Broad-headed 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: Hoplocephalus bungaroides

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Endangered

Profile last updated: 23 Feb 2024

Description

The Broad-headed Snake is generally black above with yellow spots forming narrow, irregular cross-bands. Other yellow scales may link these cross-bands laterally to form a straight or zigzagged stripe along the body. These cross-bands help distinguish it from the similar-looking but harmless juvenile Diamond Python. Its head is flattened on top and distinct from the body. The belly is grey or greyish-black. The average length is about 60 cm, with a maximum of around 150 cm.

Distribution

The Broad-headed Snake is largely confined to Triassic and Permian sandstones, including the Hawkesbury, Narrabeen and Shoalhaven groups, within the coast and ranges in an area within approximately 250 km of Sydney.

Habitat and ecology

Nocturnal.
Shelters in rock crevices and under flat sandstone rocks on exposed cliff edges during autumn, winter and spring.
Moves from the sandstone rocks to shelters in crevieces or hollows in large trees within 500m of escarpments in summer.
Feeds mostly on geckos and small skinks; will also eat frogs and small mammals occasionally.
Females produce four to 12 live young from January to March, which is a relatively low level of fecundity.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Removal and disturbance of bushrock from sandstone escarpments.
Unintentional or intentional harm to individuals or their habitat during bushrock collection, reptile collection or other outdoor activities.
Illegal collection of individuals by reptile collectors.
Removal of large hollow-bearing trees adjacent to sandstone escarpments.
Being hit by vehicles, with increasing human use and vehicular traffic leading to many deaths of adults and youngs.
Damage to habitat by feral goats.
Patchy knowledge of the species distribution across some populations.
Unknown genetic diversity and gene flow between populations/sup-populations within the northern group

Recovery strategies

A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click here

Activities to assist this species

Retain sandstone rock in bushland on escarpment areas; implement LEPs, DCPs with suitable restrictions on the removal of bushrock.
Limit vehicle and pedestrian access to and recreational use of sandstone escarpments where this species occurs.
Retain woodland adjacent to sandstone escarpments, particularly large hollow-bearing trees.
Restore rocky habitat to escarpments that have been disturbed.
Report suspected illegal reptile collection or sale.
Targeted survey of areas of secure potetnial habitat.
Advocate the use of quarried sandstone or alternatives in preference to sandstone sourced from bushland on escarpments; implement a community and industry bushrock education strategy.
Maintain colonies in captivity for future re-introduction to depleted sites or sites undergoing restoration.
Undertake feral goat control programs in sandstone escarpment areas.

Information sources

Cogger, H.G. (2000) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 6th Edition. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
Mirtschin, P. and Davis, R. (1992) Snakes of Australia. Hill of Content, Melbourne.
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

NSW North Coast	Macleay Hastings	Predicted	None
NSW South Western Slopes	Capertee Valley	Known	None
South East Corner	Bateman	Known	None
South East Corner	South East Coastal Ranges	Predicted	North of Kings Highway
South Eastern Highlands	Bathurst	Predicted	None
South Eastern Highlands	Bungonia	Predicted	None
South Eastern Highlands	Capertee Uplands	Known	None
South Eastern Highlands	Hill End	Predicted	None
South Eastern Highlands	Kanangra	Predicted	None
Sydney Basin	Burragorang	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Cumberland	Known	the south west margins of the sub-region
Sydney Basin	Ettrema	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Illawarra	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Kerrabee	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Moss Vale	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Pittwater	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Sydney Cataract	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Wollemi	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Wyong	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Yengo	Known	None

Images

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