New Tools For Cane Toad Control

More on the Frog Front!

New Tools for Cane Toad Control

From Environment and Conservation News

“New tools for cane toad control?  Recent discoveries in pheromones and parasites” was the title of a recent seminar at which some of Australia’s foremost researchers presented innovative research findings on cane toad biology.

Image from http://www.daylife.com/photo/08uH6rQbwabfd

The seminar was the second in the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre’s (IA CRC) “Breakthrough Seminar Series” and was opened by Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment Dr Sally Talbot.

Summarising his group’s research on the biology of the cane toad at Fogg Dam in the Northern Territory, Professor Rick Shine from the University of Sydney spoke about his and researcher Crystal Kelehear’s discovery of the parasitic lungworm Rhabdias.

Rhabdias has been identified as a possible control agent as it debilitates toads and slows their ability to spread.

This ecologically based approach to control still requires detailed studies to check that native frogs, like their eastern states counterparts from where the lungworm originates, are not significantly impacted by the parasite.

Other research presented at the seminar included a cane toad killing spray developed by Dr David Dall and the work of Professor Rob Capon from the University of Queensland.

Professor Capon’s research into the chemical ecology of cane toads, which builds on observational work by Professor Shine, has identified an alarm pheromone made by cane toad tadpoles when they are in distress which causes other tadpoles to fell.  It is hoped the pheromone can be isolated and used to disrupt cane toad reproduction.

Professor Shine is also collaborating with DEC Principal Research Scientist Dr David Pearson to study interactions between cane toads and Kimberley fauna.

“This will enable us to identify species at risk and thus establish conservation priorities,” David said.

Since December 2004, the State Government has allocated more than $10 million to address the threat of cane toads.  IA CRC Chief Executive Officer Professor Tony Peacock is reviewing the effectiveness of on-ground toad control to assist the State Government in making future investment decisions.

Recently reported in the news ...

Recently reported in the news ...

New Frog Species Turns Up In Kalbarri Sands
By Joseph Catanzaro

It might be small, but this tiny frog is creating quite a stir in the scientific community after it was discovered in the Kalbarri National Park, 150km north of Geraldton.

The southern sandhill frog, or Arenophryne xiphorhyncha, is a new species and was revealed yesterday at the WA Museum in Geraldton.

Photo above is of Arenophryne rotunda from www.frogsaustralia.net.au

Despite the fact it is believed the frog has lived in the sandhills of the National Park for as long as seven million years, scientists say the portly amphibian’s physical likeness to its cousin, the northern sandhill frog, has helped it evade being identified as a unique species until now.

WA Museum herpetologist Paul Doughty said the find was significant because it highlighted the fact a lot was left to be discovered about WA fauna.

“This species was found only 100km from Geraldton.  There’s probably about 100 species of frogs and reptile in Western Australia that remain undescribed,” he said.

Dr Doughty said the southern sandhill frog was unusual in that it used its big front legs to burrow head first through its sandy domain, unlike most Australian species which burrow backwards with their legs.  Atypically, the young do not go through a tadpole stage, instead females lay a big egg from which a miniature version of the adult frog emerges.

Dr Doughty said while the northern sandhill frog was discovered in 1976 in coastal dunes near Shark Bay, the first step towards the discovery of the southern sandhill frog did not occur until recently, after University of WA PhD student Danielle Edwards conducted genetic testing on a specimen found at Kalbarri. 

But the frog still retains one mystery.  “No one has heard its call yet,” Dr Doughty said.  “The males have to feel quite amorous before they will call.”

Sexing Reptiles

Pythons –

Woma Python

Long Necked Turtles –

Oblong Turtle

Western Bluetongue Lizards –

Bobtails or Shingleback Lizards –

Northern Green Tree Frogs –

Western Bearded Dragons –

Geckos –

Marbled Velvet Gecko

Giant Frog v Cane Toad

The Giant Frog v The Cane Toad

In the Kimberley regions of Western Australia and the Northern Territory, the Giant Frog (Cyclorana australis) is commonly mistaken for the despised Cane Toad.

