Plains Death Adder
Acanthophis hawkei
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 20/12/2011
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 14/06/2017
Population trend: Decreasing
Other names: Barkly Tableland Death Adder
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 Plains Death Adder is a venomous snake that generally occur on riverine floodplains. It is a short, stout-bodied terrestrial snake which grows to approximately 1.2m.
Threats
The main threat to the Plains Death Adder is the introduced cane toad with the toxin causing death with large numbers of deaths when cane toads arrive in an area. Habitat modification due to over-grazing by cattle and inappropriate fire regimes are also potential threats.
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