Indicative distribution
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.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Suta flagellum
Profile last updated:
01 Dec 2017
Description
The Little Whip Snake is a small, slender snake, reaching 45 cm in length. Its most conspicuous feature is the black hour-glass-shaped patch from the back of the nape to between the eyes. Some specimens also have a black snout-band. The body is tan to orange above and creamy below. Each scale is emphasised by its dark edge, giving the animal a "netted" appearance. If disturbed it may hurl itself about, whip-like, and emit a foul smell. They are venomous, though their size and small venom dosage is such that they are virtually harmless, though a bite can be painful.
Distribution
The Little Whip Snake is found within an area bounded by Crookwell in the north, Bombala in the south, Tumbarumba to the west and Braidwood to the east.
Habitat and ecology
- Occurs in Natural Temperate Grasslands and grassy woodlands, including those dominated by Snow Gum Eucalyptus pauciflora or Yellow Box E. melliodora.
- Also occurs in secondary grasslands derived from clearing of woodlands.
- Found on well drained hillsides, mostly associated with scattered loose rocks.
- Most specimens have been found under rocks or logs lying on, or partially embedded in the soil.
- Little is known about the habits of this small snake as it is primarily nocturnal.
- Feeds on lizards and frogs.
- Up to seven live young are born between September and February.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Habitat loss and fragmentation as land is cleared for residential, agricultural and industrial developments.
- Removal of habitat elements, such as rocks and fallen timber.
- Invasion of habitat by weeds or escaped pasture species that degrade habitat.
- Changed fire regimes that result in changes to vegetation structure and composition.
- Feral animals and domestic cats and dogs from neighbouring properties.
- Loss and degradation of grassland habitat from long-term overgrazing
- Insufficient understanding of distribution.
- Insufficient understanding of species ecology.
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
- Keep cats indoors and restrain dogs in and adjacent to areas where this species occurs; desex domestic cats and dogs.
- Undertake feral animal control programs.
- Apply fire regimes that maintain habitat.
- Do not fragment known habitat with clearing, roads or other development.
- Search for the species in suitable habitat in areas that are proposed for development or management actions.
- Assess the appropriateness of cat and dog ownership in new subdivisions.
- Retain habitat within the known distribution of the species.
- Retain all rocks and fallen timber in areas that support this species.
- Ensure remnant populations remain connected or linked to each other; in cases where remnants have lost connective links, re-establish links by revegetating sites to act as stepping stones for dispersal.
- Mark sites and potential habitat onto maps used for planning hazard reduction burns, maintenance and development.
Information sources
- Cogger, H.G. (2000) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 6th Edition. (Reed New Holland, Sydney)
- Eddy, D. (2002) Managing Native Grassland: a guide to management for conservation, production and landscape protection. (World Wide Fund for Nature Australia, Sydney)
- Eddy, D., Mallinson, D., Rehwinkel, R and Sharp. S. (1998) Grassland Flora: a field guide for the Southern Tablelands (NSW & ACT). (Environment ACT, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, World Wide Fund for Nature Australia, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Natural Heritage Trust, Canberra)
- Jenkins, R. and Bartell, R. (1980) A Field Guide to the Reptiles of the Australian High Country. Inkata Press.
- 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)
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