Bardick - 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: Echiopsis curta

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 14 Nov 2003

Profile last updated: 01 Dec 2017

Description

The Bardick is a short, stout snake with a broad head, distinct from the neck. It has olive grey, brown to rich reddish brown non-glossy scales. Lips and head may be scattered with white flecks. Average length is 40cm, though can reach a total length of 70cm. This snake is venomous, and although it is usually not considered dangerous to humans it can be very defensive when disturbed.

Distribution

This species occurs in three regions, all in the semi-arid regions of southern Australia. These are in south western Western Australia, the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia and in the mallee regions of eastern South Australia, north western Victoria and south western NSW. There are three known records from NSW, a Museum specimen from the ‘Balranald district’ in 1974, a sighting north west of Balranald in 1983 and a 2006 capture during pitfall surveys on a property north east of Mildura.

Habitat and ecology

Inhabits hummock grasslands and mallee areas on sandy or loamy soils and is usually associated with run-off slopes and drainage from local rises. The species is particularly common in areas of spinifex.
A terrestrial and partly nocturnal species which shelters under fallen timber and rocks, in leaf litter and dense, matted vegetation and in spinifex hummocks and sometimes basks near clumps of spinifex. It is most frequently encountered crossing sandy tracks on warm evenings.
Primarily eats lizards (including skinks, dragons and geckoes) but also small mammals, birds, frogs and insects such as cockroaches. It is believed that this species waits quietly and ambushes its prey as it passes.
This species bears live young and litters of between eight and ten have been recorded.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Habitat clearance, in particular, clearing of mallee areas containing spinifex but also removal of fallen timber and other ground cover used for shelter.
Fire frequency, which directly affects the amount of cover provided and the alteration of fire frequency may reduce the availability of suitable habitat and food species.
Predation by foxes is possible given the feeding habits and activity times of this species.
Heavy grazing and trampling of habitat by domestic stock, feral goats, rabbits and pigs.
Loss of leaf litter, which provides shelter and foraging habitat.

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 of vertebrate pest populations, e.g. foxes, cats, goats, rabbits and pigs, which either prey on, or compete against this species for resources.
Instil appropriate fire regime so as to not burn all habitat and food sources within a region at one time, and to promote natural succession.
Reduce stock intensity of, or exclude grazing in, some areas to allow regeneration of vegetation for habitat and food sources.
Retention of stick and leaf litter for shelter.
Retain fallen logs as habitat.
Maintain spinifex in the area.

Information sources

Cogger, H.G. (2000) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 6th Edition. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
NSW Scientific Committee (2003) Bardick - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
Shine, R. (1982) Ecology of the Australian elapid snake Echiopsis curta. Journal of Herpetology. 16(4), 388-393.
Swan, G., Shea, G. and Sadlier, R. (2004) A Field Guide to Reptiles of New South Wales. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
Swan, M. and Watharow, S. (2005) Snakes, Lizards and Frogs of the Victorian Mallee. (CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood)
Wilson, S. and Swan, G. (2003) A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)