Sydney Snakes

Diamond Python

Appearance: The Diamond Python is a visually striking snake renowned for its captivating diamond-like yellow patterns that run the entire length of its back. Their underbelly is a contrasting pale creamy colour, making them easily distinguishable. The typical Python feature is their triangular head. As for size, females of the species tend to be larger, reaching lengths of up to 2 metres. On the other hand, males are comparatively smaller, with an average length ranging between 60cm to 1 metre.

Habitat: Being arboreal in nature, Diamond Pythons primarily inhabit trees. However, it's not uncommon to find them making homes in roofs and taking advantage of natural crevices on rock ledges. Their preferred hideouts are hollow logs and burrows when they are on the ground.

Diet: Diamond Pythons have a varied diet but predominantly feed on marsupials. They are also known to consume other reptiles and small mammals like rats and mice. Being constrictors, they do not possess venom to subdue their prey. Instead, they have evolved a unique method of constriction. They encircle their prey, squeezing it with immense force. While they do this, they also use their mouth, equipped with hundreds of sharp, rear-facing teeth, to hold onto the prey. This combination of constriction and grip ensures the prey cannot escape and eventually succumbs.

Safety Note: Despite their intimidating appearance and predatory nature, Diamond Pythons pose little threat to humans due to their non-venomous nature. However, like all wildlife, they should be treated with respect and caution. It's best to avoid trying to handle or disturb them if encountered.

Conservation Note: The Diamond Python, like many other species, benefits from the conservation of their natural habitats. Efforts to preserve forests and natural landscapes ensure these creatures can continue to thrive without getting too close to human settlements.

Red-Bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus)

Appearance: The Red-Bellied Black Snake is an unmistakable reptile known for its glossy black upper body, which contrasts sharply with its vivid red flanks. Adult specimens can grow to an average length of around 1.5 metres, giving them a commanding presence in their natural habitat.

Behaviour: During the mating season, male Red-Bellied Black Snakes exhibit an intriguing behaviour. They engage in combat with other males in a display of dominance. This ritualistic combat is a spectacle, as the snakes intertwine and wrestle, each trying to overpower the other.

Diet: Being diurnal, these snakes are active during the day. Their varied diet consists mainly of frogs – a testament to their affinity for water bodies. However, their menu doesn't stop there; they also consume lizards, small mammals, and even other snakes, showcasing their adaptability and predatory prowess.

Habitat: The presence of water is a common theme in the habitats preferred by the Red-Bellied Black Snake. They are frequently spotted near ponds, creeks, dams, and other freshwater sources where they hunt for prey. This association with water means that human encounters with this snake are often near these wet habitats.

Caution: Although they are not as aggressive as some other venomous snakes, the Red-Bellied Black Snake is highly venomous. A bite, while rare, can be dangerous. Therefore, it's essential to exercise caution when in areas where these snakes are known to inhabit. If bitten, seek medical attention immediately.

Conservation Note: Understanding and respecting the habitats and behaviours of such snakes can help prevent unnecessary confrontations and conserve these magnificent creatures. Reducing habitat destruction and being cautious near water bodies can keep both humans and snakes safe.

Highland Copperhead (Austrelaps ramsayi)

Appearance: The Highland Copperhead exhibits a somewhat subdued but elegant colour palette. Its upper body generally presents shades ranging from mid-brown to dark brown or grey. This colouration beautifully contrasts with its underbelly, which is a creamy yellow. This yellow may be tinged with an alluring red hue in certain lights or instances.

Habitat: Native to the colder climates, the Highland Copperhead is predominantly found in areas like the Blue Mountains and the Southern Highlands. Their preference leans towards higher altitudes and chillier environments. While they can occasionally be spotted within the boundaries of Sydney, such sightings are rare, making them more of an occasional visitor than a resident. In their chosen habitats, they frequent dams and grassy terrains, indicative of their need for both water and open spaces.

