Broad-headed snake

Last updated

Broad-headed snake
Hoplocephalus bungaroides.jpg
CITES Appendix II (CITES) [2]
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Elapidae
Genus: Hoplocephalus
Species:
H. bungaroides
Binomial name
Hoplocephalus bungaroides
(Schlegel, 1837)
Synonyms [3]

The broad-headed snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides) is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is restricted to the Sydney Basin in New South Wales, Australia. It is one of three snakes in the genus Hoplocephalus , all restricted to eastern Australia. It is currently endangered in New South Wales and is listed as vulnerable under the Commonwealth Legislation.

Contents

Taxonomy

German naturalist Hermann Schlegel described the species in 1837 as Naja bungaroides. [4]

Description

Head and neck of a broad-headed snake in captivity at Taronga Zoo Sydney. Broad-headed snake, detail of head.jpg
Head and neck of a broad-headed snake in captivity at Taronga Zoo Sydney.

The broad-headed snake is a small to medium-sized species of venomous snake, which attains an average total length (including tail) of 60 cm (24 in), although some records show that it can grow as long as 90 cm (35 in). It is black with numerous irregular yellow markings arranged in narrow cross-bands, [5] which for inexperienced people can easily lead to confusion with a young diamond python, which is superficially very similar and found in the same habitat.[ citation needed ]In 2023 a man was bitten in the Southern Highlands of NSW after capturing a Broad-headed snake he believed to be a Diamond Python to show his children. [6]

Distribution and habitat

The broad-headed snake is found in the Sydney Basin in New South Wales, Australia. The snake's choice of habitat depends on temperature, age, sex, and breeding status. In the colder months, adult and juvenile snakes reside in the crevices of sandstone outcrops on exposed cliff edges to maximise warmth from the sun. When the temperature rises in spring, adult males and non-breeding females move to adjacent woodlands and forests, inhabiting hollow trees during the summer months. Juvenile snakes and gravid females remain in the rocks and move to cooler, shaded areas.[ citation needed ]

Their habitat has been degraded by urbanization, illegal rock removal, vandalisation and indiscriminate reptile collecting. The sandstone rocks that the snakes occupy are valued for landscaping purposes. Their removal has led to a loss of habitat for both the snakes and their prey.[ citation needed ]

Behavior

Diet

The broad-headed snake feeds infrequently on small reptiles and mammals. Snakes in captivity are able to maintain or gain weight when fed one to two newborn rats per month. In one documented case, a snake survived a fast lasting twelve months.[ citation needed ]

Juveniles feed mostly on Lesueur's velvet gecko ( Amalosia lesueurii) and occasionally on small skinks. Adults feed on Lesueur's velvet gecko, but also prey on other lizards, small snakes, and mice. [1]

Breeding

Male broad-headed snakes reach maturity after five years whereas females require six. Mating occurs from autumn to spring, and mature females produce a litter every two years. Unlike most of its venomous counterparts, the broad-headed snake gives birth to live young. Birth occurs between January and April, with each litter resulting in 4–12 offspring born in mucous sacks. Unfertilized oocytes and stillborn offspring are common.[ citation needed ]

Conservation status

The broad-headed snake was once commonly found in parts of Sydney including around Sydney Harbour; however, it is currently listed as an endangered species in New South Wales and vulnerable under the national Commonwealth Legislation. Its declining numbers are the result of a combination of factors including habitat loss through urbanisation, bush rock removal and irresponsible collecting.[ citation needed ]

Sources

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">King cobra</span> Venomous snake species from Asia

The king cobra is a venomous snake endemic to Asia. The sole member of the genus Ophiophagus, it is not taxonomically a true cobra, despite its common name and some resemblance. With an average length of 3.18 to 4 m and a record length of 5.85 m (19.2 ft), it is the world's longest venomous snake. The species has diversified colouration across habitats, from black with white stripes to unbroken brownish grey. The king cobra is widely distributed albeit not commonly seen, with a range spanning from the Indian Subcontinent through Southeastern Asia to Southern China. It preys chiefly on other snakes, including those of its own kind. This is the only ophidian that constructs an above-ground nest for its eggs, which are purposefully and meticulously gathered and protected by the female throughout the incubation period.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tiger snake</span> Highly venomous snake native to southern Australia and Tasmania

The tiger snake is a large and highly venomous snake of southern Australia, including its coastal islands and Tasmania. These snakes are often observed and locally well known by their banding, black and yellow like a tiger, although the species can be highly variable in coloration and patterning. All populations are classified within the genus Notechis (Elapidae). Their diverse characteristics have been classified either as distinct species or by subspecies and regional variation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red-bellied black snake</span> Venomous snake native to eastern Australia

The red-bellied black snake is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae, indigenous to Australia. Originally described by George Shaw in 1794 as a species new to science, it is one of eastern Australia's most commonly encountered snakes. Averaging around 1.25 m in length, it has glossy black upperparts, bright red or orange flanks, and a pink or dull red belly. It is not aggressive and generally retreats from human encounters, but can attack if provoked. Although its venom can cause significant illness, no deaths have been recorded from its bite, which is less venomous than other Australian elapid snakes. The venom contains neurotoxins, myotoxins, and coagulants and has haemolytic properties. Victims can also lose their sense of smell.