Let’s see why….

The Giant Frog is big, it can reach up to 10cm in length. Adults are commonly brown with some darker markings and a few low warts and their toes are slightly webbed.  It is a native burrowing frog that commonly emerges after rain, giving the impression it’s suddenly arrived in the area.

http://www.cse.unsw.edu.au/~andrewt/

But the Giant Frog actually has many colour variations.  They range from grey to dull pink to green although they are most commonly brown.  Young Giant Frogs can be very bright green in colour.  They also have two longitudinal folds in their skin along the side of their body.  Their belly is white and there is a dark brown streak that starts on the tip of the frogs nose, past the ear and ends over the shoulder.

So how can you and I tell the difference between the two?

CALM’s pamphlet “Watch Out For Cane Toads” explains the basic differences.

David McClenaghan, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, www.forestryimages.org

CT has rigid eye sockets.  GF has smooth rounded eyes.

CT has bony ridges on its head.  GF has no bony ridges on its had and has a streak through its eye.

CT skin is warty, drier and leathery.  GF skin is smooth and moist.

CT has no bright colours.  GF has bright greens, reds and yellows.

CT toxic glands on the shoulder are obvious.  GF has no shoulder glands.

CT will generally sit still when approached.  When moving their preferred gait is to amble, but will hop reluctantly.  GF will  hop away when approached and generally flees with fear.

So if you see a frog that you think is a Cane Toad, take a second look!

If it is a Cane Toad don’t forget to ring CALM freecall on 1800 084 881.

Taking Petting Too Far

Can I Buy A Reptile From Another State?

Can I Buy A Reptile From Another State?

Yes you can, BUT….

You CANNOT import pythons from another state due to quarantine regulations.  Inclusion Body Disease (IBD) is an infectious disease (that causes death) amongst captive python populations in the Eastern States of Australia.  WA’s quarantine regulations will help prevent this disease from infecting and killing our wild and captive pythons over here as well.

Otherwise, you can buy a reptile from another state IF that reptile is on the Approved Reptiles Keepers List for our state.  Click here to view the list for Western Australia.

First you need a Keepers License to keep a reptile as a pet here in Western Australia. Click here to download an application form.

When importing a reptile from another state you also need to get an Import License approved and then your supplier can arrange the export license at their end (an export license is required per transaction).

An Import License from CALM at this end will cost you $30.00 per application plus:
$10.00 for every Category 2 animal you import
$25.00 for every Category 3 animal you import
$50.00 for every Category 4 animal you import and
$100.00 for every Category 5 animal you import.

Keep in mind there is also the cost of the freight, courier and airport fees.

By encouraging the breeding of our approved reptile species here in WA, we can reduce the need to import from other states and therefore the cost, and also reduce the stress on the animals being transported.

Toad Busting

Toad Busting

Reptile Trader Newsletter - Environment and Conservation News Oct/Nov 2006

NEWSLETTER

Environment and Conservation News – Oct/Nov 2006

“Briefly”

Live Cane Toad at Kununurra

A live cane toad has been captured in Kununurra.

Tony Davies and his partner Teresa Rush found the 10cm male cane toad while out walking their dog.

The toad was located on a grass verge opposite the town’s caravan park.

The cane toad was euthanased.

It’s most likely the toad had hitched a ride over the WA/NT border in a vehicle or caravan, given its proximity to the caravan park.

Surveillance and control are continuing in the Victoria River District of the Northern Territory to prevent the westward expansion of cane toads.

A New Way To Fight Cane Toads

(“Officeworks” extract)…

DEC’s Kununurra regional office has been a hub of activity lately with some new faces – one with a wet nose.

The first, and arguably the cutest, new face was that of Nifty – a Belgian Malinois that has been ‘employed’ as part of a world first to use a specially trained sniffer dog to hunt cane toads.  So far Nifty has been settling in and getting familiar with new duties, such as checking for ‘hitch hiker’ cane toads at the NT/WA boarder quarantine check point.

Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 Update

Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 Update

Schedule 4 Animals are Protected For Other Reasons.

These animals include our own:
Aspidites ramsayi – Woma or Ramsay’s Python
Morelia spilota imbricata – South West Carpet Python

DEC advises that Fauna is listed under Schedule Four for a number of reasons. It could be because of perceived threats to habitat, through land clearing, mineral exploitation, etc or because not enough is known about the species and its distribution.

Certainly the South West Carpet Python and the Woma Python fit into the land clearing part as both have had extensive tracts of natural home range cleared. They could also be listed because they are only in small distinct separate populations.
 

Wildlife Conservation Act 1950

Wildlife Conservation Act 1950

An interesting read is the Wildlife Conservation (Specially Protected Fauna) Notice 2005 in the Government Gazette, WA issued 8 February 2005.

This Notice lists:

• Fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct.
• Fauna presumed extinct.
• Fauna in need of protection for other reasons.

Reptiles – Rare or Likely to Become Extinct

Aprasia rostrata rostrata – Hermite Island Worm Lizard

Caretta caretta – Loggerhead Turtle

Chelonia mydas – Green Turtle

Ctenophorus yinnietharra – Yinnietharra Rock-dragon

Ctenotus angusticeps – Airlie Island Ctenotus

Ctenotus lancelini – Lancelin Island Skink

Ctenotus zastictus – Hamelin Ctenotus

Cyclodomorphus branchialis (below)

Dermochelys coriacea – Leathery Turtle or Luth

Egernia kintorei – Giant Desert Skink

Egernia pulchra longicauda

Egernia stokesii aethiops – Baudin Island Spiny-tailed Skink

Egernia stokesii badia – Western Spiny-tailed Skink

Eretmochelys imbricate – Hawksbill Turtle

Lepidochelys olivacea – Olive Ridley Turtle

Lerista praefrontalis – Buccaneer Burrowing Skink

Liasis olivaceus barroni – Pilbara Olive Python

Natator depressus – Flatback Turtle

Pogona minor minima (below)

Pseudemydura umbrina – Western Swamp Tortoise

Pseudonaja affinis exilis – Rottnest Island Dugite

Pseudonaja affinis tanneri – Pygmy Dugite

Tiliqua rugosa konowi – Rottnest Island Bobtail

Frogs – Rare or Likely to Become Extinct

Geocrinia alba – While-bellied Frog

Geocrinia vitellina – Yellow-bellied Frog

Spicospina flammocaerulea – Sunset Frog (below)

For the spider and scorpion fans….

Arachnids – Rare or Likely to Become Extinct

Aganippe castellum – Tree-stem Trapdoor Spider

Austrarchaea mainae – Western Archaeid Spider

Bamazomus subsolanus – Eastern Cape Range Bamazomus

Bamazomus vespertinus – Western Cape Range Bamazomus

Draculoides bramsokeri – Barrow Island Craculoides

Draculoides are small, troglobite, Australian arachnids. Often mistaken for spiders, Draculoides are small, soil-dwelling invertebrates that walks on six legs and uses two modified front legs as feelers. They use large fang-like pincers, to grasp invertebrate prey and crunch it into pieces before sucking out the juices. Named for this method of dispatching victims and for the author of Dracula.  From www.wikipedia.org.
A troglobite is an animal that lives entirely in the dark parts of caves. Such animals are specifically adapted to life in total darkness, and may have no functioning eyes or have no pigmentation.  From www.wikipedia.org.

Draculoides brooksi – Northern Cape Range Draculoides

Hyella sp – Cameron’s Cave Pseudoscorpion

Idiosoma nigrum – Sheild-backed Trapdoor Spider

Kwonkan eboracum – Yorkrakine Trapdoor Spider

Moggirdgea sp. – Stirling Range Trapdoor Spiders

Moggirdgea tingle – Tingle Trapdoor Spider

Tartarus mullamullangensis – Mullamullalang Cave Spider

Tartarus murdochensis – Murdoch Sink Cave Spider

Tartarus nurinensis – Nurina Cave Spider

Tartarus thampannenses – Thampanna Cave Spider

Teyl sp. – Minnivale Trapdoor Spider

Troglodiplura lowryi – Nullarbor Cave Trapdoor Spider

No Reptiles, Frogs or Arachnids are presumed to be extinct.

