DOCSLIB.ORG

Concho Water Snake Scientific Name: Nerodia Paucimaculata Federal Status: Threatened, 9/3/1986, with Federally-Designated Critical Habitat • State Status: Not Listed

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Concho Water Snake Scientific Name: Nerodia Paucimaculata Federal Status: Threatened, 9/3/1986, with Federally-Designated Critical Habitat • State Status: Not Listed Concho Water Snake Scientific Name: Nerodia paucimaculata Federal Status: Threatened, 9/3/1986, with federally-designated critical habitat • State Status: not listed Description whereas water snakes usually do not. stream to the FM 45 bridge over the The Concho Water Snake is small Also, an aroused cottonmouth will Colorado River (Mills and San Saba compared to most other water snakes, sometimes stand its ground, throw its Counties). This is a distance of about with adults rarely exceeding 3 feet in head upward and backward, and hold 233 river-miles. total length. This nonvenomous its mouth wide open, revealing a Apparently isolated lake popula- snake has four rows of alternating white “cotton-like” interior. tions have been found in E.V. Spence dark brown spots or blotches on its Reservoir and Ballinger Municipal back, two rows on each side. The Distribution Lake (formerly Lake Moonen). Con- coloration on its back is similar to a Historically, the Concho Water Snake cho Water Snakes have also been checkerboard of dark brown spots on occurred over about 276 river miles found at a number of sites in O.H. a gray, brown, or reddish-brown of the Colorado and Concho Rivers in Ivie Reservoir, and there are indica- color. The Concho Water Snake has a central Texas. The snake was first tions that this population is reproduc- light pinkish or orange belly that is collected from the South Concho ing. Scattered river populations unmarked or has somewhat indistinct River and Dove Creek, which are trib- occur along the Colorado River above spots along the sides. utaries to the Concho River west of Lake Buchanan, near the towns of San Angelo, Texas. When the sub- Regency, Harmony Ridge, Adams, and species was described in 1961, these records and one other on the Col- orado River south of Robert Lee in Coke County were the only known localities for this snake. The Concho Water Snake is endemic to Texas, which means it lives nowhere else in the world. It has one of the small- est distributions of any North American snake. The Concho Water Snake may once have been more widely distributed, but the E.V. Spence Reservoir upstream and Lake Buchanan Concho Water Snake © N. Scott downstream have inundated many Two other water snakes occur miles of river habitat at both ends of within the range of the Concho Water the current range. Scientists have Snake. Both the Diamondbacked Water estimated the historic range of the Snake (Nerodia rhombifer rhombifer) subspecies based on museum records and the Blotched Water Snake (Nero- and unpublished records supported by dia erythrogaster transversa) have specimens. The probable historic Bend. Recently, Concho Water Snakes dark markings on the back. However, range of this snake is estimated to have been found at all six artificial adult Diamondbacked and Blotched include, at a minimum, the Colorado riffles (fast-flowing, shallow water Water Snakes may be distinguished River from Spence Reservoir down- over a rocky bottom) constructed in from adult Concho Water Snakes by stream to the vicinity of Lake 1989 in the 17-mile stretch of the their larger size. The Diamondbacked Buchanan, Elm, Bluff, and Coyote Colorado River between the Robert Water Snake has a distinct black chain- Creeks (Runnels County), and the Lee Dam and Bronte. like pattern on its back. The Blotched entire Concho River (Tom Green and Although the Concho River has Water Snake has three rows of large Concho Counties) and its headwater been dammed and channelized within squarish blotches on the back, which tributaries, Dove Creek, Spring Creek, the City of San Angelo, a population are especially prominent in juveniles. and the South Concho River (Irion of Concho Water Snakes persists just As Blotched Water Snakes age, they and Tom Green Counties). below the Bell Street Bridge. They become darker in color and may Today, the Concho Water Snake have also been found about 4 river- appear to lack markings. occupies a restricted geographic range miles downstream from Bell Street The cottonmouth is another large in the Concho and Colorado River Dam. From this point they are pre- aquatic snake that may be confused Basins. The current distribution sent in all suitable habitats to the with the