Sensational Snakes
Seven species of snake were found during the Manly Dam Biodiversity Project 2020/2021 Reptiles and Frogs survey. Past surveys have identified at least 2 further species of snake but we are unsure if they are now locally extinct or still present. These species were the Yellow-faced Whip Snake and the Blind Snake. Collated together there are 12 species that have been recorded at Manly Dam.
“Many people have a fear of reptiles, particularly snakes. However, reptiles are shy creatures and, if given the chance, will escape rather than attack. Most snakes only bite as a last resort and the majority of bites to humans are inflicted while people are trying to catch or kill them.
As more and more bushland is cleared to accommodate Sydney's increasing population, several reptile species are experiencing population declines and are becoming harder to find.
All native reptile species are protected within New South Wales.”
Australian Museum
Image: Sydney Wildlife volunteer and snake expert Lynleigh Greig says the pictured snake could be Aretha, a pregnant female diamond python known to live in Manly Dam.
Image credit: Kirsty Peters.
Note that during the mammal surveys many introduced Black Rats were seen and our snake friends play an important role predating on them.
Diamond Python
Species: Morelia spilota spilota
Conservation Status: Protected, under pressure from habitat desctruction.
Diamond Pythons have stunning yellow black and cream markings and grow to some 2-3m long. They tend to be nocturnal, slow moving animals and can sometimes be seen basking in trees during the day. They are non-venomous but can inflict a painful bite. They kill their prey, such as small mammals and lizards, by wrapping their body around them and suffocating them.
Female Diamond Pythons lay their eggs then curl around them to protect them and regulate their temperature until they hatch. This maternal care is unusual in snakes.
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Green Tree Snake
Species: Dendrelaphis punctulatus
Conservation status: Protected
Non venomous.
Image credit: John Robert McPherson -
Red-bellied Black Snake
Species: Pseudechis porphyriacus
Conservation status: Protected
Venomous - They are a shy snake and will generally only deliver a serious bite under severe molestation. -
Golden-crowned Snake
Species: Cacophis squamulosus
Conservation status: protected
Venomous, but not considered dangerous.
Image credit: Joe Lipson
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Tiger Snake
Species: Notchis scutatus
Conservation status: Protected
Venomous - generally shy and preferring escape over conflict, a cornered tiger snake will put on an impressive threat display by holding its forebody in a tense, loose curve with the head slightly raised and pointed at the offender. -
Black-bellied Swamp Snake
Species: Hemiaspis signata
Conservation status: Protected
Venomous, but not highly dangerous to humans. -
Eastern Brown Snake
Species: Pseudonaja textillis
Conservation status: Protected
Venomous - Being an alert, nervous species they often react defensively if surprised or cornered, putting on a fierce display and striking with little hesitation. However, if approached over a distance, they will usually choose to flee or else remain stationary, hoping to avoid detection.
Image credit: Lynleigh Greig