Ribbonsnake Research in the Southwest Nova Scotia Biosphere Reserve
The Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute (MTRI) is a non-profit co-operative with a mandate to advance collaborative research, monitoring, and management that promotes sustainable use of natural resources in southwestern Nova Scotia.
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Eastern ribbonsnake distribution
The Eastern Ribbonsnake (Thamnophis sauritus) is considered threatened in Canada. Its range in Nova Scotia appears to be limited to southwest Nova Scotia, with the majority of sightings occurring in the Mersey and Medway watersheds. Little is known about this small, cryptic snake. Researchers are studying this snake to determine its range in Nova Scotia, learn about its population structure, size and trends, and identify threats.
Project objectives
To gain a better understanding of the range and population structure of the Eastern Ribbonsnake by searching priority areas within and at the periphery of its known range.
Methods
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Ribbonsnakes were searched for using visual searches with two or more people. Areas were covered until it was felt that the area had been searched thoroughly.
- When captured, snakes were measured. Location, habitat and climatic variables were also collected.
- Cover boards made of metal were also placed in areas where searches took place and checked each time that the sites was visited for the presence of ribbonsnakes. The air temperature and the temperature under and above the board were recorded
Results
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Ribbonsnakes were found for the first time at 3 sites (Eel Lake, Second Christopher Lake, and Cow Moose Brook). All of these areas were between sites where snakes were previously captured.
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Snakes were also found at new sites along the Mersey River above Lake Rossignol. These captures are beginning to show that the population is more contiguous than previously indicated.
Years of Data
2009
Partners
Acadia University
Eastern Ribbonsnake and Bandings Turtle Recovery Team
Parks Canada
Nova Scotia Power
Contact
Brad Toms. Wildlife Biologist
Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute
9 Mount Merritt Road. Kempt NS, B0T1B0.