The effects of translocation on the spatial ecology of tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus) in a suburban landscape
H. Butler A , B. Malone A and N. Clemann B CA Department of Zoology, Latrobe University, Bundoora, Vic. 3086, Australia.
B Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Sustainability and Environment, PO Box 137, Heidelberg, Vic. 3084, Australia.
C Corresponding author. Email: nick.clemann@dse.vic.gov.au
Wildlife Research 32(2) 165-171 https://doi.org/10.1071/WR04020
Submitted: 17 March 2004 Accepted: 10 March 2005 Published: 4 May 2005
Abstract
In many suburban parts of Australia the removal of snakes from private property by licenced snake catchers is employed to mitigate perceived risks to humans and their pets. The number of snakes translocated around greater Melbourne, Victoria, each year can be very high (at least many hundreds). However, the effects of translocation on the behaviour and welfare of individual snakes, and the impact on existing snake populations at release sites are unknown. We used radio-telemetry of ‘resident’ and translocated snakes to investigate the consequences of translocation on the spatial ecology of tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus) in a suburban parkland near Melbourne. Fourteen snakes (two female and four male residents, and four female and four male translocated snakes) implanted with radio-transmitters were tracked between spring 2002 and autumn 2003. Translocated snakes exhibited home ranges ~6 times larger than those of residents, although each group maintained core ranges of similar size. Translocated snakes travelled longer distances and were often located in residential areas adjacent to the park, whereas resident snakes were never located outside of the park.
Acknowledgments
We thank Dr Nataly Rourke and the Veterinary Department at Melbourne Zoological Gardens for conducting all veterinary procedures. This study received funding assistance from Parks Victoria (thanks to Sally Troy and John Wright) and the Australian Geographic Society. Libby Jude and the other Parks Victoria staff at Westerfolds Park facilitated fieldwork. HB thanks staff at the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre for prompt and effective treatment of his bitten finger, and also for support from Kerry Bell, and Cindy and Gavin Butler. We thank the snake catchers who provided animals: Simon Watharow, Angela Reid, Jon Birkett, Nigel’s Animal Rescue, Raymond Hoser and Wildpro Pty Ltd. Johnno Webb and Richard Shine provided advice on snake telemetry. Jenny Nelson and two anonymous referees provided constructive comments on an earlier draft of this paper.
This research was conducted with approval from the Latrobe University Animal Ethics Committee (Approval No. AEC02/28(L)/V1), and a Victorian Wildlife Research Permit (No. 1002094) issued by the Department of Sustainability and Environment.
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