Aspidites ramsayi (boidae) in the Brigalow biogeographic region of Queensland: occurrence, conservation status and possible bilby associations

Abstract

Aspidites ramsayi is widespread in central, northwestern, southwestern and parts of eastern Australia. In southwestern Western Australia, an isolated population in what is now 'Wheatbelt' is 'endangered' and A. ramsayi is 'specially protected' under state legislation. In western New South Wales, A. ramsayi is 'endangered at the state level. In the southern Brigalow Biogeographic Region (BBR) of Queensland, it now occurs as an apparently isolated population. Because brigalow habitats are poorly protected in reserves, because much of the habitat of A. ramsayi in the BBR is grazed and farmed and because the area is likely to be subjected to further modification, prospects for A. ramsayi in the area are poor. Despite the fact thatA. ramsayi is not accorded special conservation status in Queensland, we contend that this species in the BBR is 'vulnerable'. The common name 'Bilby Snake' is used for A. ramsayi in the Yuleba-Surat area of the BBR. This may point to a former close association there between A. ramsayi and the Bilby, Macrotis lagotis, an endangered species. Aspidites, Bilby, vulnerable species, endangered species, Brigalow.

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