Megafauna Snakes
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The family Madtsoiidae are large megafauna snakes, originating from the Gondwana Continent.Â
All species of Madtsoiidae became extinct about 55 million years ago, except for the two known genus Wonambi and Yurlunggur, indigenous to Aboriginal Land, that survived until 40,000 years ago.
Wonambi and Yurlunggur snakes grew to 6 metres in length and weighed an estimated 50kg.Â
These Madtsoiidae were semi-aquatic, inhabiting lagoons, billabongs, lakes and rivers. They were non-venomous, killing their prey by constriction. They preyed on animals by ambushing them while drinking at the edge of lagoons.
While some characteristics and behavioural traits of Wonambi and Yurlunggur are similar to those of pythons, Madtsoiidae and Pythonidae are distinct families.
Wonambi naracoortensis was indigenous to colder and drier parts of the south of the Continent. Its archaeological remains have been found in the Naracoorte Caves and Corra-Lynn Cave in South Australia, and Wellington Caves in New South Wales.Â
The Wonambi barriei and Yurlunggur camfieldensis, on the other hand, were endemic to warmer and wetter parts of the north of the Continent. Remains have been found on the lands of the Nguburinji people.
Archaeologists have adopted Indigenous naming for the genus of Madtsoiidae snakes. The name ‘Wonambi’ comes from the Anangu language in Central Australia. The name ‘Yurlunggur’ comes from Murngin Yolngu in North East Arnhem Land.
Fossil study of its skull, ear and eye structure suggests that Madtsoiidae snakes were semi-aquatic, and that Yurlunggur snakes were more adapted to water than the Wonambi species. It is also likely that Madtsoiidae snakes had the ability to burrow or dig.
The Indigenous animal known as the Rainbow Serpent was probably a Madtsoiidae snake. Madtsoiidae snakes were alive for approximately 20,000 years during human occupation of the Continent.
Aboriginal rock art depictions of the Rainbow Serpent may provide visual representations of Wonambi and Yurlunggur species of Madtsoiidae snakes.
Aboriginal stories across the Continent recall the snake inhabiting waterways and travelling during rainy seasons. Other stories tell of the Madtsoiidae stalking prey and eating large animals, including humans.
Aboriginal oral history may provide insight into the appearance and behaviour of the Madtsoiidae family of snakes.
REFERENCES
https://www.abc.net.au/science/ozfossil/megafauna/fauna/fauna.htm
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.172012
https://www.fossilhunters.xyz/disappeared-species/wonambi.html
https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/goodliving/posts/2018/06/south-australian-megafauna
https://news.flinders.edu.au/blog/2018/03/15/burrowing-inner-world-snake-evolution/
https://maningrida.com/artwork/873-19/
https://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/oi/authority.20110803125659265