ustralia is the only continent in which venomous species of
snakes outnumber those that are non-venomous. Elapids evolved in
Australasia and have been highly successful in this country, with
more than a hundred described species that vary greatly in size and
form, and occupy a wide range of environments, including the
harshest arid habitats. They are characterised by the absence of a
loreal scale, which separates the nasal scale and the pre-ocular
scale, and by syringe-like front fangs through which venom can be
conducted from a gland towards the rear of the head.
The Mulga Snake is one of Australia’s largest elapids; it is heavily
built and averages around two metres in length, although larger
specimens have been recorded. It is also known as the King Brown
Snake, which is misleading, as it does not belong to the genus
Pseudonaja (brown snakes) but rather, that of the ‘black’ snakes,
Pseudechis. Colour and size varies according to locality, with dorsal
colouration ranging from brown to red and olive-green. Mulga Snakes
are found in every state of mainland Australia except Victoria, and in
a variety of habitats, with the exception of rainforest. Numbers have
declined in some parts of coastal Queensland. An opportunistic
predator, P. australis may be active during both day and night, and is
well known for feeding upon other reptiles, including snakes, but will
also take small mammals, amphibians and birds. It should also be
stated that this is a dangerously-venomous species, with potent
haemotoxic venom that has been responsible for human fatalities.