Reptiles Protected For Other Reasons

Aspidites ramsayi – Woma or Ramsay’s Python

Crocodylus johnstoni – Australian Freshwater Crocodile

Crocodylus porosus – Saltwater Crocodile

Morelia spilota imbricata – Carpet Python

There are no Frogs or Arachnids Protected For Other Reasons.

What’s in a name?

You would be surprised because when it comes to keeping reptiles, the name is very important!

Most of us know animals (including birds and mammals) by their common names, for example, the Siamese (cat), the German Shepherd (dog), the Pink & Grey Galah and the Bobtail (lizard).  Some animals even have more than one common name; the Bobtail is also known as a Bluetongue and a Shingleback.

Taxonomy is the way scientists and biologists around the world can identify a species even if it has more than one common name.

Taxonomy classifies all living things into a hierarchy starting with Kingdoms.  For the sake of this article, we will try and keep it fairly simple, as there are subdivisions within each division – but basically:

The Kingdom is basically divided into animals (Phyla) and plants (Divisions).

Phyla include all animals and are divided into different kinds of animals.  Each group of animals is called a Class.

Classes include Reptilia (reptiles), Aves (birds), Mammalia (mammals) and Amphibia (amphibians).

Class Reptilia is divided into Orders -  Crocodilia, Squamata (lizards and snakes) and Testudines (turtles)

Order Squamata is divided into SubOrders (eg Sauria - lizards).

SubOrders are divided into Families (eg Agamidae).

Families are divided into Genera (eg Pogona)

Genera are divided into Species (eg Pogona Minor).

Species may be divided into Sub-Species (eg Pogona minor minor)

Here’s an example; Common Name - Western Bearded Dragon

Class                     Reptilia

Order                     Squamata

Family                    Agamidae

Genus                    Pogona

Species                  Minor

Sub-species            Minor

You will see the Common and Latin Names on the Approved Reptiles Keepers List for the reptiles and amphibians we are allowed to keep as pets here in WA.  Some of them will be listed as Genus/Species and some of them will be listed as Genus/Species/Sub-Species.

There are 4 reptiles listed on the Approved Reptiles Keepers List that list the Genus and Species but not the Sub-species even though there are Sub-species.  These animals are:

Northern Spiny-tailed Gecko          Strophurus ciliaris

Three-lined Knob-tailed Gecko       Nephrurus levis

South-west Spiny-tailed Gecko      Strophurus spinigerus

Stimson’s Python                         Antaresia stimsoni

Keepers are allowed to keep the Sub-Species of these 4 reptiles ONLY if they are native to Western Australia.

Recently there has been some confusion regarding the Sub-Species of Stimson’s Pythons found (and kept) in Western Australia.  So we turned to Luke Bentley, Wildlife Officer for DEC (Department of Environment & Conservation) for clarification.  He advised:

“The only reference that I use when it comes to distributions and morphology are WA Museum published reference books or Cogger. These publications are recognised as the most accurate source of information.
The current edition of Snakes of Western Australia: Storr G., Smith L., and Johnstone R. pages 52-53, lists the stimsoni and orientalis subspecies as both  present in WA. The subspecies orientalis only occurs in central WA and the interior of eastern Australia.
I believe that orientalis is not being kept in captivity in WA, as it is not possible for it to be legally taken from the wild. This is due to the fact that there are not any takers authorised to take in any of the potential locations. As there is an import ban on the importation of pythons into WA they are not able to legally be bought into the state. Anyone found to be in possession of an orientalis would need to be explain how they came to be in the legal possession of that python which would not be possible as there is ban on the importation of pythons and takers cannot take where they may occur naturally in the wild. Anyone found to be in possession may face prosecution facing a maximum fine of $4000 for each case of illegal possession.”

