In the last month, I have arrived back from a successful wildlife watching trip to Tasmania.
For this trip, I had two target bird species (Hooded Plover and Australasian Bittern) which I was keen to see and learn about.
Along the way I also encountered other wildlife species and on this trip I saw my first Tasmanian Tiger Snake.
These particular snakes are known to be the same species which occurs on the south-eastern Australian mainland.
The snake that I encountered was black in colour but these animals may vary in colour.
This can especially be seen in South-east Queensland where Tiger Snakes are light in colour with bands along the body.
The habitat of this snake species varies in Tasmania from wet marshes to dry rocky areas.
My encounter was in Narawntapu National Park which is situated in the far north of Tasmania.
This particular national park has varied habitats from coastal heath, natural wetlands, beaches and cleared areas.
The snake I saw was sunning itself in an open grassy area close to coastal vegetation which runs down on the beach.
If I had not seen the snake, the Superb Blue Fairy Wrens would have alerted me to its presence.
This snake species is located throughout Tasmania and some offshore islands.
Tiger snakes have a diet which includes birds, rodents, skinks, frogs and smaller snakes.
Some people may think that this snake was a threat to me but quite the opposite.
It was quietly sunning itself and whilst I observed from a distance, the snake decided to leave on its own accord and head into nearby vegetation.
As always, with venomous snakes it pays to leave them alone and in a National Park that most definitely have right of way.
For many years, I have worked outdoors and never had trouble with any species of snake venomous or non-venomous.
Tiger Snakes are protected in Australia and have a secure population throughout their range.
These snakes are easy to see in Narawntapu National Park as they inhabit the area close to the visitor centre.
So, if you ever have the privilege to visit this National Park in summer, keep your eyes peeled and you might just see one!
I would like to wish everyone a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year.
