December 31, 2011

Happy New Year Let every Breath Be a New Year During the Pandemic






*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆ ★ ☆¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆★☆¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆ ☆ A BIG New 

Years hug that jumps from status to status ☆ .•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆ to 

spread a little love and Happiness ☆•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆ ☆¸.•°*”˜˜”*

°•.☆ Have a Happy and Safe New Years Eve ☆¸.•°*”˜˜”*°•.¸☆

 ♥ Happy New Year To My Family and Friends ♥☆¸.•°*”˜˜”*

°•.¸☆♥ Pass the HUGS on ♥ xx..




December 10, 2011

Cheetahs, dangerous animals with great speed


The most beautiful dangerous fastest animal on earth the great cheetah

Cheetahs hunting is breathtaking and the prey is shared
Cheetahs have made names in different spheres of the wild. There are so many amazing stories about cheetahs hunting prey and a lot of cheetah attacking prey videos in the wild and very cute cheetah babies pictures which have been taken to show just a glimpse about cheetahs in their natural habitat and some of the cheetah as pets in captivity. Why do cheetahs have a very small face? Does it have got to do with anything about the cheetah’s habitat or is it just one of the cheetah’s hunting qualities which are necessary for the cheetah to hunt properly in the African plains and in the wild as a whole? Does it give them any advantage as being the fastest animal in the world? How many people have managed to see a cheetah running? While the cheetah is one of the secretive animals in the African Savannah very few people or animal safari tourist have managed to see the cheetah hunting a zebra or the cheetah attacking a wildebeest migration animal? The African safari tourist always find good opportunities while they are on some of the most amazing African safari to Kenya and South Africa to experience the cheetah habitat with all its herd in action. Do people really know that the cheetah is an endangered species? When did it become endangered? How can such the fastest animal in the wild be endangered? These are some of the cheetah facts and the most frequently asked questions about cheetahs. With all the exploitation of animal body parts and cheetahs skin, these are just some of the tings about the cheetah which has made it become vulnerable but with all the efforts being in terms of cheetah conservation and the different global efforts of cheetah protection non the wild, its all being done by the people who make endless trips to these cheetahs habitat and bring the cheetah to their living rooms with captivating pictures and videos about the plight of the cheetahs in the African Savannah and the world at large.

When you see a cheetah jumping or any cheetah attacks, you will just know that the cheetah is the wild is the king of speed. Cheetah (acinonyx jubatus) is the fastest animal in the world. Among the big cat family as far as the African Savannah cats are concerned and such as the African lion the Asian tiger the leopard and the cougar and the American ions with the Black Panther family, the cheetah is king as far as running and hunting predators the quickest concerned. The cheetah is just one amazing African Savannah animals you can ever think of on land in the big cat family (felidae). As a matter of fact many of these beautiful cheetahs are found in the Africa Savannah habitat in countries mainly Kenya Uganda Tanzania Malawi, Zimbabwe and South Africa and a few numbers of cheetahs are also found in the Middle East. One great animal fact about the cheetah is that the cheetah has mighty stealth and power. With all the marks on the cheetah which makes the cheetah to blend in with the cheetah’s habitat, many animals in the African plains are always attacked within a split of a second as they can not always out run a cheetah when the cheetah means business. The cheetah as one of the most beautiful dangerous animals of the African Savannah can stalk their prey such as impalas, antelopes, gazelles for long distances along the beautiful African plains with a chase which sometimes ends up to be fruitless. In the animal kingdom all animals of prey are always attacked by bigger predators but sometimes the big animals attack small animals to compensate their diet when there is no food or if an animal just presents itself and the predator gets the opportunity to attack and hunt the animal down. As far as the cheetahs concerned, when cheetahs attack other animals for food, the amazing fact about cheetahs is that when they  catching their prey most of the time tend to hide it on top trees away from other animals.

Cheetah;s face with beautiful tear marks of the cheetah's face
The cheetah is the fastest land animal in the world. People always wonder as to why is the cheetah always crying with all the cheetah tear marks on the cheetah’s face? What are the true secrets of the cheetahs tear marks? According to the cheetah’s animal experts the cheetah tear marks helps in reducing the reflection of the sun from the cheetahs skin which helps the cheetah to see very far in search of prey and to absorb any light which might be on the cheetahs face. If that’s the fact about the cheetah’s tear marks, I bet the cheetah just might have a better explanation as to why it got the tear marks in the first place. These beautiful most talented runners of the African jungle can reach a top speed of around 113 km per hour. In fact a cheetah which is in good shape can  accelerate from 0 to 113 km in just a few seconds and if you are part of the cheetahs menu then you just don't have a chance to live another day in the African wilderness.
Cheetahs scouting for long distans animal attacks on the tree