Behaviour: In terms of disposition, the Highland Copperhead can be described as shy and retiring. Unlike some snake species that may exhibit aggressive behaviours when confronted, the Highland Copperhead is more likely to retreat or hide, minimizing chances of encounters with humans.

Caution: Despite its reticent nature, it's important to note that the Highland Copperhead is a highly venomous snake. As such, any encounter should be approached with utmost caution. It's always best to give any wild snake a wide berth and not attempt to handle or corner it. While not common due to its shy nature, a bite from this snake can have serious implications. Immediate medical attention should be sought if bitten.

Conservation Note: The unique habitats preferred by the Highland Copperhead make it vital to conserve these colder, high-altitude regions. Respecting their natural environment and minimizing disruptions can ensure that this species, and many others, continues to thrive.

Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus)

Appearance: The Tiger Snake boasts a unique and variable appearance, which can sometimes lead to confusion with other species. In the Sydney Basin, they predominantly exhibit banded patterns of tan and grey. However, in other regions, their colour and pattern might differ considerably.

Habitat: Tiger Snakes have a strong preference for cooler regions, especially those in proximity to permanent water sources like ponds, lakes, or swamps. Their habitat choice is closely linked to their diet, as they predominantly feed on frogs. Due to this dietary preference, they are frequently found in areas where frogs thrive.

Behaviour: While they are mainly diurnal, meaning they are active during the day, Tiger Snakes are also known for their distinct defensive behaviours. When threatened, they may exhibit a series of warnings, such as flattening their bodies or raising their heads, before resorting to a bite. Their prevalence in urban and suburban areas, especially places with suitable habitats, has heightened the chances of human encounters.

Caution: Tiger Snakes are among Australia's most venomous species. While they might exhibit warning behaviours before striking, it's crucial to exercise extreme caution when in areas where these snakes are known to be present. A bite can be life-threatening and demands immediate medical attention. As always, the best policy is to avoid confronting or cornering the snake and to give it ample space to retreat.

Conservation and Awareness Note: As with many other snake species, the encroachment of urban development into their natural habitats has increased the likelihood of human-snake encounters. Proper education about these snakes, their behaviours, and their habitats can help prevent confrontations and ensure safety. It's essential to respect their role in the ecosystem and support conservation efforts for their natural habitats.

Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis)

Appearance: The Eastern Brown Snake is characterized by its slender physique and can display a variety of hues from pale brown to grey. It's essential to note that juveniles might have bands down their body, leading to potential confusion with other species like the Tiger Snake. Adult Eastern Brown Snakes can grow to lengths up to and sometimes exceeding 2 metres.

Habitat: Originally native to grasslands and woodlands, habitat destruction has driven these snakes to traverse through various terrains, including backyards, sheds, and even inside houses. Their adaptability has allowed them to survive in various environments, often coming into closer contact with humans due to the search for food and shelter.

Behaviour: While they can be aggressive when threatened or cornered, the Eastern Brown Snake generally prefers flight over fight. However, due to their venom potency, they are considered one of the most dangerous snakes in Australia.

Diet: These snakes have a diverse diet, but their primary food sources are small mammals. Their menu extends to birds, other reptiles, and frogs, reflecting their adaptability and prowess as hunters.

Caution: The Eastern Brown Snake's venom is highly potent, and a bite from this snake can be fatal. Their prevalence, especially in populated areas due to habitat loss, means encounters might be more frequent. If you come across one, it's paramount to maintain a safe distance and not provoke or corner the snake. In the unfortunate event of a bite, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.

Conservation and Awareness Note: The migration of Eastern Brown Snakes into more urban settings is primarily due to habitat destruction. Efforts to preserve their native habitats and create awareness among communities can minimize confrontations. Proper education on identifying, understanding, and coexisting with these snakes can ensure safety for both humans and the snakes.

Green Tree Snake

Appearance: The Green Tree Snake's slender and sleek body is instantly recognizable. It boasts large, expressive eyes that give it a distinctive look. Its dorsal side can range from green to olive green, even black in some cases, while its underbelly often sports a pale yellow hue extending to the throat.

