Research
World-first successful wild release of endangered broad-headed snake
Phys.org ·
The Brief
- Six captive-bred juvenile broad-headed snakes were released into the wild in a world-first wild release.
- At least four of the six juveniles survived the critical first few months after release.
- The broad-headed snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides) is one of Australia's most endangered snakes.
Why it matters
It shows that captive-bred reptiles can survive after release into the wild, a useful result for conservation programmes working on endangered species.
Who’s affected
- Conservation programmes for endangered reptiles
- Researchers working on captive breeding and reintroduction
- #conservation
- #reptiles
- #captive breeding
- #wildlife reintroduction
- #australia
The broad-headed snake (Hoplocephalus bungaroides), one of Australia's most endangered snakes, has been given a lifeline, with at least four of six captive-bred juveniles surviving the critical first few months after their release into the wild.