a whip snake - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Demansia rimicola

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 10 Jun 2016

Profile last updated: 01 Dec 2017

Description

Slender grey to olive brown with, typically, dark band behind the head. Belly bright orange-red.

Distribution

Collected in Tibooburra and the vicinity of Sturt National Park.

Habitat and ecology

A terrestrial, predominantly diurnal species that shelters under fallen timber, flat rocks, debris, in deep soil cracks, rock crevices, grass clumps, and animal burrows.
Eats small lizards and snakes which are captured by chasing.
Preferred habitats include open forests, woodlands or shrublands with an understorey of grass, shrubs or hummock grasslands on the slopes and plains.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Channel Country

Threats

Grazing can degrade the species' grassland habitat.
Cultivation can destroy soil cracks and removal of fallen timber.
Predation by foxes and cats may be a threat.
Lack of knowledge on the species threats and management requirements in NSW.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Control vertebrate pest populations, e.g. goats, foxes, cats and rabbits.
Reduce stock intensity or exclude grazing to allow regeneration of vegetation.
Restrict cultivation around remnant habitat.
Retain grasslands and ensure the full cycle of grass development such a seed set and tussock formation.
Retain stick and leaf litter.
Retain understorey shrubs.
Retain fallen logs as habitat for this species, especially if large and embedded in the soil.
Maintain Triodia (spinifex or porcupine grass).
Prevent clearing of habitat such as nesting sites and food sources.

Information sources

Cogger, H.G. (2000) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 6th Edition. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
Swan, G., Shea, G. and Sadlier, R. (2004) A Field Guide to Reptiles of New South Wales. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Channel Country	Bulloo	Known	None
Channel Country	Core Ranges	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Sturt Stony Desert	Known	None
Other State	QLD	Known	None

Images

Collared Whip Snake
Enlarge image

Nature conservation

Threatened species