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<p>Uncertainty in snake population metrics poses significant challenges for conservation efforts. This study investigated the population dynamics, individual movement patterns, and habitat preferences of <i>Coronella austriaca</i>, a snake species threatened at the northern edges of its range. We used spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) methods on mark-recapture data from artificial cover objects (ACOs) to estimate population density and movement patterns. Maximum entropy modeling indicated a negative association with dense forests and a positive correlation with incoming solar radiation. Potential habitat covered 39.9% of the minimum convex hull around ACOs. SECR analysis revealed significant variations in detectability between sexes and age groups, the highest in females, the least mobile group. The 95% home range radius was 27.7&#xa0;m (23.9–32.0) for females, 121.9&#xa0;m (92.4–160.7) for males, and 107.7&#xa0;m (72.9–159.2) for juveniles. Total population density was estimated at 4.7 (2.4–9.1) individuals per hectare, including 1.8 (1.0–3.2) adults per hectare, with a 1:1 sex ratio among adults. Home range centers of all nine adult females were concentrated in a construction waste dump covering just 5.2&#xa0;m², underscoring the significance of warm anthropogenic hiding places. Adult males were more broadly distributed along the southern forest edge, while juveniles had the widest distribution, occupying both open spaces outside the forest and open patches within the forest. High mortality was observed due to cat predation (7.1%, 95% CI: 2.0–17.3%) and road kills (8.9%, 95% CI: 3.0–19.6%). These findings inform conservation strategies, stressing the importance of open habitats and warm, complex hiding sites for females.</p><p> <?noindent??><b>Clinical trial number</b> Not Applicable (This study is not a clinical trial).</p>

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Population size, home range size and habitat of the smooth snake Coronella austriaca in north-central Poland: implications for conservation

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年6月3日

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  • Barbara Szulc,
  • Andrzej Oleksa

摘要

Uncertainty in snake population metrics poses significant challenges for conservation efforts. This study investigated the population dynamics, individual movement patterns, and habitat preferences of Coronella austriaca, a snake species threatened at the northern edges of its range. We used spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR) methods on mark-recapture data from artificial cover objects (ACOs) to estimate population density and movement patterns. Maximum entropy modeling indicated a negative association with dense forests and a positive correlation with incoming solar radiation. Potential habitat covered 39.9% of the minimum convex hull around ACOs. SECR analysis revealed significant variations in detectability between sexes and age groups, the highest in females, the least mobile group. The 95% home range radius was 27.7 m (23.9–32.0) for females, 121.9 m (92.4–160.7) for males, and 107.7 m (72.9–159.2) for juveniles. Total population density was estimated at 4.7 (2.4–9.1) individuals per hectare, including 1.8 (1.0–3.2) adults per hectare, with a 1:1 sex ratio among adults. Home range centers of all nine adult females were concentrated in a construction waste dump covering just 5.2 m², underscoring the significance of warm anthropogenic hiding places. Adult males were more broadly distributed along the southern forest edge, while juveniles had the widest distribution, occupying both open spaces outside the forest and open patches within the forest. High mortality was observed due to cat predation (7.1%, 95% CI: 2.0–17.3%) and road kills (8.9%, 95% CI: 3.0–19.6%). These findings inform conservation strategies, stressing the importance of open habitats and warm, complex hiding sites for females.

Clinical trial number Not Applicable (This study is not a clinical trial).