Gardiner et al. 2013

Overview of the Study

  • Focuses on habitat relations of northern snake communities in southwestern Saskatchewan, Canada.

  • Examines the need for summer habitats protection alongside winter dens for snake species conservation.

Study Objectives

  • Identify and compare macrohabitat selection by three snake species:

    • Eastern yellow-bellied racers (Coluber constrictor flaviventris)

    • Bullsnakes (Pituophis catenifer sayi)

    • Prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis)

  • Assess home range shapes and seasonal habitat use.

Important Findings

Hibernation and Summer Ranges

  • All three species share communal hibernacula in winter but exhibit different habitat preferences during spring and summer.

  • Home ranges are described as "dumbbell-shaped": two activity centers connected by narrow corridors.

Habitat Preferences

  • Eastern Yellow-bellied Racers:

    • Strong preference for riparian areas.

  • Bullsnakes:

    • Prefer valley grassland habitats.

  • Prairie Rattlesnakes:

    • Select areas associated with prairie dog colonies.

  • Maximum travel distances varied:

    • Rattlesnakes: over 11 km

    • Bullsnakes: max 4 km

    • Racers: max 5 km

Movement Patterns

  • Movement patterns and daily rates differ:

    • Rattlesnakes exhibited the highest daily movement rates.

    • Home ranges and movement varied significantly between species, impacting conservation strategies.

Management Implications

  • Conservation must incorporate both winter hibernacula and summer habitat needs.

  • Recommend defining larger buffer zones around dens and corridors linking summer grounds.

  • Species-specific habitat preferences must be considered for effective management strategies.

Habitat Selection Analysis

  • Conducted using radio-telemetry and geographic information systems (GIS).

  • Macrohabitat types categorized include:

    • Native upland, lowland pastures, hills and slopes, and prairie dog colonies.

  • Statistical analysis (compositional analysis) confirmed selective habitat use by each species, enabling resource partitioning.

Conclusions

  • Effective conservation requires understanding the distinct habitat needs and movement behaviors of snake species during active seasons.

  • This study emphasizes the importance of managing both summer and winter habitats to ensure snake population sustainability.