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Chappell Island is famous for their large tiger snakes. These snakes are quite
distinct from mainland tiger snakes, with Notechis ater serventyi found
on both Chappell Islands and Badger Island being black with paler abdomens.
Chappell Island tiger snakes are particularly large, with very few juveniles.
The tiger snake survived on an annual feast of mutton bird chicks that lasts for
about six weeks, until the fast growing mutton bird chicks get to large to eat.
The adult snakes then have nothing else to eat for over ten months.
The
Chappell Islands refer to Mount Chappell Island, Badger Island, Little Badger
Island and Goose Island. Chappell Islands Nature Reserve, an area of some 30
hectares* are managed by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.
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