In many of the African animal safari videos you always find cheetahs running for their pray but since cheetahs  are extremely fast however they tire quickly and can only keep up their top speed for a few minutes before they are too tired to continue. Cheetahs are smaller than other members of the big cat family such as the tiger, the lion, the puma and the leopard, weighing only about 45 – 60 kilograms. Where actually would you be able to see the cheetahs running and jumping upon their prey other than in places such as the Masai Mara national park in Kenya, Masai Mara Serengeti in Tanzania and at Kruger National Park in South Africa.

cheetahs just as the leopard Africa's big cats population
has been decreased with few new born cheetah

Is it easy to differentiate between an African elephant and an Indian elephant? How about finding the difference between an African leopard and the African cheetah? These two African animals look alike. There are just a few distinction between the cheetah and the leopard. Even when the leopard cubs and the cheetah cubs are in one habitat, there are some few body parts of the cheetah which someone can be able to distinguish between these two dangerous cats of Africa.

The best way of knowing a cheetah from a leopard or a tiger is by the cheetah’s coat or the cheetah’s skin. The cheetah can be easily identified by the long, black lines which run from the inside of each of the cheetah's eye to the mouth of the cheetah. When you have a close up of the cheetah’s face you might just be able to see these vivid parks on the cheetahs face.

Do people really know that there is a lot of information about the wild animals of Africa which people still don’t understand well, these are some of the myths of cheetahs and are usually called “cheetah tear lines”. As far as cheetahs and scientists are concerned about this cheetah myth, scientist believes that these cheetah tear lines do help protect the cheetah’s eyes from the harsh sun along the great plains of Africa. In order to survive in the African Savannah lands, the cheetahs great sharp eyes are the ones which make the cheetah have an edge as having a good eyesight in the wild will always guarantee an animal to hunt and to survive in the jungle and the dangerous forest of Africa from all the natural predators by being aware of the dangerous animals in the cheetah’s habitat and spotting animals to ensure a meal by the end of the day.

While many animals make different sounds to communicate, the African lions roar is as distinct in the whole African Savannah habitat. Not having this communication ability just like the lion, one amazing fact about the cheetah among all the cat family is the only animal which cannot roar. Cheetahs can purr just like any other cat. In fact cheetahs purr loudly when they are grooming or sitting near other cheetahs. While lions and leopards usually do their hunting at night, cheetahs hunt for food during the day.

The African Savannah has a lot of animals, beautiful animals and dangerous animals as well. This African Savannah habitat has a lot of animal competition and animal migration for better natural habitat and feeding grounds and hence communication and protection of the animal territory is always of the greatest essence. While in the jungle and the African Great Lakes Mountains and rivers, survival if for the fittest as far as the wildlife and ecosystem of the African wild savannah is concerned. Animal instincts are what these animals need to use all the time.  An animal must have the wits to survive and a cheetah is not exception as far as cheetah’s predators are concerned. As one of the most blessed animal with very good eyesight, the amazing cheetah has an advantage over the other wild animals of Africa. 

With an amazing eyesight during the day cheetahs can spot their prey in the African plains from about 5 km away while on the other hand cheetahs have poor night vision. Does it mean that they can not see? Well cheetahs also depend on the hearing to stay away from danger. The cheetahs sense of smell is also good hence that makes the cheetah somehow al all rounded animal as well but not as compared to other animals which can hunt both at night and during the day such as the African lion.

How much does a Doberman weigh? How about the exact length and height of the Doberman? For all those people who have never seen a cheetah, well the cheetah is almost the same height as a Doberman and the looks are almost the same but there are many differences as well. Doberman have great speed and so is the African cheetah, Doberman have a slender body and the same applies to the fastest animal on land.  The cheetah’s body is light weight. At the same time as far as the cheetah’s claws are concerned, they are blunt. This makes the cheetah a very good runner but on the other hand the absence of not having sharp clays means the cheetah doesn't use much of its claws like many of the cat families which use their cats to fight and defend themselves as well.

It’s a very amazing fact about cheetah’s that these beautiful dangerous African cheetahs are not well designed to protect themselves or their prey. When a larger or more aggressive animal approaches a cheetah in the wild, sometimes the cheetah after all the hunting and schussing of prey for a long distance will give up its catch to avoid a fight with the other dangerous animals in the wild and many animal videos and beautiful pictures of people on safari have managed to capture these beautiful moments where the cheetah is not able to protect its food and it has to go hunting once again. I guess the cheetah always has the stamina to fend for its family whenever there is need with all the bounty if wildlife in the African jungles.
Cheetahs only need to drink once every three to four days unlike the lion which will be seen next to the water holes lakes and rivers waiting to hunt the next animal coming to drink water in the habitat. This is the time when you find many great 

While many animals make different sounds to communicate, the African lions roar is as distinct in the whole African Savannah. Not having this communication ability just like the lion, a cheetah among all the cat family is the only animal  which cannot roar. Cheetahs can  purr just like any other cat. In fact cheetahs purr  loudly when they are grooming or sitting near other cheetahs. While lions and leopards usually do their hunting at night, cheetahs hunt for food during the day.

