PERTH: Scientists have discovered a new type of snake – the comfortingly-named Kimberley death adder – in an isolated region of Western Australia.
The snake was discovered by a group of scientists from the UK and Australia, and measures around 50cm long.
The death adder is already a known species in Australia’s North Territory, and it was believed that the snakes found further west were simply the same species.
However, the group discovered that the snake found in these regions is a different type, unique to that area.
Death adders truly live up to their name. They’re ‘sit and wait’ predators – hanging around waiting for an unlucky animal or human to pass them by, rather than actively hunting on the move.
Their venom is incredibly deadly to humans, and can cause death from total paralysis and respiratory system in around six hours. It is estimated that around 50 per cent of bites from these snakes were fatal before antivenom was introduced.
Despite this fearful bite, the snake is at significant risk from humans, due to habitat destruction and the introduction of new species.
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