Narrow-banded 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: Simoselaps fasciolatus

Conservation status in NSW: Vulnerable

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 01 Dec 2017

Description

Has irregular, ragged black bands on white and pink background. Dark blotches on head and nape.

Distribution

North-western NSW. Recorded near the Paroo River, White Cliffs and Mutawintji National Park.

Habitat and ecology

A nocturnal burrowing snake that shelters under well embedded fallen timber and stumps, in associated soil cracks and holes within litter, or under grass hummocks.
Feeds primarily on skinks and reptile eggs.
Prefers open woodland or shrubland, sometimes with a hummock grass understorey.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Habitat destruction including blade ploughing, cultivation and removal of fallen timber.
Grazing eliminates habitat by compacting the soil surface, disturbing and reducing litter layers, destroying soil cracks and breaking up the surface soil crust.
Predation by foxes and cats is possibly a problem.
Degradation of habitat by feral browsers (goats, pigs, rabbits).
Poor knowledge of the species' distribution and abundance.

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. goats, foxes, cats and rabbits
Reduce or exclude grazing in some areas to allow habitat regeneration
Restrict cultivation around suitable ground habitat.
Retain grasslands, including the full cycle of grass development such a seed set and tussock formation.
Retain stick and leaf litter.
Retain understorey shrubs.
Retain fallen logs and branches as habitat, especially if embedded in the soil
Maintain Triodia (spinifex or porcupine grass).
Prevent clearing of habitat such as nesting sites and food sources.
Report any new sightings of the species to DEC.

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

Broken Hill Complex	Barrier Range Outwash	Known	None
Broken Hill Complex	Mootwingee Downs	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Sturt Stony Desert	Predicted	None
Cobar Peneplain	Barnato Downs	Known	None
Darling Riverine Plains	Louth Plains	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Cuttaburra-Paroo	Known	None
Mulga Lands	Kerribree Basin	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Paroo Overflow	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Paroo-Darling Sands	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Urisino Sandplains	Known	None
Mulga Lands	West Warrego	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	White Cliffs Plateau	Predicted	None
Other State	SA	Known	None
Simpson Strzelecki Dunefields	Strzelecki Desert	Known	None

Images

Narrow-banded Shovel-nosed Snake
Enlarge image

Nature conservation

Threatened species