Intense sociability in a “non-social” snake (Python regius)

Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 78(11)

Published: Nov. 1, 2024

Language: Английский

Social networks reveal sex- and age-patterned social structure in Butler’s gartersnakes (Thamnophis butleri)

Behavioral Ecology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Nov. 14, 2023

Sex- and age-based social structures have been well documented in animals with visible aggregations. However, very little is known about the of snakes. This most likely because snakes are often considered non-social particularly difficult to observe wild. Here, we show that wild Butler's Gartersnakes an age sex assorted structure similar more commonly studied animals. To demonstrate this, use data from a 12-year capture-mark-recapture study identify interactions using network analyses. We find comprise sex- age-assorted intra-species communities older females central segregation partially due patterns site use. In addition, tended increase sociability as they aged while opposite occurred males. also present evidence interaction may provide fitness benefits, where were part improved body condition. conventional capture can reveal valuable information on cryptic species. research has consistently demonstrated understanding important for conservation efforts. Additionally, without obvious groups provides insight into evolution group living.

Language: Английский

Rain-harvesting behavior in free-ranging prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis)

Current Zoology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 71(1), P. 1 - 13

Published: Nov. 11, 2024

Organisms inhabiting arid environments face challenges to obtain dietary water. To prevent desiccation, some organisms possess unique adaptations harvest water from infrequent and unpredictable rainfall, including several squamates (snakes lizards). While most consume precipitation as it pools in the environment, a small number engage behaviors enhance collection by capturing their own skin, referred rain-harvesting behavior (RHB). Details of this remain unclear, particularly sequence associated with RHB. We developed method simulate rainfall observe RHB prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) situ recorded 72 events 94 snakes, robust sampling date. Using video analysis, we describe postures kinematics develop first illustrated ethogram for any vertebrate. Our results demonstrate that contains fixed variable patterns useful cross-species comparisons exploring proximate causes behavior. In addition, novel features suspended head drinking, body levering, drinking neighboring snakes. reveal be an intricate suite movements actions, which allude acute sensory abilities these animals warrant further study. Furthermore, observations at dens rookeries suggest potential, benefit snake aggregation is formation large, communal surfaces rain harvesting. extremely elongated plan snakes may well-suited rapidly deployed, modular system effective capitalizing on fleeting rainstorms characteristic ecosystems world.

Language: Английский