Concho Water Snake. The includes relatively continuous occupa- confluence with Ivie Reservoir, a dis- cottonmouth, a venomous snake, is tion of riverine habitat of the Col- tance of about 43 river-miles. usually uniformly black or dark brown orado River below the town of Bronte with little or no trace of a pattern, (Coke County), of Elm, Coyote, and Habitat although both neonates and juveniles Bluff creeks below Winters (Runnels Optimal habitat for the Concho Water are banded; neonates have a yellow or County), and of the Concho River Snake consists of free-flowing streams gold-colored tail tip, juveniles retain it from San Angelo (Tom Green County) but not as distinct. Cottonmouths downstream to its confluence with often vibrate their tails when excited, the Colorado River, and then down- Concho Water Snake 1 over rocky substrates, abundant rock Snakes. Although the type of vegeta- debris and crevices for shelter, and tion does not appear to be important, shallow riffles. Periodic scouring by its use depends on vegetation density floods is important in providing rela- and orientation. For example, preg- tively sediment free rock rubble and nant females seek basking sites pro- open banks. tected by thick vegetation. Larger Riffles, considered critical to trees and shrubs, such as pecan, juvenile survival, are characterized by cedar elm, and willow, with limbs shallow, fast-flowing water connecting that hang over water, provide basking deeper areas of quiet water. Riffles sites for juveniles and adults. Com- begin when the upper pool overflows mon bank and shoreline vegetation at a change in slope and forms used for cover and basking sites rapids. They end when the rapids include switchgrass, devil-weed aster, enter the next downstream pool. Rif- greenbrier, poison ivy, willow, salt fles often contain bars, shoals, or cedar, button bush, hackberry, pecan, islands separated by flowing water. cedar elm, and mesquite. Limestone bedrock shelves in Concho Water Snakes hibernate and along the stream channel seem to during the winter, either singly or in support the largest snake populations. small groups. Adults use a variety of The snakes forage and seek cover sites for hibernation, including cray- among the numerous splits, crevices, fish burrows, rock ledges, debris cracks, and jumbled stream cobble of piles, and concrete low water cross- shelf rock. Other rock, such as lime- ings. These sites are usually within stone boulders, can also provide suit- 20 feet of the water. Newborn snakes able habitat. have been found hibernating in areas Juvenile snakes are generally of loose rock and moist soil. restricted to rocky riffles. Neonates (newborn snakes) are most often Life History found in gravel bars or along the Concho Water Snakes are active pri- shoreline in areas where rocks range marily from March through October. Concho Water Snake river habitat in size from small cobbles to small Adult activity gradually decreases © USFWS Pat Connor boulders. However, some habitats during June and remains low until with thriving populations lack typical mid-September. Activity levels gravel bars. In these areas, juveniles increase again during late September use boulders and shelf rock for cover. and October. The snakes enter the During their second year, snakes hibernation site (hibernacula) during begin to use larger rocks, usually late October, although they can occa- medium to large boulders. sionally be seen on warm winter days Mature snakes use a much wider basking in the open. Newborn Con- range of habitats than juveniles. cho Water Snakes, born in August and Although adults forage in riffles, they September, are commonly found are known to use a variety of cover under rocks in late summer and early sites for resting, including exposed fall. In the heat of the summer, Con- bedrock, thick herbaceous vegetation, cho Water Snakes are active primarily debris piles, and crayfish burrows. Habitat along the shoreline of Spence Reservoir in the early morning and evening © UWFWS Alisa Shull During the latter stages of gestation, until about 9 p.m. gravid females occupy dense patches Research indicates that adult to minnows, large snakes consume of vegetation and brush piles. males move an average of 141 to mosquitofish, channel catfish, flat- In lake habitats, Concho Water 325 ft/day. Pregnant females move head catfish, gizzard shad, and sev- Snakes occupy areas of broken rock less, averaging 62 to 131 ft/day, with eral species of sunfish. The bullhead along the shoreline. Although they distances decreasing as parturition minnow, sheepshead minnow, and seem to prefer the