Four little broad-headed snakes made it through their first months in the wild.
Six captive-bred juveniles went out beneath artificial rocks in May. At least four survived the critical first months.
UTS wildlife ecologist Jonathan Webb and partners released six captive-bred juvenile broad-headed snakes into restored habitat in mid-May. After fortnightly surveys through their most vulnerable first months, at least four were still surviving.
WHAT HAPPENED
The snakes were placed beneath purpose-built artificial rocks that mimic the warmth and shelter of natural rock crevices. Habitat removal, drought and the 2020 bushfires have driven the endangered species down; Webb's long-running study recorded a roughly 64% decline by 2023. The pilot combines captive breeding, restored shelter, monitoring and Indigenous ranger involvement, with more releases planned if the approach keeps working.
WHY THIS IS HOPESLOP
It is a tiny result with enormous patience behind it: six juveniles, four known survivors, 34 years of field research and a shelter that looks like a rock but functions like a second chance.
ORIGINAL SOURCEUniversity of Technology Sydney / Aussie ArkRead the original report
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