The term “Australian Racer” refers to a group of fast-moving snake species found across Australia, rather than a single, officially recognized snake. This colloquial term highlights the remarkable speed and agility these reptiles exhibit. Understanding the animals commonly associated with this phrase helps clarify its meaning.
Unpacking the Term: What is an “Australian Racer”?
The term ‘Australian Racer’ describes snakes known for their rapid movement, often used to evade threats or pursue prey. The main candidates are various species of whip snakes, belonging to the genus Demansia. These slender snakes have whip-like bodies and quick, darting movements across the landscape. The Yellow-faced Whip Snake (Demansia psammophis) is a common example, known for its speed and diurnal activity.
While whip snakes are the most direct fit, the Brown Tree Snake (Boiga irregularis) might also be colloquially grouped under this term due to its agility, particularly in arboreal environments. Its swift movements through trees and shrubs can lead to it being perceived as a ‘racer.’ The Brown Tree Snake is a colubrid, a family of snakes that are long and slender, aiding its climbing ability and allowing it to navigate small spaces.
Habitat and Behavior
Whip snakes, often called ‘Australian Racers,’ are found in a wide array of habitats across the Australian continent, from coastal forests to arid grasslands. The Yellow-faced Whip Snake, for instance, inhabits diverse environments, including forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. They are often found in dry, open areas and can be encountered around homes, sheltering under rocks, logs, and debris.
These snakes are primarily diurnal, active during the day and using their keen eyesight to hunt. They are alert and typically flee quickly when disturbed. Whip snakes are known for their climbing abilities and swift movements, navigating through trees and shrubs with ease, though they also forage on the ground.
In contrast, the Brown Tree Snake is a nocturnal species, spending its days coiled in cool, dark places and emerging at night to forage. This species is highly arboreal but will descend to the ground to hunt, and it can be found in a variety of habitats, including tropical forests, grasslands, and urban ecosystems.
Diet and Predation
These fast-moving snakes are predators, with their speed and agility crucial for capturing prey. Whip snakes (Demansia genus) primarily consume small diurnal lizards, including skinks, as well as frogs and lizard eggs. Their hunting strategy involves striking quickly and accurately, often chasing and capturing lizards.
The Brown Tree Snake has a broader diet, consuming a variety of small vertebrates. Its prey includes birds, bird eggs, lizards, small mammals, and amphibians. This snake immobilizes its prey by biting and holding on, using its mild venom, and may also wrap its body around the prey in a constrictor-like manner to subdue it.
Encountering Australian Racers: Safety and Coexistence
Most whip snakes (genus Demansia) are considered mildly venomous. While their venom is effective for subduing small prey, it is generally not considered dangerous to adult humans, though a bite can cause localized pain and swelling. Severe reactions are rare, but medical attention should be sought if bitten.
The Brown Tree Snake is also mildly venomous and possesses rear fangs, but its venom is not typically considered life-threatening to healthy adults. However, bites can cause localized pain, swelling, and headaches, and infants or young children may experience more significant reactions, necessitating careful monitoring and medical attention.
If an encounter occurs, it is best to remain calm and observe the snake from a distance. Snakes generally prefer to avoid human contact and will retreat if given space; therefore, it is important not to approach, corner, or provoke them. If a snake needs to be removed from a residential area, contacting local wildlife authorities is the safest course of action. These snakes contribute to ecological balance by controlling pest populations, such as rodents.