Mainland Tiger Snake
HAVE YOU EVER WITNESSED THE INCREDIBLE PATTERN OF A TIGER SNAKE?
The Mainland Tiger Snake, also known as the Eastern Tiger Snake, is a venomous species of snake native to southern and eastern Australia. These snakes are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and grasslands. At Symbio Wildlife Park, we have an amazing Mainland Tiger Snake in our care and are committed to educating visitors about their unique characteristics and importance in Australian ecosystems.
ABOUT
The mainland tiger snake is a venomous snake species found in southern Australia. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, forests, and coastal areas. Their coloration can vary, but they generally have a dark brown or black body with lighter stripes or bands, hence the name “tiger” snake. The venom of the mainland tiger snake is highly potent and can be fatal to humans, but they are generally not aggressive and will usually only attack if provoked. Our team at Symbio Wildlife Park is committed to providing the best possible care for the mainland tiger snake under our supervision.
DIET
Mainland Tiger Snakes are carnivorous and feed primarily on small mammals, including rodents and bandicoots, as well as lizards, frogs, and occasionally other snakes. They are ambush predators, relying on their camouflaged appearance and stealthy movements to surprise their prey. Once they have located their prey, they strike with their venomous fangs, injecting a potent toxin that quickly immobilizes and kills their victim. The Mainland Tiger Snake is an important predator in the Australian ecosystem, playing a crucial role in controlling populations of small mammals and other prey species.
Fun Facts
- Mainland Tiger Snakes are found only in south-eastern Australia, primarily in the states of Victoria and South Australia.
- They are known for their distinctive banding patterns, which can vary in colour from yellow to black.
- The venom of the Mainland Tiger Snake is highly toxic, but they are generally not aggressive and will only bite if provoked.
- They are skilled swimmers and are known to inhabit wetlands and other water-rich habitats.
- Mainland Tiger Snakes are oviparous, which means they lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young.
- Despite their venomous reputation, Mainland Tiger Snakes play an important role in their ecosystems by helping to control populations of rodents and other small prey animals.
- In the wild, Mainland Tiger Snakes primarily feed on small mammals, frogs, and lizards.
- They are capable of delivering both neurotoxic and myotoxic venom, which affects both the nervous system and muscles of their prey.
- Mainland Tiger Snakes are a fascinating and important part of Australia's unique and diverse wildlife.
- Mainland Tiger Snakes are relatively small, typically growing up to 1.5 meters in length.
- They are mostly active during the day, but may also be active at night.
- When threatened, Mainland Tiger Snakes will often flatten their bodies and hiss loudly to deter predators.
- While Mainland Tiger Snakes are not typically aggressive towards humans, bites from these snakes can be very dangerous and should be treated as a medical emergency.
- Mainland Tiger Snakes are protected by law in Australia, and it is illegal to kill, capture, or harm these snakes without a permit.
- Despite the risks associated with their venom, Mainland Tiger Snakes are sometimes kept as pets in captivity. However, this is generally not recommended as it can be dangerous and is often illegal without proper permits and licenses.