While in the jungle and the African great lakes mountains and rivers, survival if for the fittest. An animal must have the wits to survive and a cheetah is not exception. With an amazing  eyesight during the day cheetahs can spot their prey from about 5 km away while on the other hand cheetahs  have poor night vision.

With their light body weight and blunt claws, cheetahs are not well designed to protect themselves or their prey. When a larger or more aggressive animal approaches a cheetah in the wild, it will give up its catch to avoid a fight.
Cheetahs only need to drink once every three to four days. Many  great animal pictures are taken while the cheetah is in the wild with other wild animals as well.

A tired cheetah after chasing a prey going back home in the
African Savannah jungles where prey is sometimes hard

The illegal animal poaching in many of the cheetah habitat where these beautiful animals are found is decreasing the cheetah’s population. With many of the wild animals on the brink of being endangered, cheetahs are endangered specie as well.  Just Like all big cat, spotted and striped cats, many people have been hunting cheetahs for ages. The cheetah’s fur has been used in making different items and as a result the cheetah population has decreased due to the fur trade. Poaching of cheetahs especially in Africa and many of the most beautiful African animal-hunting is not the principle problem facing cheetahs as well. 


Leopards and Cheetahs tend to have this resting position
having a great spot to look for the next animal to kill

Are all the animals in Africa endangered or is it a general norm that all cheetahs whether in the Alps or in Mexico are endangered. While on the other hand, with an increase in the world’s population, the breeding grounds of cheetahs and the cheetah’s natural habitat has always been compromised with other animals such as the lions, the wild dogs and leopards as well.  The Maasai tribe in the African savannah of Africa and mainly the Maasai tribes of Kenya and Tanzania have lived a pastoralist life where these big and small African savannah cats dwell. Despite the fact that the Maasai have lived with these wild animals for ages, the modern farming methods and scarcity of revenue has diverted the attention of conservation of the cheetah while at the same time compromising the animal habitat and ecosystem found in the African savannah.
Many of the African farmers have been at war with cheetahs as they keep on attacking their cattle and other people in their habitat. With the onset of inbreeding and loss of genetic variation within the cheetah’s family, this is just one other reason why cheetahs are on the decrease and being considered endangered.


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Cheetah. the most dangerous animal on the planet and
the most fastest animal on land

Leopards amazing safari pictures

The Big cats and the dangerous Leopard


Leopards hunt and cary their prey to hide on the tree


Africa has almost all the big cats apart from the Asian tiger and the black panther. With an abundant of wild animals and home of the big cats such as the lion the cheetah and mainly the leopard, this greatest African brave animal is also known as panthera pardus. The leopard is the smallest animal  from the big cat family felidae of the three family tigers,jaguars and lions.


The African Leopards are part of the cat family, Felidae and the scientific name for a leopard is Panthera pardus. These great African animals are some of the most respected animals in Africa not just because leopards videos are good or just because there are many good leopard pictures which  have made people to take many leopard pictures to  hang in their walls and as calendars and and other ways of appreciating leopards as well.


As far s the leopard colour and leopard coat is concerned, leopards are in fact some of the most beautiful animals in the world and the leopard coat is very cool mainly composed of cream and gold spotted fur. The a Asian leopards on the other hand have black fur with dark spots. Like any other animals in the wild, the black leopards are often mistaken for black panthers.


Leopards blend with their surrounding to ready to attack

Many animals in their natural habitat and not in captivity always leave their home to go and make other homes of their own. While in captivity when leopards become adult  you find that the leopard itself being a solitary animal  will always be alone when it reaches adulthood. With a lot of competition for prey and breeding grounds, thee leopards are not deterred with space but will always find their own territory when they are  adult. Hence each adult  leopard has its own territory and has it protected for as long as the leopard is alive.


Leopards some of the worlds biggest cats with great looks

despite the fact that there is always competition with other male leopards which sometimes result in fatal leopard to leopard attacks and the outcome is always dangerous to the leopards while in the harsh African jungles hence all adult leopards will  try to avoid contact with  one another.

Leopards has the strongest body to kill and drag animals

While the great Nile Crocodile is built for crashing bones, the African leopard’s body is built for hunting any animal in the African Savannah lands.. Like a mosquito stalking its prey, a leopard is sleek and has a very  powerful body. All this great body of the leopard is just a plus point to survive in the African wilderness which is fully infested with other predators waiting to roam the great African plains as well. 


