Reintroduction of the critically endangered Antiguan Racer Alsophis antiguae to Rabbit Island, Antigua
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Published source details
Daltry J.C. (2006) Reintroduction of the critically endangered Antiguan Racer Alsophis antiguae to Rabbit Island, Antigua. Conservation Evidence, 3, 33-35.
Published source details Daltry J.C. (2006) Reintroduction of the critically endangered Antiguan Racer Alsophis antiguae to Rabbit Island, Antigua. Conservation Evidence, 3, 33-35.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Translocate adult or juvenile reptiles: Snakes Action Link |
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Translocate adult or juvenile reptiles: Snakes
A study in 1999–2006 on a coastal forest offshore island in Antigua (Daltry 2006) found that a population of Antiguan racer snakes Alsophis antiguae translocated to a rat-free island survived at least seven years and bred in the wild. After three years, the first adult offspring was recorded (one individual). After four years, 15 new snakes were recorded. After seven years, the total population was estimated to be 40–50 adult and subadult snakes. Monitoring of the translocated snakes after release indicated that they were hunting and feeding successfully. In total 10 wild-caught snakes were introduced to Rabbit Island (2 ha) in November-December 1999. Five snakes were implanted with radio transmitters for monitoring up to 6 months after their release. All snakes are marked with PIT tags. Black rats Rattus rattus were eradicated from the island in 1998.
(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)
