Taxonomic notes: Section empty

This species has restricted range on mainland Papua New Guinea (Morehead and Balamuk, southwest Western Province) and in Indonesian New Guinea (Merauke). It is found also Tanibar Island, Indonesia. This species may also occur in northern Australia, however, its range and taxonomic status has not yet been determined in this region (Allison 2006).

This species is found in monsoon forest habitats, in lowland areas. It has also been encountered in seasonally flooded savanna woodland and modified areas such as cultivated gardens. It is a nocturnal snake and frequently found under rubbish or vegetation debris. It is oviviviparous and its diet presumably consists of terrestrial skinks and other lizards, birds or small mammals and possibly frogs (O’Shea 1996).

The population status of this species is very poorly known.

Death adders (Acanthophis spp.) are harvested and bred in captivity for the pet trade. However, no figures are available for the number of A. rugosus in commercial trade.

It is unlikely that there are any major threat is impacting this species. It may be impacted by ongoing development in the more urbanized/agricultural (rice paddies) areas of Merauke, Indonesia.

• 1.1 Housing & urban areas

There are no known species-specific conservation measures in place for this species. It occurs in the Tonda Protected Area. Further research into the range and taxonomy of the possible population in northern Australia is recommended.

Acanthophis rugosus has been assessed as Data Deficient (nearly meeting Near Threatened), it has a relatively limited range, there are substantial threats in parts of its range and sufficient cause for concern about the possibility of the population declining. Additional surveys are needed to better understand the conservation status of this species. Further research into this species range and taxonomy in Australia and the Tanibar Islands is recommended.

• Allison, A. 2006. Reptiles and Amphibians of the Trans-Fly Region, New Guinea. Pacific Biological Survey. Honolulu, Hawaii.
• Hoser, R. 2002. Death Adders (Genus Acanthophis): An Updated overview, including descriptions of 3 New Island species and 2 New Australian subspecies. Crocodilian - Journal of the Victorian Association of Amateur Herpetologists 4(1): 5-11, 16-22, 24-30.
• O'Shea, M. 1996. A Guide to the Snakes of Papua New Guinea. Independent Publishing, Independent Group Ltd., Port Moresby, PNG.