In a nut-shell, Antaresia stimsoni stimsoni, is the only Sub-Species native to WA and therefore the only Sub-Species that can be kept or sold in WA.

So not only do taxonomical names help identify an animal, they also help identify where an animal is found.

A name is not just a name!

Watch Out For Cane Toads!

Watch Out For Cane Toads!

“Watch Out For Cane Toads!” is the catch cry of the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) at the moment and rightly so!

Although they are not currently found in WA, they are slowly marching over the top end to our border.  The odd one has snuck over in banana boxes but it is illegal to bring them into the state.  CALM has vowed that all Cane Toads found in WA will be DESTROYED.

The Cane Toad Bufo marinus is native to South America and was introduced to Australia to eat French's Cane Beetle and the Greyback Cane Beetle.

All stages of the Cane Toad's life-cycle are poisonous. The venom produced by the parotoid glands acts principally on the heart. No humans have died in Australia from Cane Toad poison but overseas, people have died after eating toads and even soup made from boiled toad eggs.

A Cane Toad responds to threat by turning side-on so its parotoid glands are directed towards the attacker. The venom oozes out of the glands, but toads can also squirt a fine spray for a short distance if they are handled roughly. The venom is absorbed through mucous membranes such as eyes, mouth and nose, and in humans may cause:

-         intense pain

-         temporary blindness

-         and inflammation

-          

When the toxin is squirted onto the skin or into the eyes, first aid should be immediately performed.

Poisoning advice is available on 13 11 26 anywhere in Australia 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

First aid treatment includes irrigating the eyes, mouth and nose if they have been exposed to toad venom.

Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

If toxin is squirted into the mouth, the patient should be taken immediately to the emergency department of the nearest hospital.

When swallowed, the toxin may affect the heart, blood pressure, breathing and cause paralysis.

Cane Toads impact on the environment in many ways:

-         They poison many animals that try to eat them including frogs, freshwater crocs, monitors, skinks and snakes, fish and native mammals.

-         They can poison and kill household pets including cats and dogs. Signs of poisoning through ingestion include:

o       profuse salivation

o       twitching

o       vomiting

o       shallow breathing

o       and collapse of the hind limbs.

o       Death may occur by cardiac arrest within 15 minutes

-         They compete with native species for food and will also eat anything that fits into their mouths.

-         They carry diseases that can be transmitted to native frog species.

-         They eat large numbers of dung beetles reducing wild populations, which can cause an increase in fly populations in some areas.

-         They eat large numbers of honey bees, damaging the honey industry.

-         They pollute bore holes, water holes, drinking troughs and backyard swimming pools, just by being in them.

What can you do about Cane Toads?

Everybody can pitch in to help stop cane toads spreading.

If you've visited an area where cane toads are present and you're travelling to an area without cane toads, make sure you check your vehicle, trailer and any camping equipment such as tents, swags or boots for any toads that may hitch a ride with you.

This is also very important if you intend travelling to offshore islands in a boat that's been in a cane toad area.

Cane toads have turned up in Perth in freight from Queensland and one in a pair of shoes!

WA has a State Cane Toad Initiative

“Watch Out For Cane Toads”

Report sightings

Free Call

1800 084 881

For more information on Cane Toads visit

www.naturebase.net

www.agric.wa.gov.au

www.amonline.net.au/factsheets/canetoad.htm

New Species Discovered in Pilbara

In the latest issue of Environment and Conservation News put out by CALM August 2006 it has been reported that 100 new reptile species have been discovered in the Pilbara including one new gecko.  Article in full below:

