Ecology and conservation of an endangered rattlesnake, Sistrurus catenatus, in Missouri, USA
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Published source details
Seigel R.A. (1986) Ecology and conservation of an endangered rattlesnake, Sistrurus catenatus, in Missouri, USA. Biological Conservation, 35, 333-346.
Published source details Seigel R.A. (1986) Ecology and conservation of an endangered rattlesnake, Sistrurus catenatus, in Missouri, USA. Biological Conservation, 35, 333-346.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Use signage to warn motorists about wildlife presence Action Link |
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Use signage to warn motorists about wildlife presence
A before-and-after study in 1981–1982 on a road through a prairie in Missouri, USA (Seigel 1986) reported that when road signs were installed to warn motorists of snakes, a lower percentage of total massasaugas Sistrurus catenatus found were dead on the road in one of two seasons compared to when signs were not present. Results were not statistically tested. Of the total number of snakes found during the study (172 individuals), the percentage that were dead on the road was similar before (19% dead) and after signs were installed (24%) in summer, but lower after signs were installed in autumn (after 13%; before 32%). Road signs warning motorists of snakes were installed in 1981 (month not given). Surveys for snakes were conducted on a prairie and bordering roads and dykes, and trapping was carried out using drift fences with wire-mesh funnel traps (number and timing of surveys not provided).
(Summarised by: Maggie Watson, William Morgan)
