Reintroduction of the critically endangered Antiguan racer Alsophis antiguae to Green Island, Antigua
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Published source details
Daltry J.C. (2006) Reintroduction of the critically endangered Antiguan racer Alsophis antiguae to Green Island, Antigua. Conservation Evidence, 3, 36-38.
Published source details Daltry J.C. (2006) Reintroduction of the critically endangered Antiguan racer Alsophis antiguae to Green Island, Antigua. Conservation Evidence, 3, 36-38.
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 2002–2006 on a coastal forest island in Antigua (Daltry 2006) found that a population of Antiguan racer snakes Alsophis antiguae translocated to a predator-free island survived at least three years and bred successfully in the wild. Young racer snakes were observed three years after snakes were first translocated and the population had approximately doubled to 98 snakes three years after the first release (data presented in 7). Monitoring of adult female snakes found that two of them had increased in weight and length in the year after being released. In total 45 wild-caught snakes were transported to and released onto Green Island (43 ha) in 2002–2005. Four female snakes were implanted with radio transmitters for post release monitoring in 2003. Black rats Rattus rattus were eradicated from the island in 2002 but returned in 2006.
(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)
