Expedition to Karkar Island

Death adders are found throughout most of Australia and in Irian Jiya / West Papua. Three major species have been identified: Acanthophis praelongus or the northern death adder (found north of the Tropic of Capricorn), A. pyrrhus (inhabits desert regions of central and Western Australia), and A. antarcticus (found in the rest of Australia, except Victoria and Tasmania). Death adders are mainly active at night.

Unlike most other snakes, death adders will not necessarily retreat when humans approach. This makes them more easily trodden upon or disturbed by the unwary. However, they are often less likely than other venomous snakes to strike unless actually touched , but great caution is still advised.