shallower areas, approaches, and increasing again bigscale logperch were found to be they are occasionally found on steeper after the young are born. Linear dis- the dominant prey of snakes in shorelines where rock is present. As tances of river habitat occupied by Ballinger Municipal Lake. in river habitats, first-year snakes use individual snakes range from 689 to Concho Water Snakes catch prey smaller rocks for cover, while mature 1,542 feet. by remaining stationary near fish snakes use medium to large rocks. Long range movements of 3.1 and concentrations or by actively search- When available, dead shrubs and 4.5 miles have been recorded for juve- ing under and around rocks in riffles. trees killed by fluctuating water levels nile snakes dispersing from their birth- Juveniles are most often seen using are used as basking sites by juveniles place. In one instance, a snake moved the “sit-and-wait” strategy. and adults. At Spence Reservoir, 12 river-miles over a four-year period.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Yellow-Bellied Water Snake Plain-Bellied Water
    Nature Flashcards Snakes All photos are subject to the terms of the Creative Commons Public License Based on Nature Quiz Attribution-Non-Commercial 3.0 United States unless copyright otherwise By Phil Huxford noted. TMN-COT Meeting November, 2013 Texas Master Naturalist Cradle of Texas Chapter Cradle of Texas Chapter Yellow-bellied Water Snake Plain-bellied Water Snake Nerodia erythrogaster flavigaster Elliptical eye pupils Bright yellow underneath Found around ponds, lakes, swamps, and wet bottomland forests 2 – 3 feet long Cradle of Texas Chapter Broad-banded Water snake Nerodia fasciata confluens Dark, wide bands separated by yellow Bold, dark checked stripes Strong swimmer Cradle of Texas Chapter 2 – 4 feet long Blotched Water Snake Nerodia erythrogaster transversa Black-edged; dark brown dorsal markings Yellow or sometimes orange belly Lives in small ponds, ditches, and rain-filled pools Typically 2 – 5 feet long Cradle of Texas Chapter Diamond-back Water Snake Northern Diamond-back Water Snake Nerodia rhombifer Heavy-bodied, large girth Can be dark brown Head somewhat flattened and wide Texas’ largest Nerodia Strikes without warning and viciously 4 – 6’ long Cradle of Texas Chapter Photo by J.D. Wilson http://srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/ Western Mud Snake Mud Snake Farancia abacura Lives in our area but rarely seen Glossy black above Red belly with black lines in belly Found in wooded swampland and wet areas Does not bite when handled but pokes tail like stinger 3 – 4 feet long Cradle of Texas Chapter Texas Coral Snake Micrurus fulvius tenere Blunt head; shiny, slender body Round pupils Colors red, yellow, black Lives in partly wooded organic material Cradle of Texas Chapter Usually 2 – 3 feet long Record: 47 ¾ inches in Brazoria County ‘Red touches yellow – kill a fellow.
    [Show full text]
  • COTTONMOUTH Agkistrodon Piscivorus
    COTTONMOUTH Agkistrodon piscivorus Agkistrodon is derived from ankistron and odon which in Greek mean “fishhook” and “tooth or teeth;” referring to the curved fangs of this species. Piscivorus is derived from piscis and voro which in Latin mean “fish” and “to eat”. Another common name for cottonmouth is water moccasin. The Cottonmouth is venomous. While its bite is rarely fatal, tissue damage is likely to occur and can be severe if not treated promptly. IDENTIFICATION Appearance: The cottonmouth is a stout- bodied venomous snake that reaches lengths of 30 to 42 inches as adults. Most adults are uniformly dark brown, olive, or black, tending to lose the cross banded patterning with age. Some individuals may have a dark cheek stripe (upper right image). The cottonmouth has the diagnostic features of the pit-viper family such as a wedge-shaped head, sensory pits between the eyes and nostrils, and vertical “cat-like” pupils. Juveniles are lighter and more boldly patterned with a yellow coloration toward the tip of the tail (lower right image). Dorsal scales are weakly keeled, and the subcaudal scales form only one row. Cottonmouths also have a single anal Mike Redmer plate. Subspecies: There are three subspecies of the cottonmouth. The Western Cottonmouth (A. p. leucostoma) is the only subspecies found in the Midwest. The term leucostoma refers to the white interior of mouth. Confusing Species: The non-venomous watersnakes (Nerodia) are commonly confused with Cottonmouths across their range, simply because they are snakes in water. Thus it is important to note that Cottonmouths are only found in southernmost Midwest.
