Tiger Snake

## Description

Tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus ) are a large and highly venomous snake of southern Australia, including its coastal islands and Tasmania. These snakes are often observered and locally well known by their banding, black and yellow like a tiger, although the species can be highly variable in coloration and patterning. All populations are classified within the genus Notechis (Elapidae), their diverse characteristics have been classified either as distinct species or by subspecies and regional variation.

While tiger snakes are usually ground-dwelling, they are able to swim through water and climb into trees and buildings.

## Appearance

The Tiger snake is a highly venomous snake species found in the southern regions of Australia. These snakes are highly variable in their color, often banded like those on a tiger. The patterning is darker bands, strongly contrasting or indistinct, which are pale to very dark in color. The coloration is composed of olive, yellow, orange-brown, or jet-black; the underside of these snakes is light yellow or orange.

## Distribution

Tiger snakes are distributed from the south of Western Australia through to South Australia, Tasmania, including Savage River National Park up through Victoria, and New South Wales. These snakes are usually found in coastal regions, where they favor wetlands, creeks, dams, and other habitats around watercourses, or at shelters near permanent sources of water in pastoral areas

## Behavior

Tiger snakes live a solitary life and interact only for mating. They are active during the day but may also be active on warmer nights. During cool days they will shelter in abandoned burrows of other animals, under large boulders, and in trees. They may also go up to 1 m (3.3 ft) underground. They often hunt in water and can stay submerged for up to 9 minutes. Tiger snakes are ground-dwelling creatures but may also climb trees and bushes. They are highly venomous and dangerous to humans. They usually avoid people, but if disturbed or feeling in danger, they may attack. When threatened, Tiger snakes flatten their bodies and raise their heads above the ground in a classic prestrike stance.

## Venom

Tiger snakes accounted for 17% of identified snakebite victims in Australia between 2005 and 2015, with four deaths recorded from 119 confirmed envenomations.

Tiger snake venoms possess potent neurotoxins, coagulants, haemolysins, and myotoxins. Symptoms of a bite include localized pain in the foot and neck region, tingling, numbness, and sweating, followed by a fairly rapid onset of breathing difficulties and paralysis. In a study, the mortality rate from untreated bites is reported to be between 40 and 60%.

Treatment is the same for all Australian venomous snakes. The pressure immobilization method is used to inhibit the flow of venom through the lymphatic system. Broad, thick bandages are applied over the bite, then down and back along the limb to the armpit or groin. The affected limb is then immobilized with a splint. Identification of the venom is possible if traces are left near the wound. Identifying the snake is not necessary if bitten in Tasmania, because the same antivenom is used to treat all Tasmanian snakes' bites. The availability of antivenom has greatly reduced the incidence of fatal tiger snake bites. Among the number of deaths caused by snakebite in Australia, those from tiger snakes are exceeded only by the brown snake. The venom yield is 35-65 mg, while the lethal dose for humans is 3 mg.

## Diet

Tiger snakes are carnivores. They mainly feed on frogs but also consume other reptiles, fish, birds, and small mammals.

## Reproduction

Tiger snakes usually mate in spring and during this time males fight with each other for breeding rights. Females give birth to 20-30 live young usually in summer. The young are born independent and don't additional care from their mother.

## Population

### Population threats

Tiger snakes are threatened by habitat destruction through overgrazing, soil erosion, water pollution, and fires. These snakes are also persecuted by humans because of fear.

### Population number

According to IUCN, the Tiger snake is locally common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.