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Science support document : sensitive snake species and hibernacula range

Description

This science support document provides a summary of biological and policy rationale for the Sensitive Snake Species and Hibernacula Range sensitivity layer. Additionally, science support documents... More ≫

Description

This science support document provides a summary of biological and policy rationale for the Sensitive Snake Species and Hibernacula Range sensitivity layer. Additionally, science support documents can be used by anyone to learn about a wildlife sensitivity layer and its connection to the Landscape Analysis Tool and associated conditions found in the Master Schedule of Standards and Conditions.

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Reproductive biology of female prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis viridis) in Alberta

Description

Many aspects of the biology of prairie rattlesnakes are not well described. This study used mark-recapture to follow the reproductive histories of female prairie rattlesnakes at two hibemacula in... More ≫

Description

Many aspects of the biology of prairie rattlesnakes are not well described. This study used mark-recapture to follow the reproductive histories of female prairie rattlesnakes at two hibemacula in southeastern Alberta over a three year period (2004-2006). In addition, radio-telemetry was used to track the movements of females, revealing the location of several rookeries where gravid females were aggregated. This findings contribute to the understanding of the species’ capacity to recover should populations decline, and a measure of the resilience of the species and its habitat to direct or indirect environmental pressures, aiding wildlife managers to determine the appropriate conservation status.

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Rattlers and people : conserving rattlesnakes in Lethbridge

Description

A Lethbridge Rattlesnake Conservation Plan was developed in 2000. It was initiated in response to ongoing losses of prairie rattlesnakes in Lethbridge. This report summarizes the results of the... More ≫

Description

A Lethbridge Rattlesnake Conservation Plan was developed in 2000. It was initiated in response to ongoing losses of prairie rattlesnakes in Lethbridge. This report summarizes the results of the first five years of the Lethbridge Rattlesnake Conservation Program and provides recommendations for future conservation of rattlesnakes in Lethbridge.

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Prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) hibernacula : monitoring history in Alberta 1987-2002

Description

This report summarizes the results of surveys at rattlesnake hibernacula in Alberta conducted between 2000 and 2002, as well as data from the literature and from historical numbers of snakes at... More ≫

Description

This report summarizes the results of surveys at rattlesnake hibernacula in Alberta conducted between 2000 and 2002, as well as data from the literature and from historical numbers of snakes at hibernacula as captured in the Alberta Biodiversity Species Observation Database. Observations of snakes at hibernacula made by other observers during the formal study are also included. A compilation of historical and recent observations of snakes at hibernacula provides a means of estimating changes in snake numbers at these sites. Until more intensive methods for estimating the size of the prairie rattlesnake population in Alberta are used (e.g., mark-recapture techniques), these observations and surveys can be used to inform future status assessments of this species.

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Management and recovery strategies for the Lethbridge population of the prairie rattlesnake

Description

The coulees of southwest Lethbridge are home to a small population of prairie rattlesnakes. High rates of mortality from road kills, deliberate human persecution, and a rapid loss of habitat from... More ≫

Description

The coulees of southwest Lethbridge are home to a small population of prairie rattlesnakes. High rates of mortality from road kills, deliberate human persecution, and a rapid loss of habitat from subdivision and recreational development make the future of Lethbridge rattlesnakes uncertain. In 2000, a committee was formed to develop a management plan. This report integrates previous work done, includes pertinent actions from the draft management plan developed in 2000 and summarizes and discusses present and future recovery efforts.

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Prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis) monitoring in Alberta - preliminary investigations (2000)

Description

In the fall of 2000, a project was undertaken to collect and review information on the over-wintering sites used by the prairie rattlesnake in Alberta. These sites, known as hibernacula, and the... More ≫

Description

In the fall of 2000, a project was undertaken to collect and review information on the over-wintering sites used by the prairie rattlesnake in Alberta. These sites, known as hibernacula, and the surrounding suitable habitat, are undoubtedly important limiting factors affecting rattlesnake distribution within Alberta. This report summarises the preliminary work completed to begin updating historical information on the prairie rattlesnake, and includes suggestions for a long-term monitoring and population analysis program. Information gained from this project is intended to help in the protection and survival of this species in Alberta.

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Utilization of air photo interpretation to locate prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis viridis) hibernacula in the South Saskatchewan River Valley

Description

Current anecdotal evidence suggests that the distribution and abundance of the prairie rattlesnake is declining. Due to a lack of standardized information, a means of conducting a landscape level... More ≫

Description

Current anecdotal evidence suggests that the distribution and abundance of the prairie rattlesnake is declining. Due to a lack of standardized information, a means of conducting a landscape level hibernacula inventory and population assessment of rattlesnakes in Alberta must be developed. Previous work undertaken by Alberta Environment was done to attempt to facilitate this process. This method used air photo interpretation and the ecological land classification system to classify a portion of the South Saskatchewan River valley for the likelihood of containing snake hibernacula. This method was evaluated for effectiveness by conducting ground searches throughout the identified study area and correlating actual locations of confirmed hibernacula to predicted locations. A total of eight hibernacula were confirmed.

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