    [Show full text]
  • Northern Watersnake Selection of Fish Prey in Western Kentucky
    Northern Watersnake Diet . Perkins and Eason Northern Watersnake Selection of Fish Prey in Western Kentucky Micah W. Perkins 1, Department of Biology, University of Louisville, 139 Life Sciences Building, Louisville, KY 40292 Perri K. Eason, Department of Biology, University of Louisville, 139 Life Sciences Building, Louisville, KY 40292 Abstract: Watersnakes serve a variety of important roles in aquatic ecosystems with many species being of conservation interest. The northern water- snake (Nerodia sipedon) has some populations of concern, but is found in a wide variety of aquatic habitats throughout North America. Although pre- vious studies have examined the diet of this typically piscivorous species, research has not addressed whether the northern watersnake is preferentially selecting particular fish as prey. In this study, we sampled snake stomach contents and used Chesson’s alpha selection index α( i) to investigate whether northern watersnakes are eating fish families in proportion to their availability or are preferentially selecting or avoiding specific fish families. At the Sloughs Wildlife Management Area in western Kentucky, the northern watersnake fed on fish from six families in 2013 (n = 15) and 2014 (n = 36). Five of those fish families were eaten in proportion to their availability but avoided pirate perch (Aphredoderus sayanus), the lone member of the family Aphredoderidae. This is the first study testing prey preferences in the northern watersnake. Key words: northern watersnake, Nerodia sipedon, diet selection, fish family, pirate perch Journal of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 5:144–149 Many watersnakes are of conservation concern and can poten- igan shifted from a heavily amphibian-based diet to feeding only on tially be used as indicators to understand harmful human impacts fishes (Meyer 1992, Carbone 1993).
    [Show full text]
  • Amphibians Present in the Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
    Amphibians present in the Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. The species list was generated from data compiled from NPS observations and during a 2001-2002 reptile and amphibian inventory conducted by Noah J. Anderson and Dr. Richard A. Seigel, Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana. Common Name Scientific Name Habitat Association Smallmouth salamander Ambystoma texanum hardwood forests Three-toed amphiuma Amphiuma tridactylum swamp, marsh, restricted to aquatic habitats in hardwood forests Dwarf salamander Eurycea quadridigitata hardwood forests, marsh Eastern newt Notophthalmus viridescens found in and near aquatic habitats Southern dusky salamander Desmognathus auriculatus hardwood forests Lesser siren Siren intermedia swamp, marsh Northern cricket frog Acris crepitans all habitats Gulf coast toad Bufo valliceps all habitats Greenhouse frog Eleutherodactylus planirostris hardwood forests Eastern narrowmouth toad Gastrophryne carolinensis all habitats Bird-voiced treefrog Hyla avivoca hardwood forests, swamp Green treefrog Hyla cinerea all habitats Squirrel treefrog Hyla squirella swamp, hardwood forests Spring peeper Pseudacris crucifer swamp, hardwood forests Chorus frog Pseudacris triseriata hardwood forests, swamp Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana hardwood forests, swamp Bronze frog Rana clamitans all habitats Pig frog Rana grylio marsh Southern leopard frog Rana sphenocephala swamp, marsh Reptiles present in the Barataria Preserve of Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve.
