Introduction
Brisbane, Australia, is not only known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife but also for its snake population. While some snakes in the area are venomous, many non-venomous snake species inhabit this region as well. In this blog post, we'll introduce you to the top 10 non-venomous snakes found in Brisbane, shedding light on these fascinating reptiles that play essential roles in the local ecosystem.
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Carpet Python (Morelia spilota)
The Carpet Python is one of the most commonly encountered non-venomous snakes in Brisbane. These impressive snakes are excellent climbers and can often be found around houses and in trees, hunting for birds and small mammals. -
Green Tree Snake (Dendrelaphis punctulata) With its vibrant green coloration and slender body, the Green Tree Snake is an arboreal species commonly spotted in Brisbane's trees and shrubs. They primarily feed on small vertebrates and are harmless to humans.
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Brown Tree Snake (Boiga irregularis) Another tree-dwelling species, the Brown Tree Snake, is a skilled climber. It is easily recognizable by its slender body, large eyes, and distinctive coloration, featuring various shades of brown.
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Eastern Small-eyed Snake (Cryptophis nigrescens) Despite its name, the Eastern Small-eyed Snake is quite common in Brisbane. These nocturnal snakes have a relatively small distribution range and are harmless to humans.
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Eastern Water Dragon (Intellagama lesueurii)
The Eastern Water Dragon is a semi-aquatic lizard, not a snake, but it's worth mentioning due to its frequent presence around Brisbane's waterways. These lizards are often seen basking on rocks or swimming in creeks and rivers. While non-venomous its jaw is strong and has quite a mean bite. -
Keelback Snake (Tropidonophis mairii) The Keelback Snake is a semi-aquatic snake found in and around water bodies. Unlike most other non-venomous snakes, it primarily preys on frogs. It's known for its distinctive keeled scales.
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Diamond Python (Morelia spilota spilota) This subspecies of the Carpet Python is renowned for its striking diamond-shaped patterns, which give it its name. Diamond Pythons are often seen in the hinterlands and rainforests near Brisbane.
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Common Tree Snake (Dendrelaphis punctulata) The Common Tree Snake closely resembles the Green Tree Snake but has different color variations, including brown, yellow, and blue. It's an agile climber and often seen in suburban gardens.
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Pale-headed Snake (Hoplocephalus bitorquatus) The Pale-headed Snake, as the name suggests, has a distinctive pale head and body. These terrestrial snakes are found in forested and open woodland areas in Brisbane.
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Golden Crowned Snake (Cacophis squamulosus) The Golden Crowned Snake is a small, secretive snake with a golden crown-shaped marking on its head. It is mainly found in rainforest habitats and is harmless to humans.
Conclusion
Brisbane's diverse ecosystem is home to a wide range of non-venomous snake species, each with its unique characteristics and habits. While these snakes are generally harmless to humans, it's essential to respect their natural habitats and observe them from a safe distance. By understanding and appreciating these non-venomous snakes, we can coexist with the rich biodiversity that Brisbane has to offer.