Crocodiles, jellyfish, mosquitoes... Are you a victim of arachnophobia, entomophobia (fear of insects) or ophiophobia (fear of snakes)? You will then have to spend your way in several places of the globe. Although splendid, they are home to feared animals. From Australia to Indonesia, overview.
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Australia
Black widow with red back, tarantulas, snakes... Unpleasant beasts are legion in Australia. AdobeStock/Ken Griffiths
Its Great Barrier Reef, its beaches coveted by surfers, its koalas and kangaroos, but also its octopuses with blue rings, stone fish and crocodiles ... How can we not mention Australia? In these breathtaking natural landscapes, you may come across several unpleasant creatures. Starting with the great white shark, which can measure up to more than six meters long. Its menacing swimming was popularized by Peter Benchley (and later Steven Spielberg) in Jaws. However, if he happens to attack man, it is not because he is a delicacy of choice. Indeed, a white shark attack targeting a human is, most of the time, linked to a mistake on the part of the animal. In addition to Australia, it is also found in South Africa and the Caribbean.
You may also come across the box jellyfish, also known as the cubojellyfish and cubozoan. It is the most venomous marine animal in the world. Extremely painful, its sting is often fatal. Most of the time, it is found on beaches and in Australian waters between May and October. But, because of global warming, it is now necessary to be vigilant throughout the year.
Read alsoIn Australia, six unforgettable experiences to live with animals
In Australia, you may also encounter several species of reptiles – the territory is home to 140 of them. The taipan, the most venomous species in the world, is one of them. You may also spot tiger snakes and brown snakes. All are venomous.
Finally, beware of spiders. Starting with the famous Black Widow with a red back, whose bite is painful but is no longer fatal thanks to an antidote. You can also come across the tarantula Atrax robustus, especially in the Sydney area. A tip: before putting on your shoes, check that one of these two species has not slipped into one of them.
See alsoKomodo dragon, gorilla, Iriomote cat... Why it will be more difficult to observe these animals
Le Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, you will come across many species, including crocodiles and caimans. AdobeStock/Ondrej Prosicky NATUREPHOTO CZ
About 500,000 species live there, or 5% of the world's biodiversity. No wonder, therefore, to cross dangerous animals on this small territory of just over 51,000 square kilometers. Starting with caimans and crocodiles. The former are notably represented by spectacled caimans. Females can reach 1.40m, while males can measure up to 2.5m long. They are present in a large part of Central and South America: thus, you can meet them in Guatemala, Mexico, Brazil, or Colombia.
You may also come across American crocodiles. More aggressive towards humans than caimans, they can reach six to seven meters in length. To distinguish the two species, observe their jaws: that of crocodiles, longer, forms a "U". That of the caimans, a "V". Note that some guides may offer boat trips during which they feed these animals: in addition to the dangerousness and illegality of these excursions, they disturb the ecosystem. During a trip to Costa Rica, you may also come across another reptile, and not the least: the Spearhead snake. Being able to measure more than two meters long, it hunts and lives most of the time at night. Bites of men by Fer de Lance snakes are regularly reported. It should be noted, however, that it bites, the vast majority of the time, farmers in rural areas: the Spearhead usually keeps away from human beings.
See alsoCosta Rica, a unique concentrate of biodiversity
Brazil
If you go to Brazil, beware of countless mosquitoes! AdobeStock/wirakorn
The fifth largest country in the world also has its share of unsympathetic animals. Mosquitoes, in particular, proliferate there. In fact, Brazil plans to release 5 billion mosquitoes infected with bacteria that prevent them from transmitting certain diseases next year. This bacterium will be transmitted to the country's bloodsuckers via their reproduction with infected insects.
And for good reason: in Brazil, they are carriers of the Zika virus, dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya or malaria. It is therefore strongly recommended to sleep under a mosquito net at night. During visits, especially in the forest, it is recommended to spray yourself with good quality repellents. Finally, it is recommended to wear loose and light clothing. You may also come across spiders, snakes and other scorpions during your stay in Brazil. To avoid them, pay attention to where you put your feet and remember to shake your shoes before putting them on.
Read alsoWhen to go to India? Weather, climate, parties... The best period by region
India
In India is rampant the "Big Four", the club of venomous snakes responsible for the largest number of bite deaths. AdobeStock/photonewman
The world's largest democracy is infested with snakes – the country has about 60 poisonous species. Starting with the "big four", these four species responsible for the greatest number of snakebite deaths: the Indian cobra, Russell's viper, the faired chess and the Italian bongare.
The first, which can measure up to more than two meters, lives at night. Its venom is very powerful: 9% of victims of the Indian cobra die from its bite after receiving medical treatment. It should be noted, however, that the Indian cobra is not an aggressive snake. On the other hand, Russell's viper is particularly so. Up to 1.6 m long, it is mainly present in South India. The faired chess is smaller – up to about 80 centimetres long. But this species is also very aggressive. Its venom is five times more powerful than that of the cobra. Finally, the Indian bongare is the last of the "big four". Although painless, its bite can kill in two hours. As an indication, there are up to 50,000 snakebites per year in India.
Read alsoIndonesia: itinerary, budget, security... All our tips to prepare your trip
Indonesia
Despite its friendly appearance - at least, compared to the other creatures on this list - beware of the Komodo dragon, a fearsome Indonesian predator. AdobeStock/gudkovandrey
In addition to the wide variety of venomous snakes that live there, Indonesia is also home to the Komodo dragon. It inhabits exclusively the islands of Komodo, Flores, Rinca, Gili Dasami and Gili Motang. This lizard can use its tail to stun its prey. It is also used to stand.
Massive, the Komodo dragon can measure up to three meters long. Its maximum weight can reach 70 kilograms. Finally, its bite is venomous: it prevents blood clotting. And can lead to paralysis or even death.
See alsoKomodo dragon, gorilla, Iriomote cat... Why it will be more difficult to observe these animals
Tanzania
Although it has the appearance of a simple fly, the tsetse fly can transmit sleeping sickness to you. AdobeStock/sunakri
Want to visit the Serengeti and see Kilimanjaro? In addition to its wonders, Tanzania is also full of animals that are better not to come across. Starting with the infamous tsetse fly. Its bite can (but not necessarily) transmit sleeping sickness to humans. Note: the tsetse fly is endemic in 36 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
Also present in the country nicknamed the "roof of Africa": spiders. From the brown recluse spider to the sometimes fatal bite to the baboon spider with a very painful bite, through the yellow bag spider, the country would make more than one arachnophobe swoon. Another animal you may come across during your stay in Tanzania: the snake. Thus, the black mamba (the most venomous snake on the continent), the black-necked spitting cobra or the peliade viper litter this territory.