    [Show full text]
  • Snakes of the Everglades Agricultural Area1 Michelle L
    CIR1462 Snakes of the Everglades Agricultural Area1 Michelle L. Casler, Elise V. Pearlstine, Frank J. Mazzotti, and Kenneth L. Krysko2 Background snakes are often escapees or are released deliberately and illegally by owners who can no longer care for them. Snakes are members of the vertebrate order Squamata However, there has been no documentation of these snakes (suborder Serpentes) and are most closely related to lizards breeding in the EAA (Tennant 1997). (suborder Sauria). All snakes are legless and have elongated trunks. They can be found in a variety of habitats and are able to climb trees; swim through streams, lakes, or oceans; Benefits of Snakes and move across sand or through leaf litter in a forest. Snakes are an important part of the environment and play Often secretive, they rely on scent rather than vision for a role in keeping the balance of nature. They aid in the social and predatory behaviors. A snake’s skull is highly control of rodents and invertebrates. Also, some snakes modified and has a great degree of flexibility, called cranial prey on other snakes. The Florida kingsnake (Lampropeltis kinesis, that allows it to swallow prey much larger than its getula floridana), for example, prefers snakes as prey and head. will even eat venomous species. Snakes also provide a food source for other animals such as birds and alligators. Of the 45 snake species (70 subspecies) that occur through- out Florida, 23 may be found in the Everglades Agricultural Snake Conservation Area (EAA). Of the 23, only four are venomous. The venomous species that may occur in the EAA are the coral Loss of habitat is the most significant problem facing many snake (Micrurus fulvius fulvius), Florida cottonmouth wildlife species in Florida, snakes included.
    [Show full text]
  • Check List 17 (1): 27–38
    17 1 ANNOTATED LIST OF SPECIES Check List 17 (1): 27–38 https://doi.org/10.15560/17.1.27 A herpetological survey of Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary Dillon Jones1, Bethany Foshee2, Lee Fitzgerald1 1 Biodiversity Research and Teaching Collections, Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA. 2 Houston Audubon, 440 Wilchester Blvd. Houston, TX 77079 USA. Corresponding author: Dillon Jones, [email protected] Abstract Urban herpetology deals with the interaction of amphibians and reptiles with each other and their environment in an ur- ban setting. As such, well-preserved natural areas within urban environments can be important tools for conservation. Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary is an 18-acre wooded sanctuary located west of downtown Houston, Texas and is the headquarters to Houston Audubon Society. This study compared iNaturalist data with results from visual encounter surveys and aquatic funnel traps. Results from these two sources showed 24 species belonging to 12 families and 17 genera of herpetofauna inhabit the property. However, several species common in surrounding areas were absent. Combination of data from community science and traditional survey methods allowed us to better highlight herpe- tofauna present in the park besides also identifying species that may be of management concern for Edith L. Moore. Keywords Community science, iNaturalist, urban herpetology Academic editor: Luisa Diele-Viegas | Received 27 August 2020 | Accepted 16 November 2020 | Published 6 January 2021 Citation: Jones D, Foshee B, Fitzgerald L (2021) A herpetology survey of Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary. Check List 17 (1): 27–28. https://doi.
    [Show full text]
  • The Southern Watersnake (Nerodia Fasciata) in Folsom, California: History, Population Attributes, and Relation to Other Introduced Watersnakes in North America
    THE SOUTHERN WATERSNAKE (NERODIA FASCIATA) IN FOLSOM, CALIFORNIA: HISTORY, POPULATION ATTRIBUTES, AND RELATION TO OTHER INTRODUCED WATERSNAKES IN NORTH AMERICA FINAL REPORT TO: U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office 2800 Cottage Way, Room W-2605 Sacramento, California 95825-1846 UNDER COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT #11420-1933-CM02 BY: ECORP Consulting, Incorporated 2260 Douglas Blvd., Suite 160 Roseville, California 95661 Eric W. Stitt, M. S., University of Arizona, School of Natural Resources, Tucson Peter S. Balfour, M. S., ECORP Consulting Inc., Roseville, California Tara Luckau, University of Arizona, Dept. of Ecology and Evolution, Tucson Taylor E. Edwards, M. S., University of Arizona, Genomic Analysis and Technology Core The Southern Watersnake (Nerodia fasciata) in Folsom, California: History, Population Attributes, and Relation to Other Introduced Watersnakes in North America CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................1 The Southern Watersnake (Nerodia fasciata)................................................................3 Study Area ....................................................................................................................6 METHODS ..........................................................................................................................9 Surveys and Hand Capture.............................................................................................9 Trapping.......................................................................................................................11
