Broad-headed Snake
Hoplocephalus bungaroides
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Endangered
Listed since: 15/11/2023
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 13/06/2017
Population trend: Unknown
Other names: None
Priority species? No
The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derived from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.
Description
The Broad-headed Snake is black above with numerous bright yellow scales forming a series of irregular, narrow cross-bands. The Broad-headed Snake is often found in rocky outcrops and adjacent sclerophyll forest and woodland. The Broad-Headed snake is an ambush predator, spending up to four weeks in the same retreat site and preying on small reptiles and mammals that enter the retreat.
Threats
The entire range of the Broad-headed Snake occurs in an area with the highest density of human population in Australia, and accordingly has wide-scale habitat degradation. Clearance of habitat has resulted in fragmentation and isolation of populations. High levels of human visitation and associated habitat disturbance threaten remaining populations.
Quollity Conservation Hub's Overall Priority Score
Average life span:
Unknown
Number of young produced each year:
Unknown
Number of breeding events each year:
Unknown
Minimum sexual maturity age:
Unknown
Who is helping
Useful links for more detailed information on this species
DCCEEW - Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
SPRAT - DCCEEW Species Profile and Threats Database