07 March, 2007

P-a-L R: Endemic Australian Reptilia











Australia hosts more species of reptiles than any other country on earth. 89% - EIGHTY NINE PERCENT - of these species are endemic. 795 species of extant native reptiles. That means 708 endemic reptiles. This means one tenth of the world's reptiles live ONLY in Australia.
Australia is also host to some of the most outrageous and venomous snakes in the world, including the world's most venomous, the FIERCE snake (see picture of the late great Steve Irwin). In the top ten of this list is also the Tiger Snake, one of which was found trying to sneak into my Kangaroo Island trailer (see picture).
In contrast to the Australian mainland, Kangaroo Island only has 2 snake species, but it is host to an endemic species of the Goanna lizards (see picture).
Snakes really are everywhere in Australia; I can't tell you how many slithered over my feet in the bush or even on the streets of the Sydney suburbs.
Sadly for me, New Zealand is completely lacking in these legless wonders.
Until next time,
Da Prefect

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