| Autor: |
Shelton, Michael B., Goldingay, Ross L., Phillips, Stephen S. |
| Předmět: |
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| Zdroj: |
Australian Journal of Zoology; 2017, Vol. 65 Issue 6, p383-390, 8p |
| Abstrakt: |
Biologists have traditionally been reluctant to study arboreal snakes due to low rates of capture. Overlooking such taxa can mislead interpretations of population trends for data-deficient species. We used regularly spaced transect searches and standard capture-mark-recapture techniques to describe population structure, growth rates, survival and capture probability in a population of the pale-headed snake (Hoplocephalus bitorquatus) in southern Queensland. We obtained data from 194 captures of 113 individual snakes between 2009 and 2015. Using the Cormack-Jolly-Seber method, we estimated apparent annual survival in subadult snakes at 0.23±0.01 (s.e.) and 0.81±0.08 for adults. Capture probability was estimated at 0.16±0.14 per session in subadult snakes and 0.33±0.06 for adults. Within the red gum forests of our study site, we estimate pale-headed snake density at ~13±7ha-1. Using von Bertalanffy growth modelling, we predict that snakes reach sexual maturity after about four years and may live for up to 20. Our results suggest that the species is a 'k' strategist, characterised by slow maturation and low fecundity. These traits suggest that populations will recover slowly following decline, exacerbating the risk of local extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Databáze: |
Complementary Index |
| Externí odkaz: |
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