Western Brown Snake
Pseudonaja mengdeni
Silhouette: SeismicShrimp · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassSquamata
- FamilyElapidae (Elapid Snakes)
- GenusPseudonaja (Australian Brown Snakes)
- SpeciesPseudonaja mengdeni (Western Brown Snake)
About the Western Brown Snake
The western brown snake (Pseudonaja mengdeni) is commonly known as Mengden's brown snake, and alternatively, gwardar. Pseudonaja mengdeni is endemic to Australia. It is highly variable in colour and patterns and is a highly dangerous elapid whose bite can cause severe symptoms resulting in death. It is one of the three species originally classified as Pseudonaja nuchalis along with P. aspidorhyncha, and P. nuchalis.
Previously the western brown snake was considered a 'morph' form of Pseudonaja nuchalis, recent genetic studies have proven it to be genetically unique. It is estimated that Pseudonaja nuchalis could include in excess of 10 different species. Although currently there have been 8 species chromosomeally identified species these include: P. aspidorhyncha, P. mengdeni, P. imperator, P. acutirostris, P. gowi, P. carinata, P. kellyi and P. nuchalis.
Pseudonaja mengdeni grows up to a total length of 2m with an average length 1.2m. It has slender body and narrow head. Mengden's brown snake is highly variable in colour and patterns, ranging from light brown to almost black. However it has two distinct forms 'Orange with black head' or 'Pale head... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Western Brown Snake in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
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Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park | 🇦🇺 Australia | |
| 2 | Cape Range | 🇦🇺 Australia | |
| 3 | Ningaloo Marine Park | 🇦🇺 Australia |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Western Brown Snake in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park?
About 20% of wildlife watchers report a Western Brown Snake sighting in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, based on 7 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Western Brown Snake in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park?
November has the highest sighting rate for Western Brown Snake in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in our monthly data.