BLACK SWAN AND WESTERN TIGER SNAKE: A CONFLICT AVOIDANCE ENCOUNTER
| Posted: |
22/06/2021 |
| Author(s): |
Graham R. Fulton, Mercedes Smith |
On 1 April 2002, we observed a close encounter between a Western Tiger Snake
Notechis scutatus and a
Black Swan
Cygnus atratus in the water at Herdsman Lake, Perth, Western Australia. Both species responded
aggressively during the brief encounter. First, we surmise that the aggression displayed by both species was
deliberate posturing rather than actual physical attacks. Second, we suggest that their mutual intention was to
avoid combat because neither could be confident of winning.
>> Download Abstract |
File Size: 82 KB
>> Download Complete PDF | File Size: 162 KB