Habitat: Found predominantly along the east coast of Australia and Papua New Guinea, the Green Tree Snake can adapt to a variety of environments. From forests to woodlands to urban settings, this snake is versatile in terms of habitat choice.

Diet: Being diurnal creatures, Green Tree Snakes are active hunters during the day and seek out frogs, water skinks, and other small reptiles. Their palate also includes fish, small mammals, and geckos, showcasing their adaptability as predators.

Reproduction: When it comes to reproduction, the Green Tree Snake lays between 5-12 elongated eggs per clutch.

Behaviour and Defense: Despite being non-venomous, the Green Tree Snake has a few defence mechanisms up its sleeve. When threatened, it might release an unpleasant odour to deter potential predators. While they have teeth, it's worth noting that they might resort to biting if cornered or provoked. Mostly, their first instinct upon noticing a human is to make a swift escape.

Safety and Awareness Note: The Green Tree Snake is essentially harmless to humans, but like all wildlife, it should be treated with respect. If you encounter one, it's best to observe from a distance and let it go on its way. As they are non-aggressive by nature, any confrontation can usually be avoided by giving the snake space and not cornering or attempting to handle it.

Death Adder

Appearance: The Death Adder is a distinctive snake in terms of its morphology and colouration. It boasts a stout, robust frame, making it stand apart from more slender snakes. While relatively short, they exhibit banded colours ranging from reds and greys to multicoloured stripes, particularly in Northern Australia. Although they can reach lengths of up to 100 cm, most are typically found in the 30 to 60 cm range.

Habitat: Death Adders exhibit impressive adaptability when it comes to their habitat. They are adept at camouflaging among loose leaf litter from dense forests to open grasslands and woodlands. Their exceptional camouflage ability aids their hunting strategy, making them nearly invisible among leaves or sand.

Behavior: One of the more fascinating aspects of the Death Adder is its hunting technique. An ambush predator, the snake often buries itself in leaf litter or sand, exposing only the tip of its tail. This tail is wriggled and used as a lure to attract potential prey. This tactic, combined with its incredible speed and potent venom, makes it a formidable predator.

Reproduction: In terms of reproduction, Death Adders are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. A female Death Adder can give birth to a brood of up to 20 live young, a sizeable number for snake litters.

Diet: Birds constitute a primary portion of the Death Adder's diet. However, being opportunistic predators, they are also known to consume small mammals when available.

Caution and Awareness: Given their potent venom and effective camouflage, it's vital to exercise extreme caution in areas where Death Adders are known to inhabit. Disturbing leaf litter with hands or feet in such regions should be avoided. One should seek immediate medical attention if bitten, as the venom can be life-threatening. Always remember to respect their space and role in the ecosystem, observing from a safe distance.

Golden Crown Snake

Appearance: The Golden Crown Snake is a relatively small snake that stands out due to its distinctive crown of golden scales on its head, lending to its namesake. Growing up to 75 cm, its size and crown make it relatively easy to identify among other species.

Habitat: Native to the Sydney region and coastal areas of New South Wales, the Golden Crown Snake primarily resides in sandstone regions and dense forests. Such habitats offer both protection and ample prey for these snakes.

Behaviour: Being nocturnal, the Golden Crown Snake is most active during the night. Their encounters with domestic cats are not uncommon, as they often wander into human-inhabited areas, especially if drawn by potential prey or shelter.

Diet: Golden Crowned Snakes have a varied diet but predominantly feed on lizards. They also consume frogs and blind snakes, showcasing their adaptability and broad palate.

Reproduction: The reproductive cycle of the Golden Crown Snake is relatively precise. Females lay a clutch of 2-15 eggs typically in January. These eggs hatch around March, giving birth to the next generation of these unique snakes.

Safety and Awareness Note: While they are venomous, the Golden Crown Snake is not generally considered dangerous to humans. Nevertheless, as with all snakes, it's essential to treat them with respect and caution. It's always best to observe from a safe distance and not attempt to handle or provoke them. If bitten or if you suspect a bite, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately.