New Zealand is an island in the south pacific that is just 1000 miles (1609 km) away from southeast Australia.It is one of the few countries in the world where several species have gone extinct since human settlement. Human settlement has affected the habitat range of many species.Humans have also introduced a number of other wildlife, which have become a great threat to the native wildlife. Before human settlement, New Zealand was not just devoid of snakes but mammals too except for one bat species. A few bat species, a few dolphins, whales, and sea lions are the only native mammals of New Zealand. The rest of its wildlife including wallabies and elks were introduced by humans. To know more about New Zealand’s wildlife and the mystery about no snakes keep reading and do check out our other related articles on gopher snake facts and are there snakes are in Ireland.Why are there no native snakes in New Zealand?As unbelievable as it sounds, New Zealand has no native snakes. Even the smallest regions in the world have at least one or two species of native snakes. But this does not mean the country is entirely snake free. New Zealand is visited by the yellow bellied sea snake and some kraits. Though several species of lizards like geckos and skinks are found in this place it is still rare to spot snakes. You can only see them when they are accidentally transported or like the yellow-bellied sea snake, carried by water currents. They are mostly from Australia and warmer areas of the Pacific Ocean. These occasional visitors don’t stay here for long and leave immediately before the breeding season. They can be a threat to other marine wildlife. There are two main reasons why there are no native snakes in New Zealand.One is the climatic conditions of the island. Even if sea snakes were accidentally transported or carried away by water currents, they cannot breed in such cold places. New Zealand’s climatic conditions are complex and keep changing. This makes it hard for the snakes to adapt. Both land snakes as well as sea snakes need specific temperatures and conditions to breed. New Zealand’s climatic condition does not offer this kind of stability or the necessary climatic conditions.In the last 1000 years, New Zealand has lost several native species and many animals were pushed to the endangered category. This is the other reason why the New Zealand government does not want snakes in the country. Snakes might be small compared to other species however the threat they pose and the danger they bring is extremely frightening. These reptiles are also venomous and are potential predators. New Zealand’s snake policy might be a bit too much, prohibiting people from importing or keeping snakes as pets. It also ensures that the snakes, which enter the country by mistake are disposed of or transported to other places right away. Since 1930 only 35 snake sightings have been reported. The chances of spotting land snakes are nil. Sea snakes can be witnessed once in a while. The government does not restrict snakes alone but also other venomous creatures which might be a potential threat to the native species. The climatic conditions combined with the strict measures are taken by the New Zealand government have made this island one of the snake free countries.Are there any dangerous animals in New Zealand?There are few deadly animals in New Zealand that can harm humans as well as other animals. They are venomous and not poisonous. It is safer compared to other regions in Australia.Spiders: The country has a spider trio all of which are venomous. But don’t you worry. The chances of coming across these spiders are very slim, especially if you are a tourist. The katipo spider is an endangered species of New Zealand that is easily identifiable with its all-black color and a prominent stripe. They are very common in Australia. Only the female katipo spiders carry venom. Most New Zealanders say that they have witnessed a katipo at least once in their life however not been attacked as this little one only charges when threatened. The next member of the trio is the white-tailed spider. It is very common in New Zealand as this spider resides in areas close to houses. The bite in itself is very painful, however, it is not lethal. Tourists are more concerned about the white-tailed spider due to a myth that the spider’s bite can cause necrotic ulcers. Rest assured! Like previously said it is just a myth. The redback spider of New Zealand is the final member that is very similar to the katipo spider. It is a native species of New Zealand and is the reason for almost 2000 spider bites every year. Their population has been decreasing as they do not do well in colder regions. If you ever come across this spider just flee the area as it is deadly and has caused a few deaths. Not everybody that is bitten by the redback spider has to be worried as it has small jaws and if you are lucky the bite will be ineffective.Jellyfish: Unlike the box jellyfish and the Irukandji jellyfish the bluebottle jellyfish fund in new Zealand is not deadly. It is mostly found in oceans and beaches either washed up on the shore or actively swimming in the water. Though they are not deadly, this attractive jellyfish can