Broad-headed snake

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Broad-headed snake
CITES Appendix II (CITES)[2]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
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.

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.

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,

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

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 (

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

References

  1. ^
    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

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