to encourage students to Science and technology contribute to finding explore, develop their observational skills and to solutions to a range of contemporary issues; enjoy the natural world around them. these solutions may impact on other areas of society and involve ethical considerations These activities use digital applications such as (VCSSU090) Melbourne Water’s Frog Census and the Atlas Biological sciences of Living Australia (ALA) to develop students’ ICT skills. There are differences within and between groups of organisms; classification helps The Frog Census app is a powerful citizen organise this diversity (VCSSU091) science tool that enables students, their families and the wider community to improve our Interactions between organisms can be understanding of the biology and distribution of described in terms of food chains and food webs and can be affected by human activity frog species in Melbourne; information that will (VCSSU093) help to develop effective policy and management strategies to conserve and Digital technologies enhance these populations. Data and information Activity 1: Finding our frogs Analyse and visualise data using a range of software to create information, and use Students explore local frogs using the Atlas of structured data to model objects or events Living Australia and learn about how frogs are (VCDTDI038) named and classified by biologists. -
BIOLOGICAL SURVEY of KANGAROO ISLAND SOUTH AUSTRALIA in NOVEMBER 1989 and 1990
A BIOLOGICAL SURVEY OF KANGAROO ISLAND SOUTH AUSTRALIA IN NOVEMBER 1989 and 1990 Editors A. C. Robinson D. M. Armstrong Biological Survey and Research Section Heritage and Biodiversity Division Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs, South Australia 1999 i Kangaroo Island Biological Survey The Biological Survey of Kangaroo Island, South Australia was carried out with the assistance of funds made available by, the Commonwealth of Australia under the 1989-90 National Estate Grants Programs and the State Government of South Australia. The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Australian Heritage Commission or the State Government of South Australia. The report may be cited as: Robinson, A. C. & Armstrong, D. M. (eds) (1999) A Biological Survey of Kangaroo Island, South Australia, 1989 & 1990. (Heritage and Biodiversity Section, Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs, South Australia). Copies of the report may be accessed in the library: Environment Australia Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs GPO Box 636 or 1st Floor, Roma Mitchell House CANBERRA ACT 2601 136 North Terrace, ADELAIDE SA 5000 EDITORS A.C. Robinson, D.M. Armstrong, Biological Survey and Research, Heritage &Biodiversity Section, Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs PO Box 1047 ADELAIDE 5001 AUTHORS D M Armstrong, P.J.Lang, A C Robinson, Biological Survey and Research, Heritage &Biodiversity Section, Department for Environment, Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs PO Box 1047 ADELAIDE 5001 N Draper, Australian Cultural Heritage Management Pty Ltd, 53 Hackney Rd. HACKNEY, SA 5069 G Carpenter, Biodiversity Monitoring and Evaluation, Heritage &Biodiversity Section, Department for Environment Heritage and Aboriginal Affairs. -
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. -
An Investigation of the Evolution of Australian Elapid Snake Venoms
toxins Article Rapid Radiations and the Race to Redundancy: An Investigation of the Evolution of Australian Elapid Snake Venoms Timothy N. W. Jackson 1, Ivan Koludarov 1, Syed A. Ali 1,2, James Dobson 1, Christina N. Zdenek 1, Daniel Dashevsky 1, Bianca op den Brouw 1, Paul P. Masci 3, Amanda Nouwens 4, Peter Josh 4, Jonathan Goldenberg 1, Vittoria Cipriani 1, Chris Hay 1, Iwan Hendrikx 1, Nathan Dunstan 5, Luke Allen 5 and Bryan G. Fry 1,* 1 Venom Evolution Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; [email protected] (T.N.W.J.); [email protected] (I.K.); [email protected] (S.A.A.); [email protected] (J.D.); [email