Reptiles
Broad-headed Snake
Hoplocephalus bungaroides
Under a thin slab of sandstone on a cliff edge above Sydney, a broad-headed snake lies coiled in the warmth, its black-and-yellow body barely visible in the shadow.
Overview
The broad-headed snake, Hoplocephalus bungaroides, is a Vulnerable venomous snake confined to sandstone ridges and plateaus within about 200 km of Sydney. Its seasonal shift between rock slabs and tree hollows and its dependence on a tiny range make it one of Australia’s most precarious snakes.
A snake that depends on loose rock
The thin sandstone slabs on which the snake relies in winter were taken from the bush for gardens, and their loss has hit the species hard.
Status
Vulnerable, with a declining population.
Broad-headed Snake: common questions
Why is the broad-headed snake rare?
It lives only on sandstone ridges and plateaus around Sydney, and has declined because of habitat loss and the removal of loose sandstone slabs.
Where does it shelter?
In winter it shelters under thin, sun-warmed sandstone slabs, and in summer it moves into tree hollows to stay cool.
Is the broad-headed snake venomous?
Yes, it is venomous, though it is shy, and any bite needs urgent medical attention.
Where is the broad-headed snake found?
It lives only on sandstone ridges and plateaus within about 200 km of Sydney, in New South Wales, Australia.