Having speed on its side, the African leopard in fact can run at speeds of up to 57 kilometres per hour.  Its this great speed which leopards have been blessed with that make them some of the most amazing animals in the world while out there in their natural habitat.

Cats, leopard's teath sharp tot he bone it goes

Just like the chimpanzees are babes in the woods, the African leopards are also good swimmers.. Whether its a fish in the water or just a few animals wadding around the water, the leopard can make a meal out of them as well. When you talk of climbing, don't forget the leopard as well. With the great body and the proper animal instincts, leopards are also good tree climbers as they can climb, leap and jump long distances chasing their prey or running away from their prey as well.

leopard stalking its prey from the top of the tree

Why is an animal tail important? is it important in any way? While for many reasons, the animal tail is always used to communicate a message to others, sometimes an animal tail is  used to chase away insects is just to create its space, the leopard's tail is just extraordinary. With all the amazing speed leopards have, the leopard tail is one of the most important part of the leopards body and all the great speed. The leopard’s tail is almost as  long as the leopard's' whole body.  With the simple riles of aerodynamics balance and the center of gravity play a very important role. 


The animals build for the kill with great speed just like the great white sharks, the long leopards tail helps it with balance  while it is running and great speeds and this always keeps it on the move and have an advantage over other animals which don't have a long tail and are not accustomed to running in the whole.  Having this running ability, you will find that leopards will always hunt during the day as they are nocturnal and will occasionally do their  hunting at night.


Leopards endangered animals hunted for their golden fur

Hide and seek in the African wilderness is very important for any animal in the natural habitat. With competition for food and other carnivorous animals as well, food can be smelled by other animals from miles and miles away. Saving or keeping that animal which has been hunted down is of great importance. 


For this reason, you find that may times leopards will try their best to protect their food from other animals by dragging it high up into the trees. How long the carcass will remain up in the tree depends on the leopard and the other animals living with the leopard as well. The leopard when it has eaten and is satisfied will  leave its prey up in the tree for days and return only when they are hungry!


Leopards are natural tree climbers and can attack from all sides


For the continuation of generation and given the proper and natural breeding grounds, when female leopards become mature, they give birth to a little of two or three cubs at a time. When a female leopard is ready to mate she will give a scent and rub her body on the trees to leave her smell there. Male leopards either smell the females scent or hear her call to know that she is ready to mate and what ensues is another endangered animal ready to walk the harsh conditions of the animal world.


Whether these cute baby leopards survive the harsh Sahara weather conditions or the great pests and diseases of African, they will not be out of the woods even if the leopard reaches maturity as poachers ready to skin the leopard alive for their skins are always ready and would go miles to try to feed the illegal endangered animal parts markets around the world. Otherwise when the leopard reaches about two years old it will leave the company of its mother and live on their own fending .



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Snakes attacks and venomous dangerous snakes

World's most Endangered poisonous snakes species



BANDED KRAIT-Bungarus fasciatus

Bungarus fasciatus is Extremely toxic, but so disinclined to bite that Malayan villagers believe it is not a venomous species.
DESCRIPTION
1- 2 meters in size. It has black and yellow cross bands on  its entire length.
DISTRIBUTION
 India Mayurbhanj district  and the malay archipelago.
HABITAT
banded krait is found in bamboo groves in the  forests,plantation and farms, where It hides during the day in burrows under stones or logs, becoming  active at night.
FOOD
like all kraits other snakes are the preferred food.
BREEDING
The female lays eggs.

 (VIPERS (FAMILY VIPERIDAE)


About 190 species. Arguably the most advanced snakes, a group which includes the rattlesnakes, the European adder (vipera berus) , and the gaboon viper (bitis gabonica), which hold the record for length of fangs. This is possible because, as in all vipers , the fangs can be folded into the roof of the mouth and are swivelled forward during a bite. Sometimes the pit vipers (rattlesnakes and their kin) are placed in a separate family. All of them have a heat-sensitive pit on each side of their face, for detecting the body warmth of mammals or birds, enabling them to strike accurately in pitch darkness. 


FER-DE-LANCE-Bothrops atrox

More correctly known as barb amarilla, this snake has a virulent venom and reputedly responsible for the most snake-bite related deaths in south America of any species. The true fer-de-lance occurs only on island of Martinique.

DESCRIPTION
Averages 2 metres (6 ½ ft). One of its many common names refers to it as a “lancehead”; its triangutar head with light stripes behind the eyes produces an arrow point marking towards the snout. Mostly some shade of brown with darker brown triangles radiating off the back.
DISTRIBUTION
From Mexico down through Brazil.
HABITAT
Found in plantations and forest, especially along streams.
FOOD 
Venomous, feeding on small mammals and birds, frogs and lizards.
BREEDING
  A large female can produce an astonishing litter of up to 70 young measuring 30cm (12in).