protected] (C.N.Z.); [email protected] (D.D.); [email protected] (B.o.d.B.); [email protected] (J.G.); [email protected] (V.C.); [email protected] (C.H.); [email protected] (I.H.) 2 HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi, Karachi 75270, Pakistan 3 Princess Alexandra Hospital, Translational Research Institute, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; [email protected] 4 School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; [email protected] (A.N.); [email protected] (P.J.) 5 Venom Supplies, Tanunda, South Australia 5352, Australia; [email protected] (N.D.); [email protected] (L.A.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +61-4-0019-3182 Academic Editor: Nicholas R. -
Intravenous Alfaxalone Anaesthesia in Two Squamate Species: Eublepharis Macularius and Morelia Spilota Cheynei
INTRAVENOUS ALFAXALONE ANAESTHESIA IN TWO SQUAMATE SPECIES: EUBLEPHARIS MACULARIUS AND MORELIA SPILOTA CHEYNEI Tesi per il XXIX Ciclo del Dottorato in Scienze Veterinarie, Curriculum Scienze Cliniche Veterinarie Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, Universita’ degli Studi di Messina Tutor: Prof. Filippo Spadola Cotutor: Prof. Zdenek Knotek Dr. Manuel Morici Sommario L’anestesia negli Squamati è una costante sfida della medicina e chirurgia dei rettili. Le differenze morfo-fisiologiche di questi taxa, rendono difficilmente applicabile i comuni concetti di anestesiologia veterinaria usati con successo negli altri animali da compagnia. Diversi protocolli anestetici sono stati utilizzati, sia per l’induzione che per il mantenimento, sia negli ofidi che nei sauri, ma con risultati variabili. Di fatti la maggior parte dei protocolli risultano in induzione o recuperi troppo brevi o troppo lunghi. L’obbiettivo di questa tesi dottorale è di valutare l’efficacia di un anestetico steroideo (alfaxalone), somministrato per via endovenosa in due specie di squamati usati come modello: il geco leopardo (Eublepharis macularius) e il pitone tappeto (Morelia spilota cheynei). Due metodi di somministrazione endovenosa (vena giugulare nei gechi e vena caudale nei serpenti) sono stati analizzati e descritti, usando un dosaggio di anestetico di 5 mg/kg in 20 gechi leopardo, e di 10 mg/kg in 10 pitoni tappeto. Nei gechi il tempo di induzione, il tempo di perdita del tono mandibolare, l’intervallo di anestesia chirurgica e il recupero completo sono stati rispettivamente di 27.5 ± 30.7 secondi, 1.3 ± 1.4 minuti, 12.5 ± 2.2 minuti and 18.8 ± 12.1 minuti. Nei pitoni tappeto, il tempo di induzione, la perdita di sensazione, il tempo di inserimento del tubo endotracheale, l’intervallo di anestesia chirurgica e il recupero sono stati rispettivamente di 3.1±0.8 minuti, 5.6±0.7 minuti, 6.9±0.9 minuti, 18.8±4.7 minuti, e 36.7±11.4 minuti. -
Frogs & Reptiles NE Vic 2018 Online
Reptiles and Frogs of North East Victoria An Identication and Conservation Guide Victorian Conservation Status (DELWP Advisory List) cr critically endangered en endangered Reptiles & Frogs vu vulnerable nt near threatened dd data deficient L Listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (FFG, 1988) Size: of North East Victoria Lizards, Dragons & Skinks: Snout-vent length (cm) Snakes, Goannas: Total length (cm) An Identification and Conservation Guide Lowland Copperhead Highland Copperhead Carpet Python Gray's Blind Snake Nobbi Dragon Bearded Dragon Ragged Snake-eyed Skink Large Striped Skink Frogs: Snout-vent length male - M (mm) Snout-vent length female - F (mm) Austrelaps superbus 170 (NC) Austrelaps ramsayi 115 (PR) Morelia spilota metcalfei – en L 240 (DM) Ramphotyphlops nigrescens 38 (PR) Diporiphora nobbi 8.4 (PR) Pogona barbata – vu 25 (DM) Cryptoblepharus pannosus Snout-Vent 3.5 (DM) Ctenotus robustus Snout-Vent 12 (DM) Guide to symbols Venomous Lifeform F Fossorial (burrows underground) T Terrestrial Reptiles & Frogs SA Semi Arboreal R Rock-dwelling Habitat Type Alpine Bog Montane Forests Alpine Grassland/Woodland Lowland Grassland/Woodland White-lipped Snake Tiger Snake Woodland Blind Snake Olive Legless Lizard Mountain Dragon Marbled Gecko Copper-tailed Skink Alpine She-oak Skink Drysdalia coronoides 40 (PR) Notechis scutatus 200 (NC) Ramphotyphlops proximus – nt 50 (DM) Delma inornata 13 (DM) Rankinia diemensis Snout-Vent 7.5 (NC) Christinus marmoratus Snout-Vent 7 (PR) Ctenotus taeniolatus Snout-Vent 8 (DM) Cyclodomorphus praealtus -
