Study

Is long-distance translocation an effective mitigation tool for white-lipped pit vipers (Trimeresurus albolabris) in South China?

  • Published source details Devan-Song A., Martelli P., Dudgeon D., Crow P., Ades G. & Karraker N.E. (2016) Is long-distance translocation an effective mitigation tool for white-lipped pit vipers (Trimeresurus albolabris) in South China?. Biological Conservation, 204, 212-220.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Translocate problem reptiles

Action Link
Reptile Conservation
  1. Translocate problem reptiles

    A replicated, controlled study in 2012–2013 in sites of mixed shrubland and mixed forest in the Hong Kong, China (Devan-Song et al. 2016) found that translocating problem white-lipped pit vipers Cryptelytrops albolabris away from human settlements resulted in lower survival compared to resident snakes in one of two years, but no translocated snakes returned to their point of capture.  In 2012, a similar number of snakes died from the translocated (6 of 8, 75%) and resident (5 of 7, 71%) groups (result was not statistically tested). In 2013, more translocated snakes died than did residents (translocated: 9 of 12, 75%; resident: 3 of 11, 27%). No translocated snakes showed homing behaviour towards their point of capture. Forty-one problem snakes were captured near human settlements and released 3–30 km away. In 2012, translocated snakes were released in a site of mixed shrub and grassland, and in 2013, they were release in a woodland site. Resident snakes were all captured in woodland sites. Vipers were located 1–3 times/week for 18 (translocated) and 31 weeks (resident) in 2012, and 26 weeks (all snakes) in 2013.

    (Summarised by: Maggie Watson, William Morgan)

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