    [Show full text]
  • Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter #8 (1995)
    Missouri Herpetological Association NNeewwsslleetttteerr Number 8 1995 Copyright © 1995 Missouri Herpetological Association MISSOURI HERPETOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER NO. 8 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ..........…………............................................................................................................................. 2 ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE NINTH ANNUAL MHA MEETING ....…………................................................ 2 ABSTRACTS OF PAPER PRESENTED AT THE EIGHTH ANNUAL MHA MEETING ...........…………... 3 Life history, evolution, and adaptive radiation of hemidactyliine salamanders (Caudata: Plethodontidae: Hemidactyliini). T.J. Ryan. Pheromone communication in the Northern Water Snake, Nerodia sipedon. R.D. Aldridge and A.A. Reeves. Seasonal patterns of feedings and coelomic fat mass in the Diamondback Water Snake (Nerodia rhombifer) in Veracruz, México. R.D. Aldridge and K. Williams. A herpetofaunal survey of Ted Shanks Conservation Area. J. Graves and J.M. Jones. Herps are where the habitat is: Ted Shanks Conservation Area. J.M. Jones. Amphibian and reptile surveys of Fort Leonard Wood, Pulaski County, Missouri. S. Sanborn and J. Sternberg. Ecological interactions of vegetation and plethodontid salamanders for Missouri Ozark forests. L.A. Herbeck and D.R. Larsen. Herpetofaunal communities on the Missouri Ozark Forest Ecosystem Project (MOFEP): consistency among communities in pretreatment years? R. B. Renken. Herpetofaunal sampling using the LCTA Method at Lake Wappapello, Butler County, Missouri. R.L. Essner, Jr., A.J. Henderschott, and J.S. Scheibe. Habitat analysis of the Ozark Hellbender, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis bishopi, in Missouri. T.M. Fobes and R.F. Wilkinson, Jr. The occurrence, habitat use, and breeding status of an aquatic salamander, Amphiuma tridactylum, in southeastern Missouri. C.A. Cunningham and S. Trautwein. Effects of female mate choice on offspring fitness in the Gray Treefrog (Hyla versicolor). A.M. Welch and R.D. Semlitsch.
    [Show full text]
  • Significant New Records of Amphibians and Reptiles from Georgia, USA
    GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION 597 Herpetological Review, 2015, 46(4), 597–601. © 2015 by Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles Significant New Records of Amphibians and Reptiles from Georgia, USA Distributional maps found in Amphibians and Reptiles of records for a variety of amphibian and reptile species in Georgia. Georgia (Jensen et al. 2008), along with subsequent geographical All records below were verified by David Bechler (VSU), Nikole distribution notes published in Herpetological Review, serve Castleberry (GMNH), David Laurencio (AUM), Lance McBrayer as essential references for county-level occurrence data for (GSU), and David Steen (SRSU), and datum used was WGS84. herpetofauna in Georgia. Collectively, these resources aid Standard English names follow Crother (2012). biologists by helping to identify distributional gaps for which to target survey efforts. Herein we report newly documented county CAUDATA — SALAMANDERS DIRK J. STEVENSON AMBYSTOMA OPACUM (Marbled Salamander). CALHOUN CO.: CHRISTOPHER L. JENKINS 7.8 km W Leary (31.488749°N, 84.595917°W). 18 October 2014. D. KEVIN M. STOHLGREN Stevenson. GMNH 50875. LOWNDES CO.: Langdale Park, Valdosta The Orianne Society, 100 Phoenix Road, Athens, (30.878524°N, 83.317114°W). 3 April 1998. J. Evans. VSU C0015. Georgia 30605, USA First Georgia record for the Suwannee River drainage. MURRAY JOHN B. JENSEN* CO.: Conasauga Natural Area (34.845116°N, 84.848180°W). 12 Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 116 Rum November 2013. N. Klaus and C. Muise. GMNH 50548. Creek Drive, Forsyth, Georgia 31029, USA DAVID L. BECHLER Department of Biology, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, AMBYSTOMA TALPOIDEUM (Mole Salamander). BERRIEN CO.: Georgia 31602, USA St.
