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Australian Journal of Zoology Australian Journal of Zoology Society
Evolutionary, molecular and comparative zoology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Comparative survey techniques for a cryptic Australian snake (Hoplocephalus bitorquatus)

Michael B. Shelton https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4702-6905 A B and Ross L. Goldingay https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6684-9299 A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Environment, Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW 2480, Australia.

B Corresponding author. Email: michaelshelton8@bigpond.com.au

Australian Journal of Zoology 68(2) 68-75 https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO20062
Submitted: 14 July 2020  Accepted: 14 April 2021   Published: 12 May 2021

Abstract

Ecologists endeavour to develop survey techniques that are cost-effective for the species they target and robust enough for statistical analysis. Using time as a measure of effort, we compared visual encounter surveys with artificial cover objects (strapped to trees), targeting an arboreal elapid, the pale-headed snake (Hoplocephalus bitorquatus) and its potential prey (geckos). Within a red gum forest vegetation community with relatively high snake density, capture rates were 0.6 ± 0.1 (s.e.) snakes/person-hour using visual encounter surveys, compared with only 0.1 ± 0.1 snakes/person-hour using cover objects. The probability of detection of pale-headed snakes was estimated from occupancy modelling at 0.70 ± 0.06 in visual encounter surveys and 0.19 ± 0.09 in cover object surveys. Gecko capture rates (among all vegetation communities) were significantly greater (P < 0.001) using cover objects. The probability of detection of geckos was estimated from occupancy modelling at 0.77 ± 0.05 in visual encounter surveys and 0.97 ± 0.02 in cover object surveys. Geckos favoured (P < 0.001) cover objects facing south during all seasons except winter. Artificial cover objects may provide some value in detecting pale-headed snakes in vegetation communities where habitat resources are limited; however, where resources are plentiful, visual encounter surveys are likely to remain the most cost-effective survey option.

Keywords: Elapidae, arboreal, artificial cover objects.


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