Grey nomads are quite naturally wary of potential snake encounters as they camp out in the wilds or take a bushwalk but – contrary to popular belief – Australia is apparently far from the most dangerous place in the world as far as snakes are concerned.
The CSIRO says that myth is well and truly busted, with the risk of bites and death far greater across Asia, Africa and South America.
While studies a few decades ago found relatively high toxicity levels in Australian species like brown snakes, herpetologist Ruchira Somaweera says the study didn’t include many well-known highly dangerous snakes from other continents and, even more importantly, had little relevance to humans.
“If you look at the amount of people who actually die in Australia from snakes each year, it’s practically nothing, the encounter rates are so low in comparison to other parts of the world.” he told AAP. “Factors such as the quality of antivenom, our paramedical services and knowledge of first aid is really good here in Australia which contributes to the negligible number of human deaths.”
Meanwhile, in parts Asia, Africa and South America there are a group of snakes called Vipers which are large, aggressive and common. And encounter rates and bites are much higher there due to limited preventative knowledge such as appropriate footwear and little first aid training.
There are an estimated one million venomous snake bites globally every year and, in India alone, about 10,000 people die.
“In the neighbouring island of Sri Lanka, an estimated 80,000 people get bitten by snakes annually, of which about 400 lose their lives,” Dr Somaweera said. “It’s clearly a massive issue and a real threat in other parts of the world, especially Asia, compared to Australia.”
Scientists have compiled a list of dangerous snakes in Australia based on the actual threat posed to human lives, with brown snakes and tiger snakes at the top. Both species are relatively common in urban areas and can be aggressive if confronted. Brown snakes are also considered potentially more dangerous because they are daytime active so encounter rates are higher.