deliver a very painful sting.Mosquitoes: These are very annoying little buzzers. Just like any other mosquito the ones found in New Zealand are not fatal but can spread a variety of diseases that can have a huge effect on your health. Several mosquito-borne diseases like chikungunya and dengue can sometimes be fatal.Magpies: Magpies are cute birds that look similar to a crow but have a few white feathers. They look very calm but can cause serious injuries. These New Zealand birds are very defensive and territorial. The cause damages to your head and eyes. They will give you a fair warning before attacking. They are known to swoop from elevated areas.Sharks: there are around 70 shark species in the ocean and beach waters of new Zealand. The most dangerous of all is the tiger shark. The damage they inflict is irrecoverable. With their sharp teeth and heavy body, they can easily tear anybody in the water into pieces. Shark attacks in New Zealand are very rare. In the past one and a half centuries, only 13 fatal attacks have been reported. Tiger shark is one of the top ten most aggressive sharks in the world.Slugs: Slugs in general carry parasites but are mostly non-lethal, except for the gray side-gilled sea slug found in New Zealand. It is found in the ocean and other marine regions. Who knew these animals can harm others. Recent studies have discovered that these small creatures are dangerous to other wildlife as well as humans. It is just 3.9 in (10 cm). It has a neurotoxin called TTX Tetrodotoxin. You might wanna avoid eating slugs when you are on a trip because consuming this toxin even in very small quantities can be fatal plus there is no going back. After consumption of the toxin, the victim will start experiencing difficulty in breathing and eventually die. There is no cure for this toxin.Wild boar: The wild boar is a cute pig like animal that is not as sweet as it looks. In New Zealand, adult wild boars are well built and can grow up to 6ft (182.8 cm). They are dangerous and only attack humans when threatened. Unfortunately, our mere presence can make them feel threatened. So it is better to avoid them and give them their space.What countries have no snakes?Snakes are some of the deadliest reptiles in the world. Of course, not all of them are dangerous. Out of the 3000 snake species, only 20 percent are venomous and only 7 percent are capable of killing humans. Regardless of these facts, you are engulfed by fear the moment you spot a snake. These reptiles are present in almost every nook and corner. It is quite relieving to hear that there are certain places that are snake free. Yes, you read it right. Some regions have no native snakes at all. Apart from the small island nation of New Zealand, another place that is completely devoid of snakes is Ireland. Ireland did have snakes when it was a part of Europe. But due to the arrival of the ice age around three million years ago many cold boded animals and reptiles, including snakes, were wiped out. They were not able to adapt to the extremely cold temperatures.Fun fact: One of the most famous stories is that St. Patrick, a 5th century missionary, to Ireland went on a snake hunting spree and banished all the snakes of Ireland. He banned them as serpents were considered to be a symbol of the devil in the bible.Other islands like New Zealand, Hawaii, Greenland, Iceland, and Antarctica don’t have snakes either. In Iceland due to an incident in the ’90s, where a turtle transmitted salmonella to its owner, the people of this island were banned from importing or keeping snakes as pets. This was done to protect humans from such dangerous diseases. Snakes are also illegal in the Hawaii islands. There are no predators to hunt down this species, which means the population can easily reach millions and become a great trouble to not just humans but also other wildlife once they start breeding. Antarctica is one of the other islands devoid of snake species. Snakes are cold blooded reptiles that don’t do well in cold places, especially in islands like Antarctica where the ground is frozen throughout the year. Unlike animals, they do not have any special adaptations either this is why you do not find these dangerous reptiles in such regions.Can you have a pet snake in New Zealand?New Zealand authorities are very strict about illegal pet trading. Not just snakes but several animals like ferrets, rats, and guinea pigs are banned from being imported for commercial purposes or pet trade.As per New Zealand laws, witnessing snakes must also be reported. A person in 2011 was sentenced to four months in prison for owning a pet snake. New Zealand’s anti snake policies are stringent ordering both prison time as well as fines. Did you know, a zoology student in new Zealand was ordered to pay $15,000 for importing a snake along with seven other reptiles?Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Are There Snakes In New Zealand? The Truth Revealed! then why not take a look at Can Guinea Pigs Eat Mango? Everything You Need To Know, or Are There Penguins In The North Pole? The Truth Might Shock You facts pages?
New Zealand is an island in the south pacific that is just 1000 miles (1609 km) away from southeast Australia.