New Species Discovered in Pilbara

    Eighteen mammal, 100 bird, 100 reptile including one new gecko and several other new reptiles, plus 500 spider, 500 beetle, 1000 aquatic invertebrate and 300 stygofauna species have been uncovered in the Pilbara Biodiversity Survey's five-year study.
     Many of the stygofauna species, spiders, beetles and aquatic invertebrates are new to science, as are one unusual new gecko and several other reptiles, and numerous plants.
    The mammoth project is in its final stages with 70 researchers and external specialists putting the finishing touches to half a decade of field research covering 300 terrestrial trapping sites, 423 vegetation sites and around 1000 aquatic sampling sites.
    The study, which will end next year, has been led by DEC senior scientists Allan Burbidge (terrestrial zoology), Stephen van Leeuwen (terrestrial plants), Mike Lyons (wetland flora), Adrian Pinder (wetland fauna) and Stuart Halse (stygofauna).
    The overall leader of the project is Senior Principal Research Scientist Norm McKenzie.
    “The field work is mostly complete.  Data will be written up during 2007,” Norm Said.
    Sites were set up to cover all major soil and climate types across 190,000 square kilometres of land, including rocky areas, stony slopes, cracking claypans, riparian areas and scree slopes.
    “We sampled across conservation reserves, Crown land, pastoral land and land under mining leases,” Allan said.
    Some of the work was done in unseasonally hot conditions, in tents or swags in remote and isolated areas.
    The terrestrial fauna team collected and recorded snakes, goannas, lizards, frogs, small mammals (including bats) and birds, as well as a range of invertebrates including spiders, wasps, bees, beetles and bugs.
    About 1100 flora taxa – half the Pilbara’s known plants – were collected, and a number of new species recorded.  More will be collected in the final plant survey this spring.

Scorpion Experience

Generally speaking there is little known about our native arachnids, especially the scorpions. 

Scorpions began their origin about 300 million years ago when their ancestors first emerged from the steamy waters of the Denvonian era.  At this stage in history the scorpions could reach lengths of over one metre.  Although much smaller in modern times they are still large in comparison to the other invertebrates they share their dark little-known world with.  The largest Australian scorpion to have ever been recorded was a 16cm Urodela species.

Despite their formidable appearance scorpions in Australia are generally harmless to humans.  Two reports of confirmed death by scorpion sting remain in Australia’s history.  Both of these deaths were those of infants, one of which was in Pemberton WA.  Scorpion venom is a neurotoxin designed to attack the nervous system of insects and is therefore not very effective against large vertebrates.  It is said that when a scorpion has large pincers it’s venom is weak because it uses these pincers to tear apart its prey instead of using its venom.  On the other hand if a scorpion has relatively small pincer is is said to use its venom to kill its prey.

 Scorpions are amazing in the way that they vary so little between species, locality and even continents.  All scorpions look generally the same as their first ancestors all those years ago.  Though they may vary slightly in size, colour and shape, a scorpion from the rainforests is essentially the same as one from the desert.  The basic components of a scorpion are eight legs, a cephalothorax, abdomen, two pincers and a tail ending in a sharp hollow sting attached to a bulbous venomous sac.  It seems like a well-armoured killing machine but is in fact a very timid non-aggressive animal.  A strange thing about scorpions is that when an ultra-violet light is shone upon them in darkness, they glow brightly.  This is due to proteins in their exoskeleton and there is no known reason for this particular occurrence.

All of our native scorpions are nocturnal and live a secretive life either underground, under bark or rocks or in leaf litter.  When a male scorpions encounters a female he will thump the ground with his tail or pincers until she agrees to mate, chases him away or retreats.  If she accepts they will lock pincers and perform a dance during which the male deposits a spermatophre and leads the female over to it.  The female can suspend fertilization for up to 18 months and will give birth to live young when conditions are right.  Scorpions will eat just about any living thing that it can overpower.  They track their food down by feeling the vibrations through the earth with their sensory organs called pectines.

Scorpions are all around us in all types of habitats.  It takes persistence and a little bit of knowledge to find them.  They are amazing animals and anything that can live for 300 million years without change deserves our respect.

Article and photographs by Beau Ward

Venomous Fangs

The fangs of dangerous, venomous snakes are thin, sharply pointed and hollow.

Venom, is produced in glands which can be found behind the eyes in the side of the head.

The venom passes from the glands through a duct into a canal running down inside of the fang to its tip.

Muscles around the venom glands contract during a bite and control the amount of venom injected.

