Acanthophis hawkei, Family Elapidae, also known as the plains death adder, is a short, stout-bodied terrestrial snake, similar in appearance to American and African vipers. Adults grow to a maximum length of approximately 1.2 m with females generally growing slightly larger than males. The species’ dorsal side ranges in colour from shades of grey to a brownish-red, usually with wide, lighter bands across the body. The species’ ventral side varies in colour from shades of grey to cream. The species has a somewhat flattened, triangular-shaped head. The end of its tail tapers rapidly, becoming thin and worm-like, and is used to lure prey within striking distance.
Plains Death Adder |
Acanthophis hawkei
Status: Vulnerable on the EPBC Act list
Government evidence of impact of climate change:
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Australian Government, Conservation Advice, Acanthophis hawkei
Habitat modification due to over grazing by cattle and inappropriate fire regimes are potential threats to the plains death adder.
Large; unseasonal flood events may impact the plains death adders food supply of native rats and frogs; but such events are rare and usually relatively localised (Webb et al.; 2002). -
Australian Government, Listing Advice, Acanthophis hawkei
Habitat modification due to over grazing by cattle and inappropriate fire regimes is a potential threat to the plains death adder.
Large; unseasonal flood events may impact the plains death adders food supply of native rats and frogs; but such events are rare and usually relatively localised (Webb et al.; 2002).
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