MAINLAND TIGER SNAKE Notechis scutatus

One of the world’s most venomous land snakes, this species has been responsible for three known deaths in Australia since 2000. It has an LD of 0.118 and average venom 50 yield of 30–70mg. This venom – which acts on nerves, muscles and blood – can trigger a severe reaction within 15 minutes, although antivenom is available. Common symptoms are paralysis, muscle damage and uncontrollable bleeding. The tiger snake is thought to be one wide-ranging species that has great variation in size and colour across southern Australia, including Tasmania.