Dangerous Snakes of Australia

A Guide to Their Identification, Ecology and Conservation

By: Mike Swan

An essential field guide to Australia's 141 species of venemous terrestrial and marine snakes.

Dangerous Snakes of Australia is an indispensable field guide to all 141 identified species of venomous elapid snakes on the continent. Through detailed species accounts, Mike Swan introduces readers to the physical features, habitat, behaviour and other distinctive characteristics of some of the most charismatic – and deadly – snakes in the world. The book additionally aims to further conservation efforts through providing important conservation information. + Full description

This easy-to-use volume features:

Over 350 colour photos, drawings and range maps

Coverage of both terrestrial and marine snakes

Up-to-date descriptions of morphological features, habitats, behaviour and other natural history information

Information on lethality, antivenoms and the first aid treatment of snakebites

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ratings

Comprehensive and definitive, Dangerous Snakes of Australia is essential for both snake enthusiasts and professionals who are looking to learn more about and help protect these fascinating creatures.

- Short description

News

Sales in Australia and New Zealand only. Elsewhere, this title is available through Cornell University Press (external link).

Reviews

“This is a timely and welcome field guide, with up-to-date, fascinating information. Written by an author who is as passionate about his subject as he is knowledgeable – and with contributions from some of Australia’s most skilled photographers – this book is sure to become a classic on Australia’s wildlife.”
Steve K. Wilson, Queensland Museum

“With current information on the ecology and identification of dangerous Australian species, conservation and first aid, Dangerous Snakes of Australia is a lovely addition to our collective knowledge of dangerous snakes. It is written for both the layperson and the professional biologist alike, combining the author’s decades of experience with beautiful images.”
Scott and Tyese Eipper, authors of Australasian Elapids

Details

Paperback | April 2026 | $ 49.99
ISBN: 9781486321902 | 264 pages | 203 x 150 mm
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
B&W photographs, Colour photographs, Illustrations, Maps

Features

Over 350 colour photos, drawings and range maps
Coverage of both terrestrial and marine snakes
Up-to-date descriptions of morphological features, habitats, behaviour and other natural history information
Information on lethality, antivenoms and the first aid treatment of snakebites
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) ratings

Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Lethality
Australia’s Dangerously Venomous Land Snakes: Main Groups
Dangerous Snakes and People
Identification of Dangerous Snakes
Snakebite
Snake Venom
Antivenom
Snakebite Treatment: First Aid
Snake Conservation
Species Accounts
Land Snakes
Dangerously Venomous Land Snakes
Medically Significant Venomous Land Snakes
Potentially Dangerous Venomous Land Snakes
Marine Snakes
Dangerously Venomous Sea Snakes
Dangerously Venomous Sea Kraits
References
Glossary
Photo Credits
Species Checklist
Index
About the Author

Authors

Mike Swan is an award-winning photographer and the author or co-author of numerous publications about the herpetofauna of Australia, including Frogs and Reptiles of the Murray–Darling Basin and Frogs of Victoria.