Native Animals History and Science
Introduction
Snakes are among the most misunderstood yet ecologically vital animals in Australia. Across Victoria’s forests, grasslands, wetlands, and coastal environments, native snakes have evolved over millions of years to become highly specialised predators within their ecosystems. From the widely recognised Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis) to the striking Tiger Snake (Notechis scutatus) and the secretive Lowland Copperhead (Austrelaps superbus), these reptiles play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance (Cogger 2014; Shea 2010).
For Indigenous peoples, snakes are far more than animals. They are powerful cultural beings connected to creation stories, water systems, and the deeper lore of Country. Their movements, habitats, and behaviours have long been observed and understood as part of a broader knowledge system linking land, water, and life (Massola 1968; Clark 1990). While colonists often feared snakes and sought to eliminate them, Indigenous knowledge systems recognised their importance as both ecological regulators and spiritual entities.
Understanding snakes in Victoria therefore requires both biological insight and cultural awareness, recognising the long-standing relationships between people, animals, and Country.
Diversity of Snakes in Victoria
Victoria supports a wide range of snake species, each adapted to specific environments. The Eastern Brown Snake is one of the most widespread, occupying grasslands, woodlands, and agricultural areas. Its adaptability has allowed it to persist despite significant landscape change (Cogger 2014). The Tiger Snake, commonly found in wetlands and coastal regions, is another prominent species, feeding on frogs, fish, and small mammals and playing a key role in aquatic ecosystems (Shea 2010).
The Lowland Copperhead is particularly suited to cooler climates and is often found in marshes and grasslands, where it remains active at lower temperatures than many other reptiles. Additional species, including the Red-bellied Black Snake (Pseudechis porphyriacus), contribute to the ecological diversity of the region.
This diversity reflects long-term evolutionary adaptation to Australia’s changing environments, with each species occupying a specific ecological niche shaped over millions of years (Cogger 2014).
Ecology and Behaviour
Snakes are essential predators within Victorian ecosystems, regulating populations of rodents, amphibians, and insects. This role helps maintain ecological balance and reduces the risk of overpopulation and disease among prey species (Woinarski et al. 2014). In agricultural landscapes, snakes such as the Eastern Brown Snake provide indirect benefits by controlling pest populations.
As ectothermic animals, snakes rely on environmental heat to regulate their body temperature. Their behaviour is therefore closely tied to seasonal cycles, with increased activity during warmer months and reduced activity in winter. Basking, sheltering, and nocturnal hunting patterns reflect a finely tuned adaptation to climate conditions.
Despite their reputation, snakes are generally non-aggressive and avoid human interaction. Most defensive behaviour occurs only when they feel threatened, highlighting the importance of education in reducing fear and promoting coexistence (Cogger 2014).
Indigenous Cultural Connections
Within Indigenous knowledge systems, snakes hold profound cultural and spiritual significance. Across southeastern Australia, snake beings are often associated with water, creation, and transformation. The Rainbow Serpent, a widely recognised ancestral being, is linked to the formation of rivers, landscapes, and life systems, symbolising both creation and balance (Massola 1968).
In many Indigenous traditions, snakes are understood as custodians of water sources such as rivers, wetlands, and springs. Their ecological presence aligns with this cultural role, reinforcing their association with life-giving systems. Observations of snake behaviour provided important ecological indicators, including changes in seasons and water availability (Clark 1990).
Snakes also feature in totemic systems, where certain families or groups hold cultural responsibilities connected to specific animals. These relationships reinforce stewardship of Country and ensure that ecological knowledge is maintained across generations.
Their movements and behaviour are often used as teaching tools, symbolising patience, awareness, and respect. In this way, snakes function as both ecological participants and cultural educators.
Snakes on Wadawurrung Country
On Wadawurrung Country, snakes are an integral part of both ecological systems and cultural knowledge. Wetlands such as Lake Connewarre and river systems like the Barwon River provide important habitat for species such as Tiger Snakes and Copperheads (Clark 1990; Wadawurrung TOAC 2023).