Chicago Academy of Sciences, Vol. 7, No. 2
BULLETIN OF THE CHICAGO ACADEMY OF SCIENCES A SYNOPSIS OF THE AMERICAN FORMS OF AGKISTRODON (COPPERHEADS AND MOCCASINS) BY HOWARD K. GLOYD Chicago Academy of Sciences AND ROGER CONANT Philadelphia Zoological Society CHICAGO Published by the Academy 1943 The Bulletin of the Chicago Academy of Sciences was initiated in 1883 and volumes 1 to 4 were published prior to June, 1913. During the following twenty-year period it was not issued. Volumes 1, 2, and 4 contain technical or semi-technical papers on various subjects in the natural sciences. Volume 3 contains museum reports, descriptions of museum exhibits, and announcements. Publication of the Bulletin was resumed in 1934 with volume 5 in the present format. It is now regarded as an outlet for short to moderate-sized original papers on natural history, in its broad sense, by members of the museum staff, members of the Academy, and for papers by other authors which are based in considerable part upon the collections of the Academy. It is edited by the Director of the Museum with the assistance of a committee from the Board of Scientific. Governors.. The separate numbers are issued at irregular intervals and distributed to libraries and scientific organizations, and to specialists with whom the Academy maintains exchanges. A reserve is set aside for future need as exchanges and the remainder of the edition offered for sale at a nominal price. When a suffi- cient number of pages have been printed to form a volume of convenient size, a title page, table of contents, and index are supplied to libraries and institutions which receive the entire series. -
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. -
Conservation Advice for the Karst Springs and Associated Alkaline Fens of the Naracoorte Coastal Plain Bioregion
The Threatened Species Scientific Committee provided their advice to the Minister on 31 July 2020. The Minister approved this Conservation Advice on 3 December 2020 and agreed that no recovery plan is required at this time. Conservation Advice1 for the Karst springs and associated alkaline fens of the Naracoorte Coastal Plain Bioregion This document combines the approved conservation advice and listing assessment for the threatened ecological community. It provides a foundation for conservation action and further planning. Karst springs and alkaline fens, Ewen Ponds © Copyright, Anthony Hoffman Conservation Status The Karst springs and associated alkaline fens of the Naracoorte Coastal Bioregion is listed in the Endangered category of the threatened ecological communities list under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The ecological community was assessed by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee, who found it to be eligible for listing as Endangered and recommended that a recovery plan is not required at this time. The Committee’s assessment and recommendations are at Section 6. The Committee’s assessment of the eligibility against each of the listing criteria is: Criterion 1: Vulnerable Criterion 2: Endangered Criterion 3: Insufficient data Criterion 4: Endangered Criterion 5: Insufficient data Criterion 6: Insufficient data The main factors that make the threatened ecological community eligible for listing in the Endangered category are its historic losses to drainage, clearing and resulting fragmentation, and ongoing threats to its integrity and function, particularly from hydrological changes. The Karst springs and associated alkaline fens of the Naracoorte Coastal Plain Bioregion occurs within country (the traditional lands) of the Boandik and the Gunditjmara peoples.