Journal article
What snake is that? Common Australian snake species are frequently misidentified or unidentified
Human Dimensions of Wildlife
2020
Abstract
Human-wildlife conflicts are influenced by the public’s ability to identify dangerous species. We determined the snakes most commonly involved in conflicts by comparing types of “problem snakes” by location (urban/non-urban) for 9,627 calls to a Western Australian helpline. Of the 21% of cases identifying problem snakes, most urban sightings (82%) were for venomous brown snakes (Pseudonaja spp.) and tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus). We then tested the ability of Western Australians to discern dangerous species by displaying five common reptiles (brown snake/dugite, tiger snake, python, and two skinks) at four community events and asked attendees “what is it called,” “is it a snake,” and “is it venomous?” Respondents discerned snakes and lizards, but not species or venomous versus non-venomous. Adults correctly identified dugites more often than did children (82% and 48%, respectively). We recommend education (e.g., brochures, school programs) to help people identify and assess the danger of interacting with reptiles.
Details
- Title
- What snake is that? Common Australian snake species are frequently misidentified or unidentified
- Authors/Creators
- A.K. Wolfe (Author/Creator)P.A. Fleming (Author/Creator)P.W. Bateman (Author/Creator)
- Publication Details
- Human Dimensions of Wildlife
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis
- Identifiers
- 991005543017407891
- Murdoch Affiliation
- School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Citation topics
- 1 Clinical & Life Sciences
- 1.181 Molecular Toxicology
- 1.181.1079 Snake Venom Biochemistry
- Web Of Science research areas
- Biodiversity Conservation
- Environmental Sciences
- ESI research areas
- Environment/Ecology