Date of Award

1995

Publication Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

M.A.

Department

Geography

Keywords

Biology, Ecology.

Supervisor

La Valle, P. D.

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

Radio telemetry was used to investigate and describe the habitat use and movement patterns of the eastern fox snake (Elaphe vulpina gloydi) at Point Pelee National Park, Ontario. Ten snakes were taken from a sample of habitats and monitored for a two year time period in 1992/1993 disclosing detailed information about habitat utilisation, home ranges and hibernaculum locations. Snakes that were tracked in both years showed significant differences in habitat use for the first three components. Each snake appeared to be significantly different in at least one of the four components of microhabitat and therefore differed in the pattern of microhabitat use for each snake for 1992 and 1993. Seven communal hibernation sites were located through telemetry. Of the snakes that were tracked for two seasons, two of the three returned to the same site. SPANS map area analysis gave very general results about the habitat utilization. Although the home ranges were revealed through this process, accurate map compatibility and scale problems resulted. Overall, the habitat that emerges most frequently is Upland Successional Forest (n = 8). Information gained from this study will provide the basis for management decisions of Point Pelee's rare herptiles. This research will add not only to the scientific knowledge of the eastern fox snake, but will facilitate the development of appropriate management strategies to conserve wildlife habitats. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)Dept. of Geography. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis1994 .W37. Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 34-02, page: 0655. Adviser: P. D. LaValle. Thesis (M.A.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 1995.

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