The largest dangerous venomous snake in the world



EASTERN HOGNOSE SNAKE
Heterodon platyrhinos
Like the western hognose this snake may provide clues as to how venom evolved; though it has enlarged rear teeth and very mild venom, it has no real mechanism for introducing this venom to prey.
DESCRIPTION: 51-1 15cm (1 ½ - 4 ft).
A Stocky snake with a distinctly less upturned nose than its western counterpart. The ground colours are variable, ranging from yellow through grey, brown to even red; some individuals are plain black or grey, but spotted specimens are the norm.
DISTRIBUTION: Much of eastern and central USA.
HABITAT: Active during the day it spends most of its time foraging for prey, often burrowing into root systems to locate toads. Like the Western Hognose, it will feign death as well as inflate the neck and strike.
FOOD: Mildly venomous. Toads form the majority of its diet, but frogs may also be eaten.
BREEDING: Lays a clutch of 5 – 61 eggs.


SCARLET SNAKE
Cemophora coccinea
An impressive mimic of the eastern coral snake when seen at a distance, easier to identify if you can get a closer look.
DESCRIPTION: 36 - 82cm (1¼ - 2½ft).
Distinguished by having markings that form a saddle pattern rather than a banded pattern, a very pointed, red snout and a plain whitish belly.
DISTRIBUTION: USA, in many of the eastern seaboard states north to New Jersey, down to Florida, through to Texas and north to Montana.
HABITAT: Found in loose-soiled open woodland.
A burrower rarely found at the surface, more normally disturbed under logs or by agricultural practices.
FOOD: A constrictor, feeding on small mice, lizards and snakes, and proving very partial to snakes’ eggs.
BREEDING: Females lay 3-8 leathery and elongated eggs in a clutch.





SMOOTH GREEN SNAKE
Opheodrys vernalis  
The green dorsal colour of this snake changes to a dull blue or grey after death.
DESCRIPTION: 30-65cm (1-2ft).
A slender plain green snake with a white or yellow under the tail.
DISTRIBUTION: Occurs in much of northeastern USA and some parts of southern Canada as well as isolated populations in southern Texas and Idaho, New Mexico and Wyoming.  
HABITAT Mostly terrestrial in grassy areas in forests, prairies and along river edges.
FOOD East mainly insects and spiders.
BREEDING Several females may share a nest site where each will lay a clutch of 3-48 eggs.


MANGROVE SNAKE
Boiga dendrphila


A spectacular animal that is a popular “draw” in snake charming shows.
DESCRIPTION: Grows up to 2.5 meters (8ft).
A glossy black snake with 40-50 sulphur yellow bars. The eye has vertical pupils like a cat’s.
DISTRIBUTION: Thailand and Malay peninsular, Philippines and Indonesia.
HABITAT: Mangroves and tropical rain forests, where it is often found in the trees.
FOOD: Small mammals, birds, eggs and reptiles. Large fangs at the back of its mouth can deliver quite potent venom.
BREEDING: Lays a clutch of eggs in damp soil or rotting wood.
BOOMSLANG
Dispholidus typus


When angered, this snake inflates its throat to produce an alarming thereat display to potential predators.
DESCRIPTION: Averages 120-15cm (4-5ft).
It possesses a very short head with large eyes and a slender body. The colour varies markedly, even within the same geographic location.
DISTRIBUTION: Africa, south of the Sahara.
HABITAT: Totally arboreal, the name boomslang comes directly from the Afrikaans meaning “tree snake”.
FOOD: One of the most notorious and venomous snakes in Africa, back-fanged but in fact relatively near the front of the mouth. It preys on chameleons, other lizards, amphibians and birds, often found raiding weaver bird colonies.
BREEDING: Up to 24 eggs deposited that require about 6 months’ incubation before the 30cm (1ft) hatchlings emerge.
GOLDEN FLYING SNAKE
Chrsopelea ornata


One of the 5 species of snakes that can spread their ribs and glide from tree to tree.
DESCRIPTION: Grows to about 1.3 meters (4ft).
An athletic, slender snake with large eyes. Its coloration is green with each bordered and bisected by black.
DISTRIBUTION: India and Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Southern China and the Malay peninsular.
HABITAT: A denizen of tropical rain forests, it is diurnal, arboreal and sun loving. Moves with alacrity in the tree tops by climbing, jumping and gliding. Back-fanged, but they have weak venom.
FOOD: Lizards and frogs. May take an hour or more to subdue a lizard.
BREEDING: Comes down to the ground to lay eggs in leaf mould on the forest floor.
VINE SNAKE
Oxybelis aeneus