Large amounts of venom are injected by some snakes as they bite and hold on to their prey with a chewing action.

The more flexible the fangs are (ie their ability to rotate) the more venomous the snake can be.

New fangs are grown from time to time during the life of a snake.

Resources used for this article:

An Introduction to Australian Snakes by Belinda Edwards.
http://science.howstuffworks.com/snake4.htm

How Bad Can A Snake Bite Be Really?

Although colubrids are the biggest family of snakes in the world, ironically Australia has more of the highly venomous elapids than the mildly venomous, mostly harmless colubrids.  Elapids include the Tiger Snake, Dugite, Mulga, Taipan, King Brown and the Death Adder.

And while many of us will probably never even see one, what happens if an elapid bites you?  How bad can it really be?

It has been reported that you may not even feel the snake bite you.  Puncture marks may be difficult to see and may only be a single or double puncture or just a scratch mark. 

The first symptoms of snakebite include:

• Headache
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Collapse/unconsciousness
• Painful, tender muscles
• Blurred or double vision
• Difficulty in swallowing or breathing
• Slurred speech
• Weakness
• Pins and needles in limbs

Remembering that the function of venom is to help the snake digest its prey by breaking down the internal organs, with the secondary function of reducing resistance, Australian snakes produce venoms that have various effects on the human body.

• Post-synaptic neurotoxins can block nerves and cause paralysis including paralysis of the eye muscles, difficulty talking because the throat muscles have been paralysed, blood in the urine.  These types of neurotoxins act rapidly, but are easily reversed with antivenom.  
•  Pre-synaptic neurotoxins also cause the same paralysis symptoms as above, but because they act more slowly they damage the nerves.  If first aid is not provided quickly, serious paralysis, lasting for several months may occur.
•  Procoagulants in the venom can cause persistent oozing from the bite site, as well as the gums and at worst an intracranial haemorrhage.
• Anticoagulants cause persistent oozing from the bite site and internal bleeding as well.
• Nephrotoxins can cause kidney damage, lowered blood pressure and the liquefaction of muscular tissue.
• Cytotoxins may cause major local skin damage at the bite site resulting in disfigurement or scarring.

So the value of knowing Snake Bite First Aid would literally be life saving!

Many toxins travel through the body via the lymph system (not the blood stream), which is just under the skin and travels in one direction, you guessed it, towards the heart.

By applying a bandage, you effectively restrict the flow of venom through the lymph system allowing more time for hospital treatment.

The general principles of Snake Bite First Aid include:

• Apply a firm broad bandage over the bite site as you would for a sprain but without cutting off blood circulation.
•  Apply the bandage not only over the bite but to as much of the leg or arm as possible. 
• Bandage over fingers or toes to help restrict movement.  Bandage OVER clothes because you want the patient to move as little as possible.
•  Then restrict movement of the bitten limb by applying a splint.
•  Instruct the patient to keep as still and calm as possible.
• Get the patient to medical treatment as soon as possible.

DO NOT move the patient. Bring transport to them or call an ambulance and have medical treatment come to you.

DO NOT try and catch the snake if it is still alive. It will most likely bite you too!

DO NOT wash the wound.  Venom found on the wound or clothing can be used to correctly identify the snake and the antivenom required.

DO NOT cut or suck the wound.  You will only spread the venom faster and possibly make yourself sick in the process.

DO NOT give alcohol or food to the patient.  They may become nauseous from the effects of the venom.  Vomiting will make the patient move and increase the flow of venom to the heart.  However clear fluids may be used if the patient is thirsty.

In this country, everyone should know Snake Bite First Aid.  Avoiding snake bites in the first place involves just a little common sense.  Click here to see our article on avoiding snake bites.

Check out a St John’s First Aid Course or perhaps you can find a course through your local council.

Remember – Be Aware – Take Care

Resources used this article:

Snake Venom Detection Kit and Antivenom Handbook by CSL IH Group

How Do Snakes Move?

Snakes are generally slow-moving creatures but can move at speed in short bursts.

