Australian Reptiles

Due in part to Australia's geographic isolation from the other parts of the world, the country has developed unique reptile species not found anywhere else on earth. Australian Reptiles continued to adapt independently from those in the rest of the world when, about 15 million years ago, Australia's climate became more arid and desert-like. Australia is also the only continent in which venomous snakes outnumber non-venomous snakes. ¹

Fast Facts

1. 765 species of reptiles²
2. 136 genera²
3. 17 families²
4. Endangered status for 11 species³
5. Vulnerable status for 41 species ³
6. Recommendation for Rare and Insufficiently Known status for 152 species ³
7. 270 species first described in last 2 decades ³
8. 110 land snakes and 32 sea snakes ⁴

Most Dangerous Snakes

1. Taipan⁴
2. Fierce Snake ⁴
3. Death Adder ⁴
4. Common or Eastern Brown Snake ⁴

First Aid for Snake Bites

There are approximately 3,000 reported snake bites annually of which 200 to 500 require anti-venom treatment, yet only one or two result in death. This is a vast improvement from 1906, when snake bites from the Death Adder and Tiger Snake alone resulted in a death rate of 40-50%. Today, when faced with a snake bite, washing the bite area will remove venom traces that are needed to determine the proper anti-venom. The lymphatic system is the means by which venom is spread throughout the body. Before transporting the bite victim, The Royal Australasian College of Surgery recommends immobilizing the bite area by splinting and bandaging firmly.⁵

Related Pages on Mahalo

Australian Birds | Reptiles | Australia

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