May attempt to mimic the branches they habitually lie along by appearing to sway in the breez.
DESCRIPTION: 90-150cm (3-5ft).
An incredibly slender and long-headed snake, with comparatively small eyes and a long tail (up to half its body length). Generally grayish-brown above, grey below, with white or yellow under the head, an eye stripe and distinctive cream lips.
DISTRIBUTION: Extreme South Arizona into Central and South America.
HABITAT: Active during daylight hours, mainly arboreal, often being found along thin branches, in a range of arid to moist habitats. Bluffs when disturbed with a wide-gaping mouth.
FOOD: Back-fanged and mildly toxic, feeds mainly on lizards.
BREEDING: A clutch of 3-5 eggs is laid in spring and summer.
SEA KARIT
Laticuda colubrina


Can be found in large numbers when they come shore to breed.
DESCRIPTION: Up to 1.5 metres (5ft) in length.
Its coloration is bluish grey with cross bands of black. They head is marked with black and yellow.
DISTRIBUTION: Tropical seas and shores from India through Indonesia, Malaysia, New Guinea, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
HABITAT: Mainly aquatic, but also found on the land in rocky and coral crevices. Venom is toxic but this snake has a placid disposition and does not bite even when freshly caught.
FOOD: Forages at night, grabbing sleeping fish from rock crevices.
BREEDING: It comes ashore to lay eggs.

FIERCE SNAKE
Parademansia microlepidota


The land snake with the most potent venom. A large one has the potential to dispatch 250,000 mice.
DESCRIPTION: 2 metres (6½ft) is the average length.
Usually a brown snake, with some of its scales edged with black or brown. Some populations have a distinct black head.
DISTRIBUTION: Australia in western Queensland, northwestern South Australia and western New South Wales.
HABITAT: Found in stony deserts or dry flood plains with deep cracking clays and soils. Abroad in daylight, it often lives in the burrows of its main prey, the plague rat.
FOOD: Rodents.
BREEDING: Lays a clutch of 9-12 eggs which hatch in about 70 days.
COLLETT’S SNAKE
Pseudechis colletti


Potentially fatal to people, this rare and beautiful Australian snake keeps itself to itself and there is no proof that it has ever bitten anyone.
DESCRIPTION: Total length is about 2.5 metres (8ft).
The snake has a brown or black body colour, with blotches of orange or red that merges together at the sides.
DISTRIBUTION: Only found in central Queensland, Australia.
HABITAT: Generally near rivers in black soil flood plains or riverine forests. It is so uncommon and elusive that little is known about its behavior.
FOOD: Small mammals, lizards, forgs and brids.
BREEDING: Lays 7-14 eggs in October to December.


EASTERN TIGER SNAKE
Notechis scutatus


The venomous snake that is common in the most densely populated areas of Australia.
DESCRIPTION: A bulky snake that can grow to nearly 2 metres (6½ft) in length.
Very variable in colour, can be grey, green brown or even black with a series of lighter cross bands.
DISTRIBUTION: East and south eastern Australia.
HABITAT: Usually found in damp habitats.
Unaggressive, but holds its ground, so it can be trodden upon accidentally; before an anti-venom was developed it was responsible for human fatalities.
FOOD: Specializes in frogs, but will take birds and rodents.
BREEDING: Males indulge in “ritualized combats” during the spring. After mating the female retains her eggs within her body, eventually giving to 30 or so young.
BLACK TIGER SNAKE
Notechis ater


Some island populations of this snake fast for 10 months of the year.
DESCRIPTION: There are a variety of subspecies that range in size from 1-2.4 metres (3-8ft). All are heavily built, with broad heads. The colour is dark brown or black, with some of the western populations having lighter bands.
DISTRIBUTION: Western Australia, southern Australia’s Tasmania and small islets and islands off Australia’s southern coast.
HABITAT: Found in marshlands, sand dunes or dry rocky deserts. Some of the island forms spend most of their time in sea bird burrows.
FOOD: frogs, birds and rodents. Two of the island subspecies survive by feeding upon mutton bird, a type of shearwater. The snakes must gorge on chicks when the shearwater are breeding, then fast for 10 months, when the mutton birds are out at sea. Juvenile tiger snakes live on lizards until they are big enough to eat a bird.    
BREEDING: females give birth to 6-20 young (sometimes more) in mid to late summer.
TAIPAN
Oxyuranus scutellatus
the largest and most notorious venomous snake in Australia, with the longest fangs(12mm [1/2 in ] ) to boot.
DESCRIPTION: can grow to 3.5 metres (111/2ft) but more usually 1.5 metres (5ft). it has large glittering eyes set in a creamy head, with a body of light to dark brown becoming lighter at the sides. 
DISTRIBUTION: north and northeastern Australia.
HABITAT: Found in sugar cane fields, farms, rubbish dumps and woodlands. If given the chance a taipan will always retreat from people but if provoked will strike repeatedly.  
FOOD:  A rodents specialist, which is why it is attracted to farms and dumps where there are large populations of mice.  
BREEDING: lays 10-12 eggs.
DEATH ADDER
Acanthophis antarcticus
Perfectly camouflaged, it wiggles the tip of its tail to lure unwary prey.
DESCRIPTION: fat body usually under 1 metre (3ft) in length very variable in colour; red, grey or brown with
DISTRIBUTION: north and northeastern Australia.
HABITAT: Found in sugar cane fields, farms, rubbish dumps and woodlands. If given the chance a taipan will always retreat from people but if provoked will strike repeatedly.  
FOOD:  A rodents specialist, which is why it is attracted to farms and dumps where there are large populations of mice.  
BREEDING: lays 10-12 eggs.


