Ringed Brown 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: Pseudonaja modesta

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 27 Aug 2004

Profile last updated: 01 Dec 2017

Description

A pale-grey-brown to brown or reddish-brown snake that reaches a total length of 50cm. A cream-coloured band separates the black head and neck and four to seven distinct black bands occur at regular intervals along the body.

Distribution

Determined on the basis of only limited records until recently, it is thought to occupy the north-west portion of the state having been recorded from Tarawi Nature Reserve, 140km south of Broken Hill, Silverton, Tibooburra, Wanaaring and from Kilberoo, 140km north-west of Bourke. Recent surveys have identified a large population in the Scotia Sanctuary-Tarawi NR region.

Habitat and ecology

A terrestrial species that inhabits drier areas including rocky outcrops and dry watercourses.
Occurs in a variety of vegetation types including woodlands, shrublands, mallee and grasslands. By night it shelters in ground debris or abandoned animal burrows.
It is diurnal but may forage during warm nights. Feeds predominantly on small skinks and occasionally small mammals.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

Threats

Loss of habitat as a result of clearing has led to a decline in species distribution and abundance.
Fragmentation, resulting from clearing or degradation of the habitat has reduced genetic variability and reproductive opportunities and has increased genetic isolation and the potential for significant impacts arising from stochatic events such as drought or fire.
Degradation of the habitat, as a result of inappropriate grazing or fire regimes, has resulted in changes to the physical nature of the habitat, for example change in diversity and structure of floristics or invertebrates. Changes to the habitat may result in it being unsuitable for the species or may increase other threatening processes such as predation.
Fire may cause the direct loss of individuals, and inappropriate fire regimes may cause long-term changes to physical features such as ground debris or leaf litter, which provides shelter.
Predation by foxes or cats may have an impact, particularly where populations have already declined.
Catastrophic events such as drought or extensive wildfire.
Hunting or illegal collection, although infrequent, is likely to cause a significant impact where populations are isolated or low in numbers.
Anthropogenic climate change is a long term significant threat as it will alter physical characteristics of the habitat such that it is no longer able to sustain a viable population.
Loss of critical roost or breeding features such as tree hollows and standing or fallen timber is a threat.
Ripping or blasting of warrens may reduce refuges or result in the direct loss of individuals.

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 and rabbits, 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, food sources or nest sites.
Restrict cultivation around suitable ground habitat.
Retention of grasslands, including the full cycle of grass development such a seed set and tussock formation.
Retention of stick and leaf litter for food and shelter.
Retain fallen logs as habitat for this species, including logs embedded in the soil and hollow logs.
Retention of understorey shrubs.
Maintain exfoliating and soil surface rocks in the area of concern.
Maintain Triodia (spinifex or porcupine grass) in the area.
Prevent clearing of habitat such as nesting sites and food sources.
Limit access for collectors and ensure that they have the appropriate licences for collecting this species.

Information sources

NSW Scientific Committee (2004) Ringed brown snake - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Broken Hill Complex	Barrier Range	Known	None
Broken Hill Complex	Barrier Range Outwash	Known	None
Broken Hill Complex	Scopes Range	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Central Depression	Predicted	None
Channel Country	Core Ranges	Known	None
Channel Country	Sturt Stony Desert	Predicted	None
Darling Riverine Plains	Menindee	Known	None
Darling Riverine Plains	Wilcannia Plains	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Cuttaburra-Paroo	Known	None
Mulga Lands	Paroo Overflow	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Paroo-Darling Sands	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	Urisino Sandplains	Predicted	None
Mulga Lands	White Cliffs Plateau	Predicted	None
Murray Darling Depression	Darling Depression	Predicted	None
Murray Darling Depression	South Olary Plain	Known	None
Other State	SA	Known	None