LE3 .A278 2009

2009

Herman, Tom
Mockford, Steve

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Biology

Biology

The Eastern ribbonsnake ( Thamnophis sauritus) is a threatened species in Nova Scotia. Many threats and limiting factors have been identified for the species, however the lack of knowledge surrounding movement patterns and habitat use inhibit recovery decisions. Ribbonsnakes were hand- caught during visual surveys at Grafton and Molega Lakes in 2007. Two methods for tracking ribbonsnakes were examined. External radio- transmitter attachment was unsuccessful; this was attributed to slender body shape and the habitat used by the species. Fluorescent powder- tracking, using a water- resistant paste of powder and mineral oil, was successful for documenting paths for 1.3 – 16.5 m. Ribbonsnakes were observed in dry areas during late spring and fall and were concentrated along the shoreline of the marshes in summer. Snakes tended to aggregate during ecdysis. Upland observations of ribbonsnakes in early spring and late fall suggest that hibernacula may be located in these areas. Habitat models revealed ribbonsnakes selected habitat based on temperature, substrate and cover ( Grafton Lake only) and that habitat selection differed between sites. Individual movements, recapture rates and home ranges suggest that ribbonsnake movements are more extensive than previously thought and that site fidelity between years is high. Fractal analysis of movement paths revealed that ribbonsnakes respond to habitat at least three different scales, 3.5 – 9.2, 9.2 – 11.4 and 15.3 – 24.6 cm and that adults appear to respond to habitat at a finer scale than juveniles. Ribbonsnakes tended to display oriented movement, with considerable use of arboreal habitat.

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