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.