Animal Species:Broad-headed Snake
The Broad-headed Snake occupies sandstone habitats in Sydney.
Identification
The Broad-headed Snake is black with numerous yellow markings arranged in irregular, narrow crossbands
Size range
50 cm - 90 cm
Distribution
The Broad-headed Snake is found in the Sydney Basin and throughout a 250 km radius from Sydney.
Habitat
The Broad-headed Snake lives on sandstone heath.
Feeding and Diet
Lizards and frogs form a major part of the Broad-headed Snake's diet.
Life cycle
The Broad-headed Snake may give birth to 8 - 20 live young at a time.
Conservation Status
Once quite common in the area, the Broad-headed Snake is currently listed as endangered in New South Wales and vulnerable under Commonwealth legislation. Aside from the loss of habitat through increasing urbanisation, it is also under threat from the removal of bush rock for landscaping. Bush rock removal impacts on sheltering and foraging sites for the snake and also results in loss of habitat for its prey.
Conservation Status (Federal):
Vulnerable
Conservation Status (NSW):
Endangered species
Danger to humans and first aid
The Broad-headed Snake is a moderately sized species of venomous snake and is potentially dangerous.
Classification
- Species:
- bungaroides
- Genus:
- Hoplocephalus
- Family:
- Elapidae
- Suborder:
- Serpentes
- Order:
- Squamata
- Subclass:
- Lepidosauria
- Class:
- Reptilia
- Subphylum:
- Vertebrata
- Kingdom:
- Animalia
Last Updated:
Tags snakes, venomous, endangered, vulnerable, reptiles, vertebrates, wildlife of sydney, identification, dangerous,