Within Wadawurrung lore, snakes are connected to water systems and seasonal cycles, reflecting their ecological role and cultural significance. Their presence near waterways reinforces their association with life, renewal, and balance.
Snakes also appear in local stories as powerful beings that command respect. Their behaviour teaches careful movement through Country, awareness of surroundings, and respect for the natural world. These lessons are embedded in cultural practices and passed down through generations.
Colonial Perceptions and Impact
European settlers brought a markedly different perception of snakes, often viewing them with fear and hostility. Many snakes were killed on sight, particularly venomous species such as the Eastern Brown Snake and Tiger Snake. This response disrupted ecological systems by removing key predators (Reynolds 1987).
Colonial accounts frequently described snakes as dangerous pests, reinforcing negative attitudes that persist today. At the same time, naturalists collected specimens for scientific study, documenting species diversity but largely ignoring Indigenous ecological knowledge.
Habitat loss through agriculture, urban development, and wetland drainage further impacted snake populations. Changes to fire regimes and land management practices also altered the environments that snakes depend on, contributing to long-term ecological change (Woinarski et al. 2014).
Conservation and Coexistence
Many snake species in Victoria remain relatively common, but increasing environmental pressures pose ongoing challenges. Habitat protection, biodiversity conservation, and public education are central to ensuring their survival.
Understanding snake behaviour is essential for coexistence. By recognising that snakes are generally non-aggressive and play a vital ecological role, communities can shift from fear to respect.
Conservation approaches increasingly recognise the importance of integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into land management. Cultural practices such as controlled burning can support habitat diversity and improve ecological outcomes (Pascoe 2014). Partnerships with Traditional Owners are therefore critical in developing more holistic conservation strategies.
Symbolism and Cultural Meaning
Snakes carry deep symbolic meaning across cultures. Within Indigenous traditions, they are often associated with transformation, renewal, and the life-giving power of water. Their ability to shed their skin symbolises change and regeneration, reinforcing their connection to cycles of life (Massola 1968).
In modern contexts, snakes continue to represent both resilience and ecological balance. Their presence across diverse landscapes highlights their adaptability and importance within natural systems.
Conclusion
Native snakes of Victoria are far more than misunderstood reptiles. They are essential components of ecosystems, regulating populations and maintaining balance across diverse environments. For Indigenous peoples, they are also powerful cultural beings, embedded within stories, lore, and relationships that connect people to Country.
While colonisation disrupted these relationships, there is growing recognition of the need to restore both ecological balance and cultural knowledge. Protecting snakes is not simply about conserving species; it is about respecting the interconnected systems that sustain life.
Their presence in Victoria’s landscapes serves as a reminder that even the most feared creatures have a vital role to play, and that understanding leads to respect, balance, and coexistence.
References
Clark, I.D. (1990) Aboriginal Languages and Clans. Monash Publications.
Cogger, H.G. (2014) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. CSIRO Publishing.
Massola, A. (1968) Bunjil’s Cave: Myths and Legends of South-East Australia. Lansdowne Press.
Pascoe, B. (2014) Dark Emu. Magabala Books.
Reynolds, H. (1987) The Law of the Land. Penguin.
Shea, G.M. (2010) ‘Reptile diversity in Victoria’, Victorian Naturalist.
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (2023) Country and Culture Resources.
Woinarski, J.C.Z., Burbidge, A.A. & Harrison, P.L. (2014) The Action Plan for Australian Mammals. CSIRO Publishing.
Written, Researched and Directed by James Vegter (22 September 2025)
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Magic Lands Alliance acknowledges the Traditional Owners, Custodians, and First Nations communities across Australia and internationally. We honour their enduring connection to the sky, land, waters, language, and culture. We pay respect to Elders past, present, and emerging, and to all First Peoples’ communities and language groups. This article draws only on publicly available information; many cultural practices remain the intellectual property of their respective communities.