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By Davidson John John [ 08/02/2009 ] Publishing Free Articles Zone articles is subject to our Publisher's Terms Of Service |
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Australia's beautiful beaches and coastal areas inhabit some of the most dangerous Australian animals.
• The Box Jellyfish or Sea Wasp causes more deaths than snakes, salt water crocodiles and sharks together. It is abundant along the northern tropical coastlines during the Australian summer. Sea Wasps fire extremely powerful venom when you come in contact with them.
• Saltwater Crocodiles or Estuarine Crocodiles live in rivers and freshwater swamps along the coastline in northern Australia. Salties grow up to 5 m, some exemplars get even a bit bigger. They have powerful jaws that won't give you any chance to escape once they have grabbed you. Salties are the world's largest reptiles. They are protected in Australia.
• The Stonefish can be found among rocks in shallow waters on beaches and islands north of the Tropic of Capricorn. Its venomous spines release a toxin that causes severe pain and shock.
How to avoid trouble and first aid
1. Obey the signs that warn you about Saltwater Crocodiles and the Box Jellyfish along rivers and beaches.
2. Wear shows while walking in water on stony beaches and coral islands.
3. Vinegar inactivates the stinging cells of the Box Jellyfish and should be poured over the tentacles before you remove them from a victim.
4. Bath the stung area of Stonefish stings in hot water to reduce the pain.
Snakes are found all over Australia, in the cities and the Outback. There are a few snakes species supposed to be the most venomous in the world. Unless feeling trapped, snakes and spiders won't "attack" humans. Leave them alone, and they won't do you any harm.
Most snake bites happen due to silly behavior. Don't provoke them, don't try to catch or kill a snake. Wear socks and boots when walking in high grass. Don’t lift large rocks and dead wood. When you see a snake, stamp your feet and let is slither away.
The Surf Coast is approximately 100 km and takes in such popular tourist towns as Torquay, Lorne and Anglesea. Along the Surf Coast you will find excellent swimming locations, beaches and of course the world famous Bells Beach which each year hosts an Easter surf carnival attracting competitors from around the world. You will also find historic maritime locations, lush forests, waterfalls, walks and excellent restaurants.
Finally the Discover Coast section of the Great Ocean Road is focused around the major town of Portland and surrounds taking in such delights as the Discovery bay Marine National Park and the views from Cape Bridgewater.
Along The Great Ocean Road you will experience vast cliffs, the majesty of the Twelve Apostles, thundering surf beaches, pristine beaches, tranquil bays and lush inland bush. You will find remote and tranquil camping locations and plenty of locations to spot some famous Australian wildlife such as koalas, wombats, echidnas, kangaroos and an abundance of native birds.
But there is a big difference between a highly venomous snake and a highly dangerous snake. Many snakes that are high on the venom charts are shy and reclusive, and therefore account for very few human fatalities. On the flip side of that coin, there are certain venomous snakes that, while they do not rank in the top-ten most venomous, still account for a large number of human fatalities each year. This might be because that particular snake is found in highly populated areas far from medical care, that the snake is comparatively more aggressive toward humans, or a combination of these factors.
The most dangerous snake is not the most venomous. The most venomous snakes are taipans, Australian brown snakes and sea snakes but they have small venom yields and little snakebite to humans and few human fatalities in the scheme of things.
The existence of Australian animals on the island fascinates biologists, who attribute the tremendous biodiversity to being allowed to proliferate without human interference for so many years. Remember, Australia wasn't even officially declared a country until 1901.
About the author:
Australian Wildlife is one of twelve "megadiverse" countries that accounts for 75% of the world's biodiversity, says the Department of Environment and Climate Change. Other people create lists of the most venomous Australian Snakes in the world by considering the venom yield, meaning the amount of venom the snake can produce with a given bite.
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