KING BROWN SNAKE
Pseudechis australis
Under threat in the northern part of its range from the lethal effects of swallowing cane toads.
DESCRIPTION: Up to 2 metres (6 ½ ft) long.
Each scale can be edged or tipped with black, resulting in a reticulated pattern on an all ground colour of copper or brown.
DISTRIBUTION: The whole of Australia, except the south and the east.
 HABITAT: Found in nearly every type of habitat from tropical forests to arid desert. In cool weather this snake is active during the day, becoming nocturnal in hotter seasons or climates.
FOOD:  Small mammals, birds and frogs. For the snake, cane toads seem a prefect food except that they are toxic and eating one causes death. Native animals have yet to come to terms with an introduced species.
BREEDING: ritualized combat has been observed between males during the breeding seasons (October and November). After mating the females lays about 10 eggs.
CORAL SNAKE
Micruroides euryxanthus
Despite processing a potent venom, this snake generally defends itself with sound; waving its tail above its body and extruding its cloaca produces “Popping” sounds.

DESCRIPTION: No more than about 50cm (20in) long. The body is totally encircled by clearly defined glossy, black, yellow and red bands.
The edges of the scales are tipped black, while the head is black from the snout to just behind the termination of the mouth.

DISTRIBUTION: Northern Mexico into New Mexico and Arizona.

 HABITAT: Found in areas of sandy soil in rocky locations emerging from burrows or under rocks at night and during overcast conditions.

FOOD:  Venomous, feeding almost entirely on snakes, especially the bind snake, Leptotyphlops.

BREEDING: 2-3 eggs laid under a rock or in a burrow.
EASTERN CORAL SNAKE
Micrurus Fuluius
Highly venomous but inoffensive, will rarely bite except under extreme circumstances.

DESCRIPTION: Up to around 90cm (3ft). The yellow bands are narrow and border the black and red bands; there is some flecking o black in the red bands. The black on the head reaches only to just beyond the eyes.

DISTRIBUTION: southeastern USA, and from southern Arkansas west into Taxes and south into Mexico.

HABITAT: A secretive snake, it often remains hidden in leaf debris or burrows, only emerging into its woodland or riverine habitat on humid or overcast days.

FOOD:  Venomous, feeding on small prey items, snake, lizards and nestling rodents.

BREEDING: Deposits up to 18 eggs in rotten logs or stumps.

BUSHMASTER
Lachesis Muta
It is reputed that female bushmaster actively and aggressively guard their nest sites.

 DESCRIPTION: Normally 210-240cm (7-8ft), but sometimes up to 350cm (12ft). The ground colour can vary between yellowish , reddish and grey-brown blotches that stretch down the sides to form dark lateral triangles.

DISTRIBUTION: Much of Central America and into Peru, the Guians and into Brazil.

HABITAT: Resides almost exclusively in primary and secondary forests and adjacent cleared areas, mostly nocturnal, foraging for prey on the ground, in burrows and around exposed root systems.

FOOD:  Venomous, most normally feeding on small mammals, but occasionally eating birds and amphibians.

BREEDING: Lays about 12 eggs in a clutch.



SOUTH AMERICAN SPITTING COBRA
Hemachatus Hemachatus
“Rinkhals” is the Afrikaans name, referring to the distinctive white throat band.

DESCRIPTION: A large stout cobra that is dingy black or brown. Average about 1 metre (3ft) in length. The only cobra with keeled body scales.

DISTRIBUTION: Zimbabwe and South Africa.

HABITAT: Found in a variety of habitats where it hides in scrubby vegetations or rock piles. When defending itself it can spit venom for up to 3metres (10ft).

