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There a twenty-seven
species of terrestrial snakes to be found in the Brisbane area. The
most common species
reported are the carpet python, common tree snake, and yellow-faced
whip snake.
Australia has some of the world's most
venomous snakes and about two-thirds of these are found in and around
Brisbane. You can find snakes in almost any Brisbane suburban backyard
and even in the
city centre.
Of the dangerous snakes, the Eastern Brown snake is now the only species regularly
found in Brisbane suburbs. The others are uncommon or absent in most parts.
Eastern Brown snakes are more common at the mouth of the Brisbane River and west of Indooroopilly. Red-bellied black snakes have become very rare since the introduction of the cane toad.
Snake identification is difficult. Colour seems an obvious
feature but in many cases, colour patterns vary particularly with very
dangerous snakes where individuals of the same species may be very different in
colour and different species can be similar. So treat all snakes as if they are
venomous, that way you can't go wrong. Remember, most victims of snakebites are
those who have tried to kill or interfere with the animal. The best advise is
when you see snake, leave it alone
and walk the other way.
Reptiles
will move considerable distances in search of food, shelter and a mate.
Preventing them entering your yard may be difficult, but reducing the risk of
snakebite is possible. To reduce
the chances of snake bite incidents:
- Remove rubbish piles and sheets
of tin that provide shelter to snakes
- Think twice about keeping caged
birds especially chickens. These attract rodents which in turn attract
snakes
- Wear long trousers and
protective footwear in long grass (rubber Wellingtons boots are best)
- Carry a torch outside at night
Snakes of Brisbane and surrounding areas include:
The Coastal Taipan, a venomous snake, is regarded as Queensland's most dangerous snake and is found along the length of eastern, coastal Queensland in dry forests, grasslands and
cultivated areas. It occurs outside the Greater Brisbane area including Canungra, Camp Mountain, Closeburn and Ipswich. The Coastal Taipan is active by day, feeding on small mammals including rats and bandicoots. Seek urgent medical attention for all
suspected bites. The
common Death Adder, a highly venomous snake, rates as the third most dangerous snake in Queensland. It is found across the Gulf of Carpentaria, the base of Cape York and down the eastern half of Queensland. It inhabits a range of habitats excluding rainforests. It is rare to absent in Brisbane and can be found in undisturbed eucalypt forest under leaf litter in areas just outside of Brisbane including Mt Nebo and Mt Glorious. The Death Adder is active by day and night. It catches prey by wiggling the end of its tail as a lure to attract small mammals, birds, and lizards. Seek urgent medical attention for all
suspected bites. The Eastern Brown snake is a venomous snake that ranks fourth most dangerous snake in Queensland and is the most dangerous snake commonly seen over much of Queensland. This snake is not commonly seen in well settled, busy areas yet quite common in bushland and the more rural areas west of Indooroopilly. The Eastern Brown snake is active during the day and feeds on frogs, birds, mammals and reptiles.
It will rear up, adopting
an ‘S' pattern strike posture, and will bite if cornered or provoked. Seek urgent medical attention for any suspected bites. The Tiger snake, a
highly venomous snake, rates as the fifth most dangerous Queensland snake. It is not found in the Brisbane area although the Queensland Museum has a single specimen labelled from
Stradbroke Island. The Tiger Snake is found in moist dense rainforest including Bunya Mountains and Lamington Plateau. Also found in swampy wallum communities including Caloundra and Beerwah. Seek urgent medical attention for all suspected bites. The Red-bellied Black snake
rates ninth as the most dangerous snake in Queensland Its It has a contrast of
colours of shiny black above to red/bright pink on its belly extending to lower
body flanks. Active during the day, the
Red-bellied Black
snake feeds on frogs, small
mammals and reptiles. This snake was once quite common across Brisbane but is
now restricted to cooler areas north and south
of Brisbane where numbers of cane toads
are
quite low or absent. This snake is dangerous so s eek urgent medical attention
for all suspected bites. The Spotted
Black snake, also called blue-bellied black snake, rates tenth
on Queensland's most dangerous snakes list. It frequents open forest,
grassland, and pasture and cultivation on black soil, preferring dry areas to
the north and west of Brisbane including Ipswich, Mt Crosby, Lockyer and Brisbane Valleys. The Spotted Black snake feeds on
frogs, small reptiles and mammals. Being a dangerous snake, seek urgent medical attention for all
suspected bites. The Rough-scaled snake
is the eleventh most dangerous Queensland snake and is found in tall open
forests, heaths and rainforests of coastal north-east and south-east
Queensland. It is more common in hinterland areas around Brisbane including the D'Aguilar Range.
