The sea-snakes of New Caledonia: Whether ashore or at sea, you can observe them… but don’t disturb them!
Name: Jonathan Jagot Age: 25 years old Specialty: Sailing around the world for over 12 years
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Publié le
08/12/2023
Par
Jonathan Jagot
Numéro :
193
Parution :
Jan.
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Feb.
2024
This creature, which is mainly active at night, lives in the forests and wooded areas of the archipelago, particularly on the many islets that border the Great Barrier Reef. The preservation of this species is of course dependent on maintaining its natural habitat - tree stumps, decomposing vegetation, etc.
This snake behaves just as well on land as it does in the water. In fact, the New Caledonian Sea Krait is capable of free-diving for 20 minutes when hunting moray or conger eels. Its predators are seabirds and sharks. Ashore, the snake rests, drinks fresh water and hides to molt.
Bites are rare; the Sea Krait is usually placid if left alone. The few recorded accidents involve fishermen emptying their nets. The venom of the Sea Krait can present a danger to humans - usually without lethal consequences, provided that medical intervention is prompt.