<i>Rhabdophis subminiatus</i> Species of snake

Rhabdophis subminiatus, commonly called the red-necked keelback or red-necked keelback snake, is a species of venomous snake in the subfamily Natricinae of the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Asia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mud adder</span> Species of snake

The mud adder, also known commonly as Devis's banded snake, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to certain regions of eastern Australia, including South West Queensland, northern New South Wales, north-west Victoria, and South Australia. Its scientific and common names refer to Charles Walter De Vis.

<i>Walterinnesia</i> Genus of snakes

Walterinnesia is a genus of venomous snakes in the family Elapidae. The genus contains two species, known commonly as desert black snakes or black desert cobras, which are endemic to the Middle East. The generic name Walterinnesia honours Walter Francis Innes Bey (1858–1937), who was a physician and zoologist in Egypt.

<i>Hoplocephalus</i> Genus of snakes

Hoplocephalus is a genus of venomous snakes in the family Elapidae. The genus is endemic to Australia. Three species are recognized.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dwyer's snake</span> Species of snake

Dwyer's snake also known commonly as the whip snake and the variable black-naped snake, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to Australia, where it is found from New South Wales to South Queensland. While closely related to Australian sea snakes, S. dwyeri is a terrestrial reptile.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yellow-faced whipsnake</span> Species of snake

The yellow-faced whip snake is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae, a family containing many dangerous snakes. D. psammophis is endemic to Australia, found throughout the continent in a variety of habitats from coastal fringes to interior arid scrubland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Goldie's tree cobra</span> Species of snake

Goldie's tree cobra, also known commonly as the African tree cobra and as Gold's tree cobra, is a species of venomous tree cobra in the family Elapidae. The species is native to Central and Western Africa. This species is one of the two tree cobras in Africa, the other being the black tree cobra. Goldie's tree cobra is one of the most venomous snakes and creatures in Africa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Forest cobra</span> Species of snake

The forest cobra, also commonly called the black cobra and the black and white-lipped cobra, is a species of highly venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to Africa, mostly the central and western parts of the continent. It is the largest true cobra species with a record length of 3.2 metres.

<i>Amalosia lesueurii</i> Species of lizard

Amalosia lesueurii, commonly known as Lesueur's gecko or Lesueur's velvet gecko, is a species of gecko, a lizard in the family Diplodactylidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Curl snake</span> Species of snake

The curl snake is a species of venomous, heavily built snake in the family Elapidae. The species, which is native to Australia, is also known more commonly in Western Australia as the myall snake. The curl snake is often confused with a similar species named the Ord curl snake.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Golden-crowned snake</span> Species of snake

The golden-crowned snake is a small species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

Hemiaspis damelii is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. It is a relatively small species of elapid with a mean snout-vent length (SVL) of 42.6 to 60 cm. The species is endemic to eastern Australia and is most commonly found across central inland New South Wales through to the interior of south-eastern Queensland. Common names for this species include ngabi, grey snake and Dämel's Snake. The specific name, damelii, is in honor of German entomologist Edward Dämel, who collected Australian specimens for Museum Godeffroy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephens's banded snake</span> Species of snake

Stephens's banded snake is a species of highly venomous tree snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ringed brown snake</span> Highly venomous snake native to Australia

The ringed brown snake is a species of venomous elapid snake native to a broad swathe of inland Australia, from western New South Wales and Queensland to Western Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Little whip snake</span> Species of snake in Australia

The little whip snake, also known commonly as the whip hooded snake, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spectacled hooded snake</span> Species of snake

The spectacled hooded snake, also known commonly as the Port Lincoln snake, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to central-southern Australia. There are three recognized subspecies.

The pale-headed snake is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

References

  1. 1 2 Webb, J.; Fenner, A.; Shea, G.; Cogger, H.; Greenlees, M. (2018). "Hoplocephalus bungaroides". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2018: e.T10246A83770106. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T10246A83770106.en . Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  2. "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  3. Species Hoplocephalus bungaroides at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.org.
  4. Schlegel H (1837). Essai sur la physionomie des serpens. Partie Générale. xxviii + 251 pp. AND Partie Descriptive. 606 + xvi pp. Amsterdam: M.H. Schonekat. (Naja bungaroides, new species, pp. 477–478). (in French).
  5. Boulenger GA (1896). Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume III., Containing the Colubridæ (Opisthoglyphæ and Proteroglyphæ) ... London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xiv + 727 pp. + Plates I–XXV. (Hoplocephalus bungaroides, pp. 348–349).
  6. A snake bite victim’s case of mistaken identity https://www.2st.com.au/local-news/highlands/a-snake-bite-victims-case-of-mistaken-identity/

Further reading