SnakesSnakes probably evolved from lizards and into a very specialized group with a distinctive elongate form and no limbs. This form has obviously been very successful, as 2,700 different species swim, climb and burrow through a range of habitats, from the ocean through forests and grasslands, to deserts. Because of their wriggling locomotion and their often shiny appearance, many people think of snakes as slippery, however, their bodies are dry to the touch, and larger Australian snakes, such as pythons, are much like feeling a long muscular arm. This group has evolved some of the most venomous animals on the planet. This probably accounts for much of the fear humans have of these creatures, however, they are usually reasonably shy animals, and most slide away when they hear humans thumping along a track.
They are much rarely encountered than people fear, and can be hard to find.
where can I see snakes?Generally, snakes are fairly shy animals that hard to see. The best way to see them is to take advantage of their biology. Being ectotherms, they need to heat up by basking, and they often do this in open areas, such as walking tracks and roads, very early in the morning. This works best in more temperate areas; the further in the tropics that you go, the more consistently warmer it is, and the less you may come across them basking. However, in tropical areas, many species can continue to be active at night, and thus travelling along small roads at night through the forest or savanna slowly in a car can be productive.
There are also various places one can find snakes on a more predictable basis.The largest python in Australia can often be seen on the Lake Barrine cruise.The boat operators on the Daintree sometimes get to know where the tree snakes are hanging about on the river during the day.
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