Tiger snake
Black Tiger Otter ( N. ater)
The Tiger otters ( Notechis ) are a genus of the family Elapidae ( Elapidae ). It includes two species, the Black Tiger Otter ( N. atra ) and the Common Tiger Otter ( N. scutatus ) and several sub- species, their distribution is restricted to southern Australia.
Features
The two species reach body lengths of over a meter, the Common Tiger otter with a maximum total length of about 1.20 meters not quite as long as the Black Tiger Otter with body lengths up to 1.50 meters. The general coloring of the ordinary tiger otter is highly variable, ranging from a light gray to olive green, brown or reddish brown, with more or less distinct transverse bars; in very rare cases, black animals are found. The Black Tiger Otter other hand, is always colored black paint. The belly is in both species brighter colored than the back side.
A characteristic feature is the large, almost square front plate on top of the head for the genus. The anterior temporal is also formed very large and at least as long as or longer than the frontal. Subocularia missing, an Interna Sale is formed against it. All body scales are smooth and form in the middle of the body 17 to 21 scale rows, the Common Tiger Otter mostly 19 and the Black Tiger Otter usually has 17 rows of scales. The belly is of more than 140 Ventralia, the Black Tiger Otter has at least 155 Ventralia. The maximum number is located in both species at 190 Ventralia. Both the anal shield and the Subcaudalia are undivided.
Distribution and habitat
Tiger otters are found exclusively in South Australia, with no overlap in the distribution areas of both species. Thus, the Black Tiger Otter lives on the south-western tip of Western Australia and Tasmania during the Ordinary Tiger otter from southern Queensland through New South Wales to Victoria in the area of the Murray and Murrumbidgee River and the extreme south-east of South Australia is widespread.
The snakes live mainly in the highlands and can be found there in a number of different habitats. This can be especially in the north to humid rain forests in the south, however, before they come in drier areas.
Way of life
Both Tiger otters are primarily diurnal and crepuscular, nocturnal activity occurs on extremely hot days. The offspring are born alive to the world that snakes are ovoviviparous accordingly.
Snake venom
The Tiger otters are considered to be very dangerous snakes because they have a very potent poison and also frequently come into contact with people. Accordingly, a very large proportion of fatal Schlangenbißunfälle Australia is due to the two species of this genus. An antivenin against the venom was developed very early and the snake venom is very well researched in its composition and effect.