The iron-headed snake is a national special protection animal. It is also known as a national treasure animal of the kingdom of snakes because the snake's head resembles a triangular soldering iron. In 1996, the iron-headed snake was included in the IUCN (World Conservation Union) Red List by the International Conservation Organization.

The branding iron-headed snake is a rare species unique to China. At present, it is only found in the eastern forest area of Hunan Mangshan Nature Reserve in the world, and there are only 300 surviving species. Mangshan soldering iron tips are also of great ornamental value, with bright colors all over the body.