The effects of translocation on the spatial ecology of tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus) in a suburban landscape
-
Published source details
Butler H., Malone B. & Clemann N. (2005) The effects of translocation on the spatial ecology of tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus) in a suburban landscape. Wildlife Research, 32, 165-171.
Published source details Butler H., Malone B. & Clemann N. (2005) The effects of translocation on the spatial ecology of tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus) in a suburban landscape. Wildlife Research, 32, 165-171.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
| Action | Category | |
|---|---|---|
|
Translocate problem reptiles Action Link |
 |
-
Translocate problem reptiles
A replicated, controlled study in 2002–2003 in a grassy, wooded parkland close to suburban areas in Victoria, Australia (Butler et al. 2005) found that translocated problem tiger snakes Notechis scutatus had similar survival compared to resident snakes but moved longer distances and often returned to surrounding suburban areas. Survival rates were similar for translocated (7 of 8, 88%) and resident snakes (4 of 6, 67%) over six months. Movement between re-sightings of translocated snakes was larger than residents (translocated: 140 m; resident: 64 m) and half of translocated snakes moved out of the release site into adjacent suburban areas within 1–16 days. Translocated snakes had larger home ranges than residents (translocated: 28 ha; resident: 5 ha), but their core ranges (translocated: 1 ha; resident: 1 ha) and total area visited (translocated: 22 ha; resident: 4 ha) were statistically similar. Eight translocated snakes (four females, four males; trapped within 5 km of release site) and six resident snakes (two female, four males; released at point of capture) were released within the 123 ha parkland area. They were surgically implanted with radio transmitters and tracked 2–5 times/week between spring (October) 2002 and autumn (March) 2003.
(Summarised by: Maggie Watson, William Morgan)