    [Show full text]
  • The Venomous Snakes of Texas Health Service Region 6/5S
    The Venomous Snakes of Texas Health Service Region 6/5S: A Reference to Snake Identification, Field Safety, Basic Safe Capture and Handling Methods and First Aid Measures for Reptile Envenomation Edward J. Wozniak DVM, PhD, William M. Niederhofer ACO & John Wisser MS. Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Institute for Biosciences and Technology, Program for Animal Resources, 2121 W Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 (Wozniak) City Of Pearland Animal Control, 2002 Old Alvin Rd. Pearland, Texas 77581 (Niederhofer) 464 County Road 949 E Alvin, Texas 77511 (Wisser) Corresponding Author: Edward J. Wozniak DVM, PhD, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Institute for Biosciences and Technology, Program for Animal Resources, 2121 W Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030 [email protected] ABSTRACT: Each year numerous emergency response personnel including animal control officers, police officers, wildlife rehabilitators, public health officers and others either respond to calls involving venomous snakes or are forced to venture into the haunts of these animals in the scope of their regular duties. North America is home to two distinct families of native venomous snakes: Viperidae (rattlesnakes, copperheads and cottonmouths) and Elapidae (coral snakes) and southeastern Texas has indigenous species representing both groups. While some of these snakes are easily identified, some are not and many rank amongst the most feared and misunderstood animals on earth. This article specifically addresses all of the native species of venomous snakes that inhabit Health Service Region 6/5s and is intended to serve as a reference to snake identification, field safety, basic safe capture and handling methods and the currently recommended first aide measures for reptile envenomation.
    [Show full text]
  • Section IV – Guideline for the Texas Priority Species List
    Section IV – Guideline for the Texas Priority Species List Associated Tables The Texas Priority Species List……………..733 Introduction For many years the management and conservation of wildlife species has focused on the individual animal or population of interest. Many times, directing research and conservation plans toward individual species also benefits incidental species; sometimes entire ecosystems. Unfortunately, there are times when highly focused research and conservation of particular species can also harm peripheral species and their habitats. Management that is focused on entire habitats or communities would decrease the possibility of harming those incidental species or their habitats. A holistic management approach would potentially allow species within a community to take care of themselves (Savory 1988); however, the study of particular species of concern is still necessary due to the smaller scale at which individuals are studied. Until we understand all of the parts that make up the whole can we then focus more on the habitat management approach to conservation. Species Conservation In terms of species diversity, Texas is considered the second most diverse state in the Union. Texas has the highest number of bird and reptile taxon and is second in number of plants and mammals in the United States (NatureServe 2002). There have been over 600 species of bird that have been identified within the borders of Texas and 184 known species of mammal, including marine species that inhabit Texas’ coastal waters (Schmidly 2004). It is estimated that approximately 29,000 species of insect in Texas take up residence in every conceivable habitat, including rocky outcroppings, pitcher plant bogs, and on individual species of plants (Riley in publication).
    [Show full text]
  • Checklist of Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals of New York
    CHECKLIST OF AMPHIBIANS, REPTILES, BIRDS AND MAMMALS OF NEW YORK STATE Including Their Legal Status Eastern Milk Snake Moose Blue-spotted Salamander Common Loon New York State Artwork by Jean Gawalt Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Fish and Wildlife Page 1 of 30 February 2019 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Diversity Group 625 Broadway Albany, New York 12233-4754 This web version is based upon an original hard copy version of Checklist of the Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals of New York, Including Their Protective Status which was first published in 1985 and revised and reprinted in 1987. This version has had substantial revision in content and form. First printing - 1985 Second printing (rev.) - 1987 Third revision - 2001 Fourth revision - 2003 Fifth revision - 2005 Sixth revision - December 2005 Seventh revision - November 2006 Eighth revision - September 2007 Ninth revision - April 2010 Tenth revision – February 2019 Page 2 of 30 Introduction The following list of amphibians (34 species), reptiles (38), birds (474) and mammals (93) indicates those vertebrate species believed to be part of the fauna of New York and the present legal status of these species in New York State. Common and scientific nomenclature is as according to: Crother (2008) for amphibians and reptiles; the American Ornithologists' Union (1983 and 2009) for birds; and Wilson and Reeder (2005) for mammals. Expected occurrence in New York State is based on: Conant and Collins (1991) for amphibians and reptiles; Levine (1998) and the New York State Ornithological Association (2009) for birds; and New York State Museum records for terrestrial mammals.
    [Show full text]