World-First Wild Release Of Endangered Broad-Headed Snake!

World-First Wild Release Gives Hope for One of Australia’s Rarest Snakes

Aussie Ark, alongside the University of Technology Sydney and Traditional Landowners of the Shoalhaven, has successfully completed the world’s first wild release of the endangered Broad-Headed Snake.

The milestone marks a major breakthrough for one of Australia’s rarest reptiles and is the latest achievement in a conservation program that has delivered multiple world-firsts over the past two years.

The journey began in October 2024 when Aussie Ark secured 17 adult Broad-Headed Snakes to establish the world’s first wild-sourced breeding and rewilding program for the species. The insurance population later expanded to 20 snakes, all housed within specialised terrariums at Conservation Ark in Somersby, NSW.

Earlier this year, the program achieved another historic moment with the world’s first captive birth of the species. Then, just weeks later, remote-sensor cameras captured a live birth, something never before witnessed or documented.

To date, eight juvenile snakes have been bred through the program. Two have been retained within the insurance population due to their important genetics, while six juveniles have now been released back into the wild.

Aussie Ark Managing Director Tim Faulkner said the release was a proud and emotional moment for everyone involved.

“We have worked for many years, navigating so much red tape, to get to this moment,” Mr Faulkner said.
“We now have a unique, multi-faceted, holistic program that’s a model for threatened species conservation Australia-wide, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team and our partners.”

The endangered Broad-Headed Snake is found only within the rocky sandstone escarpments around the Sydney Basin and surrounding ranges. The species has suffered major declines due to habitat destruction, illegal rock removal and fragmentation, which remove the shelter sites the snakes rely on for survival.

Each snake has a unique marking on its head, allowing Aussie Ark to individually identify and monitor every released animal long-term.

Jonathan Webb, who has studied the species for more than three decades, said habitat loss remains the greatest threat to the snake’s survival.

“The snake is nocturnal and shelters under rocks during the day,” Professor Webb explained.
“They rely on rocks to thermoregulate and hide, and rocks also attract their prey. Sadly, this habitat has been destroyed over the decades for landscaping and building. Our pilot program using artificial rocks is vital to ensuring the snakes’ survival.”

All six juvenile snakes were released beneath specially designed artificial rocks to help support their survival in the wild.

The project also includes training and supporting Indigenous Rangers to help monitor and protect the species On Country into the future.

Ranger Ashley Thomas said the project means far more than conservation alone.

“I love it, it’s not a job for me, it’s a passion of mine,” Mr Thomas said.
“It’s about all of us coming together to do what’s best for Country. Healing Country.”

Traditional Owner Frank Connolly Jr. said the program is helping connect younger generations with culture and Country.

“The Broad-Headed Snake is important to our culture,” Uncle Frank said.
“It’s great for our young people growing up to learn all of this, to keep it going for the next generation coming through.”

Aussie Ark project lead Dylan Wallis and Chief Conservation Officer Hayley Shute released one of the juvenile snakes together, with cheers erupting from the crowd as the reptile disappeared into its new home.

“It was thrilling to watch the snakes zip off into the wild,” Ms Shute said.
“And to know this stunning escarpment now has six more endangered snakes living there, defying extinction.”

Aussie Ark also acknowledged the important support of major partner Australian Power Equipment and the Sunshine Foundation, whose contributions have helped make the Broad-Headed Snake conservation program possible.

The Broad-Headed Snake is recognised as a priority threatened species under NSW and Commonwealth conservation programs and legislation.