A snake has a pair of ribs attached to each vertebra by a ball and socket joint.  Having so many vertebrae, and the manner in which the ribs are attached, gives the snake its flexibility.

As snakes move forward each part of the body follows the same course as the body part directly in front giving the snake’s movement that effortless gliding manner.

The spine of a snake consists of between 180 and 400 vertebra.

A snake’s maximum continuous speed on level ground is in the order of 7 km per hour.

A snake moves forward by gripping the surface and has difficulty with movement on smooth surfaces.

Although their speed along the ground is generally slow, they have the ability to quickly pivot around any point of the body (especially if they are being held).

A snake does not have a chest bone.

All snakes can swim.

Resources used for this article:

An Introduction to Australian Snakes by Belinda Edwards

and the internet for images.

Fascinating Reptile Facts

Australia’s most endangered reptile is the Western Swamp Turtle.

Australia’s largest snake is the Amethyst Python.

A reptile draws air into its lungs by expanding its ribs.

A female turtle can fertilise several batches of eggs with sperm she has stored in her body after one mating. 

The Fitzroy Turtle breathes through the rear end of its digestive system.

The Gould’s Monitor or Perentie is the largest Australian lizard.

A gecko licks its eyes to clean them.

Some geckos squirt fluid from their tails at attackers.

Male dragons leave scent signals for other dragons to read with their tongues.

Desert dragons avoid becoming overheated by hiding in burrows or under bushes, stand on tiptoe or raise a foot from the ground.

Male monitors settle disputes by lashing their tails at each other and wrestling.

The sole food of the Thorny Devil is ants.

One of a snake’s lungs is bigger than the other and does most of the breathing.

A snake can disconnect the halves of its lower jaw and many of its skull bones can move back and forth on each other.  It walks the prey into its mouth, using each half of its lower jaw in turn.

The pits along the jaw of some pythons are heat-sensitive and allow the snake to track its prey.

Pythons kill their prey by constriction.  They squeeze it with their muscular bodies.  Each time the prey breathes out, they tighten their coils.

A fang is a hollow tooth through which venom can be forced into prey.

The Taipan and the Inland Taipan have the most potent venom, and the Mulga Sanke has the greatest amount of venom of all Australian snakes.

Some snakes give birth to live young.

Preventing Snakebite

Leave snakes alone.  Normally a snake will try to avoid confrontation with people.

Do not attempt to handle snakes.

Never put hands inside logs, thick grass or under woodpiles or building materials, without looking first!

When stepping over logs look first.

Most bites happen when snakes are trodden on or touched while sleeping.  The snake then tries to defend itself.

Bushwalkers should always carry a pressure bandage.  You don’t want to be 10km away from one if someone gets bitten.

It is important to wear stout shoes and sensible clothing in country where there may be snakes.  Bushwalkers who walk in shorts often wear long socks and gaiters for protection.

Snakes are very active on warm summer nights and it is advisable to keep a torch handy when camping.

Call a professional Snake Buster if you want one removed from your house or yard.  Many people get bitten trying to kill snakes they find in their yards.

Always assume any snake you see is venomous, even if it's not.  It's better to be safe than sorry!

Resources used for this article:
An Introduction to Australian Snakes by Belinda Edwards

Turtles Don’t Hibernate. Or Do They?

The correct term for the period when reptiles hide out during cold weather is brumation.

But did you know that some Turtles not only hibernate during the cold season, but some can also hibernate during hot weather!

During brumation, the Turtle’s metabolism slows right down, it won’t eat and by absorbing oxygen from the water through special glands near its tail, can stay hidden underwater for up to 3 months.  Even during brumation, a Turtle is able to wake up and move away from danger if necessary.

During the hot dry season in some northern and southern parts of Australia, some Turtles can also go into hibernation until the beginning of cooler weather.  Hibernation during hot weather is called aestivation. 

And did you know, that our local Long-neck Turtle aka the Oblong Turtle (Chelodina oblonga) does not brumate or aestivate!

Resources for this articles

Keeping Long-Necked Turtles by Darren Green

http://www.chelodina.com/4.htm