The Rough-scaled snake is active during day and night, feeding on frogs,
lizards and small mammals and is known to climb. Urgent medical attention required for all suspected bites. The Small-eyed snake is rated the
twelfth most dangerous snake in Queensland. It issometimes mistaken for
red-bellied black due to its pink belly and dark shiny body. The Small-eyed
snake is found in forest and heath through eastern Queensland south of Cairns and commonly found in all Brisbane suburbs. A nocturnal snake, it favours
dark areas under sheets of tin, rocks and bark on fallen logs, feeding on small
reptiles. Being venomous, seek urgent
medical attention if bitten. The Carpet Python is recorded in
Brisbane more than any other species. It is
a large, conspicuous snake often attracted to birds in cages and chickens in
backyard pens. It climbs well and is an important predator of serious pests
such as introduced rats and mice and as such is welcomed by some rural
landholders to live in roofs to control rodents. All pythons are non-venomous,
killing their prey by constriction from body coils thrown over prey. The
average size of a python is up to 2.5 metres, but larger specimens have been
recorded. The colour of the Green Tree snake
varies from black through to shades of grey, olive, blue, and emerald green.
This is a harmless, non-venomous, agile climber, that feeds mainly on frogs and
small reptiles. This snake is active both day and night. Pale blue flecking
between scales become visible when it feels harassed. Its anal gland also emits
pungent secretion to deter predators. You'll find the Green Tree snake around
lush vegetation, particularly around frog ponds. The White-crowned snake is common
in all Brisbane suburbs including the inner city. It is as frequently
encountered as common tree snake and inhabits compost heaps and damp areas of
the garden. This is a nocturnal snake, weakly venomous and feeds on small
reptiles. It strikes with its mouth shut in mock attack when harassed. Common and
frequently encountered throughout all Brisbane suburbs, the Yellow-faced Whip
snake is widespread across Australia. With active, quick movements
during day, it feeds on small lizards. Potentially dangerous, medical attention needed for bites. The Brown Tree snake is
common in all Brisbane suburbs. It is a nocturnal, weakly venomous,
agile climber who preys on birds and small mammals. It adopts a strike pose
with its body retracted in an 'S' pattern ready to attack when provoked. The
Brown Tree snake has a bulbous head with cat-like eyes meeting a slender body.
It is also known as 'night tiger' because of its reputation as strike-ready and
and because of the banded pattern on its body. The Marsh snake is found
in all Brisbane suburbs. It frequents wet habitats including rainforest,
creeks, swamps and well-watered dense gardens. Being active mainly by day, it feeds
on frogs and small reptiles. This snake is harmless. Common throughout
lowland areas of Brisbane near watercourses and marsh areas, the Keelback prefers
moist habitat and forages under low-lying vegetation, logs and sheets of
corrugated iron. This snake is known to eat young cane toads and eggs, but
usually feeds on frogs and occasionally lizards. This non-venomous snake is active
day and night. The Keelback is also known as the 'Swamp Tiger' due to its striped
darker body markings and preference for swampy areas. Some backyard encounters may involve a small snake-like creature,
the Legless Lizard. Uunlike snakes, Legless Lizards have external ear openings,
broad fleshy tongues and belly scales the same size as body scales. Remnants of
hind limbs (flaps) can also be seen. Legless lizards are non-venomous burrowers
that frequent moist, dark areas. They feed on insects and small reptiles, and
are usually found in or near the compost bin and vegetable garden or under leaf
litter. |
Brisbane Shopping
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The new DFO at Jindalee opened 16 November 2007. There are many outlets at Jindalee's DFO. Here is a list to help you find what you need (and want).
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Fun Stuff
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When looking to dine out in Brisbane, it is helpful to understand the different
precincts for
restaurants in Brisbane.
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