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Snakes are mysterious creatures about which legends compose. In today's article, we will consider the next representative of reptiles called the tiger snake. It is distinguished by its toxicity, lives in the vastness of Australia and other nearby territories. The poison is dangerous, so you must avoid meeting this reptile or be able to provide first aid in case of accident. We will study everything that affects the tiger representative, and consider its main features.
Description
- According to the pigmentation of the body of the snake can be modified. Its color begins with dark brown, ends with dirty green with transverse stripes. In some climatic regions, creeping individuals are painted exclusively black, which makes them even more intimidating.
- The final size also varies depending on which region a particular individual lives in. One thing is certain, the average value is about 2 m.
- In color, tiger scales, similar to tigers, as the name implies. The case is black, strewn with orange rings. The abdominal section is yellowish. It is unlikely to confuse this snake with someone else.
- A pair of poisonous fangs is conveniently located in the oral cavity on the upper jaw. They have grooves. A characteristic feature is considered that the teeth of other reptiles are covered like tubules.
- The tiger representative of the family has an arranged apparatus. The muscle part, which is conveniently located near the poisonous gland, begins to contract in the process of defeating the victim. Poison spills from the tooth, which literally immediately affects the prey, penetrating into its body.
- When a toxic substance enters the central nervous system, it immediately attacks it. Against this background, the activity of the heart worsens, breathing becomes clogged, which leads to inevitable death. The diet of these snakes can include both small rodents and larger individuals, for example, gulls and other birds.
- Widespread snakes are observed in Australia. No wonder, because the local area is simply teeming with dangerous creatures due to special climatic conditions. Also found individuals in New Guinea. They like desert sites, meadows, pastures.
Virulence
- From all of the above, it can already be understood that the presented species of reptiles is ranked among the most dangerous and poisonous creatures. Accordingly, it is necessary to bypass them, avoiding a meeting.
- If a tiger specimen attacks a small or medium sized prey, it will die almost immediately. One important detail should be mentioned: the poisonous gland contains so much toxin that this amount can kill up to 4 hundred people at the same time.
- The danger lies also in the fertility of the individuals represented. The female is able to give life to 50 young cubs, which subsequently creep across Australia and other islands of the southern coast.
Nutrition
- The considered Australian reptiles are quite impressive in size. Tiger snakes have a massive and powerful jaw. This characteristic feature appeared due to the peculiar nutrition of individuals.
- The presented snakes prey exclusively on large prey. Most often they attack gulls. If we compare such reptiles with the West mainland species, the latter are not so massive. Therefore, the basis of their diet mainly includes eggs of birds, frogs, mice and birds.
- The largest distribution of tiger snakes is on the Australian continent. It is for the same reason that females annually give a huge amount of young animals.
Characteristics
- It is worth noting that it is better for a person not to meet with such a representative of reptiles. The snake is extremely dangerous. However, local residents are trying to assure tourists otherwise. They say that such individuals are rather cowardly and always the first to run away and not seek conflict.
- Local residents also say that reptiles never creep into people's homes and moreover do not rush first. Allegedly, the snakes themselves try to stay away from humans. Actually it is.
- All recorded cases of attack of individuals were at the time of self-defense. In addition, such snakes try to spend all daytime at rest. These reptiles do not move at all when resting. Therefore, it is easy to confuse it with a stick. People simply do not notice the animal and step on it.
Despite the toxicity and danger to humans, there were real fans of such a reptile. Snake connoisseurs even keep them at home. Depending on the time of year, the pet can stay awake for up to 14 hours. These snakes love to swim, so the terrarium must be equipped with a water tank.
Video: Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus)
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