Conservation and Reproduction of an Endangered Species: the Broad-Headed Snake, Hoplocephalus bungaroides (Elapidae) Richard Shine! and Mark Fitzgerald2 'University of Sydney, 2p.O. Box 237, Mullumbimby, NSW ABSTRACT This small elapid snake is endangered because of its restriction to a specific habitat (weathered sandstone outcrops in southeastern Australia) that is under heavy pressure for commercial exploitation, especially for "bushrock" in suburban gardens. We review the conservation status of this species, suggest strategies to maintain viable populations, and report consistent success in breeding this species in captivity. Key words: Reptilia, Serpentes, Elapidae, Conservation, Habitat, Reproduction. INTRODUCTION Sandstone outcrops in coastal and near-coastal areas of southern New South Wales are the only known habitat for the Broad-headed Snake, a spectacularly-coloured medium-sized elapid snake (see photograph on front cover). Although this species is venomous, most speci- mens are sufficiently small (less than one metre total length) that adult human fatalities are unlikely. Nonethe- less, at least two serious bites (one of them fatal) have been suffered by people who mistook adult Broad- headed Snakes for juveniles of the harmless Diamond Python (Morelia spilota), which has a similar colour pattern and occurs in the same areas. Broad-headed Snakes are secretive, and generally nocturnal, emerging from their sandstone crevices at night to feed upon lizards and other small vertebrates (Shine 1983). Very little is known about the natural history and general biology of this species. In the present paper, we discuss the 'problems involved in conserving this species, and provide the first account of reproduction by Broad- headed Snakes in captivity. Why is this species endangered? There are many reasons why species are classed as "rare" or "endangered". Some taxa are placed in this category simply because they are restricted to habitats so remote and inaccessible that few specimens are ever collected, even though the animals may well be common where they occur. Other common and widespread species (such as the platypus) are perceived as "rare" because they are secretive and hence not often observed. Many of the genuinely rare species are those which have suffered directly as a result of human settI~-;, ment in Australia, either through hunting, habitat destruction, or the depredations of feral animals such as cats and cane toads. For most reptiles and amphibians, it is habitat destruction which is the most importaIlt September 1989 threat (Ehmann and Cogger 1985). Most of these animals are small and not particularly valued by hunters, so direct predation by humans is less significant than the continuing destruction of large areas of critical habitat. Ifthe habitat is destroyed, the species willnot be able to , persist. The Broad-headed Snake is in a particularly difficult situation for three reasons: (i) the southeastern coastal area in which it occurs also supports the highest densities of human population in the continent, so that habitat degradation has occurred on a massive scale. Although there are many National Parks in the range of the Broad-headed Snake, illegal habitat destruction has continued even within these areas (see below); (H) weathered sandstone outcrops along ridge tops are essential for this snake, especially the crevices formed by exfoliating layers of sandstone. Unfortunately, these same rocks are highly prized as decoration for home gardens, with the result that many outcrops have been torn apart by commercial collectors of "bushrock" (Hersey 1980). This problem is not a new one; the first book ever published on Australian snakes noted that the numbers of Broad-headed Snakes had already declined substantially because of habitat destruction and bush- rock collection for gardens (Krefft 1869); (Hi) snakes, especiallyvenomous snakes, are not likely to raise the same warm sympathy as do the "cuddly" animals like koalas and kangaroos. Hence, many people see the conservation of reptiles as a less significant environmental issue than conservation of mammals or birds. What can be done to conserve these animals? Informed members of the general public can play an important role in helping to ensure that the Broad- headed Snake does not move closer to extinction. Here .are a few suggestions: Australia,n Zoologist, Vcl. 25(3) 65