Broad-Headed Snake
Conservation Status: Endangered
Meet the Broad-Headed Snake
The Broad-Headed Snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides) is one of Australia’s rarest and most endangered reptiles, found only within about 200–250 km of Sydney. It lives exclusively in sandstone escarpments and the surrounding woodland, sheltering in narrow rock crevices during the cooler months and moving into tree hollows in summer.
This small, venomous snake is easily recognised by its wide, triangular head and distinctive, yellow-banded black scales. Adults grow to around 60 cm on average, with some reaching up to 1.5 metres. Its cream or grey underside and bold markings often lead to it being mistaken for the non-venomous Diamond Python.
Broad-Headed Snakes are ambush predators with a slow life cycle. They feed on small mammals, reptiles, and frogs, grow slowly, mature late, and produce small litters only every few years - making them especially vulnerable to population decline.
Did You Know?
- Broad-Headed Snakes can flatten their bodies to fit into rock crevices less than 2 cm high.
- In summer they travel hundreds of metres to shelter in tree hollows, returning to the rocks in cooler weather.
- Their slow reproductive cycle means even small population losses can take decades to recover.
Why They’re at Risk
- Habitat Loss & Fragmentation: Urban expansion and bushrock removal for landscaping have destroyed critical sandstone shelters and reduced habitat availability.
- Disturbance to Shelters: Removal of surface rocks or changes to vegetation disrupt their ability to regulate body temperature and find safe refuges.
- Illegal Collection: Targeted removal by reptile collectors has caused serious declines, particularly in breeding females.
- Small Population Vulnerability: Limited range and fragmented colonies increase susceptibility to inbreeding, disease, and catastrophic events.
Aussie Ark’s Conservation Work
Aussie Ark is leading the charge in protecting some of Australia’s most threatened species through targeted, hands-on conservation.
- Captive Breeding Success: Aussie Ark has successfully bred Broad-Headed Snakes, creating a vital insurance population to safeguard against extinction.
- Research & Monitoring: Ongoing tracking of movement, breeding behaviour, and habitat use informs more targeted and effective conservation strategies.
- Habitat Protection & Restoration: Efforts include preserving sandstone outcrops, restoring degraded areas, and preventing further rock removal in key sites.
Together, these efforts are building a future where threatened species can not only survive but thrive in the wild once more.
How You Can Help
You can make a real difference! At Aussie Ark, we’re working tirelessly to protect Australia’s unique wildlife and restore their habitats. From Tasmanian Devils to Eastern Quolls, your support helps us care for endangered animals and preserve the beauty of our native bushland.
![[object Object]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fpne3xz5v%2Fproduction%2F077efbf31aa7e9a1d45117e9118fb68af98bda87-520x281.png%3Fh%3D280%26q%3D75&w=640&q=75)
Donate
Every dollar you give goes directly toward creating safe havens, providing medical care, and ensuring these amazing creatures have a future.
![[object Object]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fpne3xz5v%2Fproduction%2F8e15467339ed265b8c3a0e0e2bd5bd072a5199bd-520x281.png%3Fh%3D280%26q%3D75&w=640&q=75)
Adopt
Every dollar you give goes directly toward creating safe havens, providing medical care, and ensuring these amazing creatures have a future.
![[object Object]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fpne3xz5v%2Fproduction%2F497163271ce37bccad557ef126c2954c47ad8723-520x281.png%3Fh%3D280%26q%3D75&w=640&q=75)
Visit
Every dollar you give goes directly toward creating safe havens, providing medical care, and ensuring these amazing creatures have a future.
![[object Object]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fpne3xz5v%2Fproduction%2Fe775ae89865aa2b17975c3aa53b33a451a203e8d-520x281.png%3Fh%3D280%26q%3D75&w=640&q=75)
Shop
Browse the range of environmental gifts in our online store and buy an impactful gift for your special someone.
Find out more about how we’re helping Broad-Headed Snakes
Aussie Ark is stepping up to protect Australia’s wildlife at a time when it has never been more urgent. From building predator-proof sanctuaries and restoring vital habitats, to running world-leading breeding programs and reintroducing animals back into the wild, we are giving threatened species a fighting chance. Every action we take is about safeguarding the future of these animals and ensuring Australia’s unique wildlife can thrive for generations to come.
Get involved and support our mission
Shop, adopt, or experience Aussie Ark for yourself through one of our tour experiences. Get involved today, and help us work towards a better tomorrow.
