The Papagaia (B. bilineatus), whose green colour ensures camouflage among the foliage of the trees, is one of the 12 species of snake found in the Alto Juruá region in Acre.
Personal archive of the author, Paulo Bernarde
A snake bite in a remote area of the Amazon can literally be a matter of life and death. Amazon+10 Initiative study collects snakes to improve the serums available in the region
Puff adders leave linear, sometimes slightly undulating traces.
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Over 150 types of venomous snake live in Australia. But deaths from snakebite are vanishingly rare. From snake behaviour to human innovation, here are the reasons why.
Whether you’re hoping to maximise your chances of seeing one of these shy, fascinating critters or wanting to avoid them at all costs, this article is for you.
How have snakes evolved venom fangs so many times in their evolutionary history? Research suggests it’s due to a structure called ‘plicidentine’ in their teeth that can evolve into venom grooves.
Spitting cobras use their venom for defence.
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As well as my work as a sociologist, I’m also a professional snake catcher. I don’t expect people to love snakes, but I believe they should know more about them - and it’s not all bad.
Black mamba venom can be lethal.
Photograph courtesy Thomas Birkenbach
Not much is known about the pathology of trauma of black mamba bites – that is, what the black mamba’s toxin does, physically, inside a victim’s system.
The Mohave rattlesnake — poster child for venom variation among rattlesnakes.
W. Wüster
The best cure against a snakebite is to avoid being bitten at all. Here is what you need to know about snakebites, antivenom, and what you need to do if bitten.
A pair of rare sea snakes, thought to be extinct, sighted off Western Australia’s mid-north coast in 2015. Our stunning range of serpents inspire fear, but is that fair?
AAP Image/WA Parks and Wildlife/Grant Griffin
For over a century Australia’s venomous snakes have been counted amongst the world’s deadliest, yet human fatalities remain strikingly rare. How did our snakes develop such a fearsome reputation?
Puff adders display diverse predatory strategies. This shows they have higher cognitive abilities than previously thought.
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Australia’s snakes, spiders and other venomous critters tend to strike fear in many people. But is Australia’s reputation as a nation of deadly creatures deserved?