FOOD:  Rodents and toads.

BREEDING: A live-bearer, which is unusual for a cobra. It gives birth to a litter of 63 young in the autumn.

MOZAMBIQUE SPITTING COBRA
Naja mossambica
The “red spitter” can spray two jets venom from tiny holes in the tips fangs for up to 2.5 metres (8ft).

DESCRIPTION: Usually attaining a length of 1.5 metres (5ft) but on occasions reaching up to 2.8 metres (9ft). Its coloration ranges from brown –red, pinkish to orange-red; there are often black cross bands or blotches on the throat.

DISTRIBUTION: Southern Tanzania, Mozambique, Botswana and Northern South Africa.

HABITAT: Ground dwelling, sheltering in termite mounds and rock crevices, it basks during the day and forages at night. Quick to rouse and to spit, it will also bite readily, through the venom rarely causes fatalities.

FOOD:  Venomous, eating toads, snakes, birds, rodents and even eggs.

BREEDING:  Between 10 and 22 eggs are laid in summer.

FOREST COBRA
Ophiophagus hannah
Through a slender snake it is the largest of the African cobras.

DESCRIPTION: Up to 2.5 metres (8ft). It appears black unless in good lights. When a distinct pale flecking of the scales is obvious. The front of the snout, parts of the face and the underside are a bright orange-yellow; on the belly this is broken by a black band under the hood. 

DISTRIBUTION: Central Africa, South to Angola and eastern parts of South Africa.

HABITAT: Occurs in heavily forested areas or along forest edges.

FOOD:  Venomous, Small mammals.

BREEDING:  Lays 15-26 large eggs in leaf litter or hollow logs.

KING COBRA
Ophiophagus hannah
The largest venomous snake in the world with gigantic long enough to penetrate the hide of an elephant and enough venom to kill it.

DESCRIPTION: Usually 4 metres (13ft) in lengths, but the maximum ever recorded was over 5.5 metres (18ft). Medium to dark brown with dull light and dark cross bands along the body.

DISTRIBUTION: India, Indo-China to Southern India, and the Indo-Australia Archipelago.

HABITAT: A denizen of tropical rain forests. For most of the years shy and wary of human beings, but females can become aggressive when guarding the nest. A king cobra rearing up over 1 metre (3ft) off the ground in a threat display can make for an exciting encounter.

FOOD: Rodents and reptiles, with a predilection for other snakes.

 BREEDING:  the only snake in the world that builds an elaborate nest. The female lays up to 40 eggs, staying on guard until they hatch.


GABOON VIPER-Bitis gabonica

This large viper has massive fangs of up to 5cm (2in), a record for any snake. The fangs are folded  against the roof of the mouth, but are raised and extended when the snake goes to strike.
DESCRIPTION: The largest and fattest of the puff adders at up to 1.8 metres (6ft) and 12kgs (26lb). Very heavy-bodied with a wide head and silvery eye marked out by a triangle of brown or black extending from the jaw. The colours of the amazingly cryptic body patterm range from brown, beige, yellow, black and purple.



DISTRIBUTION:
much of eastern, central and western Africa.
HABITAT:
Found on the floors of rain forests and woodland, its remarkable patterning camouflages it wonderfully in leaf litter
FOOD:
Venomous, eating a variety of terrestrial the small royal antelope.
BREEDING:
live-bearing, up to 60 young in a litter.




PUFF ADDER-Bitis arietans

Male puff adders may be seen performing strange ritualized combats or dances together during the  breeding season.
DESCRIPTION: A very heavy-bodied snake, perhaps only 1 metre (3-4ft), but extremely variable in colour, ranging from yellow-brown through reddish brown or grey with heavy black markings.
DISTRIBUTION: Africa south of the Sahara, southwest Arabia and Yemen.
HABITAT: Most active at night, but in fact generally an ambush feeder, waiting for its prey to pass its silent, camouflaged form. Usually hisses very loudly when threatened.

FOOD:
Venomous, eating mainly rodents which are quickly digested with the aid of the tissue-destroying nature of the venom.
BREEDING:
Able to produce massive litters of over 80 live offspring.

CANTIL SNAKE-Agkistrodon bilineas

The newly hatched young are able to attract their prey by using extraordinary movements of their bright yellow tail lure.

DESCRIPTION: A blue-back to chocolate brown snake, with creamy-white markings taking the form of two narrow lateral stripes and regular thin cross bars.
DISTRIBUTION: Through much of southern Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras and Belize.
HABITAT: Mainly nocturnal, it generally resides near water.
FOOD: Venomous, feeding on amphibians, fish, mammals and reptiles.
BREEDING: Live-bearing, giving birth to over a dozen young.

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