Variation in venom constituents within a single isolated population of peninsula tiger snake (Notechis ater niger)

Venom from seven individuals in a homogeneous isolated population of Notechis ater niger on Roxby Island, off the South Australia coast, was subjected to gel filtration liquid chromatography and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to determine the extent of homogeneity of the venom constituent profile. The gel filtration chromatograms from six of the specimens were easily equated, while the seventh showed a slight variation. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the venoms in a native and reduced state showed no detectable difference between six of the seven individuals, the remaining individual showing minor changes only in the native venom.