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 venomous 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 descriptionNews
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
"Dangerous Snakes of Australia is a valuable addition to the library of anyone with an interest in snakes or the Australian outdoors."
Dr Gerrut Norval, Royal Society of South Australia Newsletter, July 2026
"By focusing exclusively on venomous species, Swan is able to devote more space to the ecology and behaviour of these fascinating reptiles than a traditional, identification-focused field guide.(But don’t worry, the book is still compact enough to travel well if you’re headed into the field.) ... This is the perfect book for Australians who spend time in and around snake habitat (so, just about everyone) and overseas readers who want to learn more about our country’s incredible venomous reptiles."
Justine E. Hausheer, Cool Green Science, 25 March 2026
"a brilliant book that will be of interest to all those with an interest in snakes and reptiles, including ecologists, wildlife keepers and veterinarians. In the book each species is displayed with a vivid colour photograph, accompanied by a map of their distribution, a description of the snake, and key details about their level of lethality, habitat preference, behaviour, identification and conservation."
Phil Tucak, Wildlife Outreach Vet, March 2026
Details
Paperback | April 2026 | $ 49.99ISBN: 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
Contents
PrefaceAcknowledgments
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.
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