Status and public perceptions of the Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor, Michigan

Martinez, Amanda

amart230@illinois.edu

Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior                                                                                     

Department of Integrative Biology                                                                                                                 

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences                                                                                                      

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign                                                                                                 

Champaign, Illinois USA

Collaborative Conservation Genomics Laboratory                                                                                         

Illinois Natural History Survey                                                                                                                  

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign                                                                                                    

Champaign, Illinois USA

The Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus, EM) was historically widespread throughout the lower Great Lakes basin but now persists in scattered and isolated populations, prompting its designation as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in 2016. These declines are primarily driven by habitat loss, fragmentation, wetland drainage, and direct human persecution. Michigan remains a critical refuge for the species, with the Matthaei Botanical Gardens (MBG) in Ann Arbor supporting one of the few known viable populations. This study aimed to assess the status of the EM MBG population and examine local public perceptions of the species. Visual encounter surveys (VES) conducted across five designated search areas at MBG confirmed EM presence in three, including evidence of reproduction in Area 2. To expand understanding of the species’ distribution and local attitudes, a 12-question survey accompanied by educational materials was mailed to 306 residents near MBG. Survey results indicated generally favorable or neutral attitudes toward the EM, though awareness of its federal protection status remained limited. Notably, sightings reported by residents suggest the population may extend beyond the  boundaries of MG and into surrounding neighborhoods. Together, these findings emphasize the need for integrated conservation strategies that combine ecological monitoring with targeted community outreach across fragmented, human-dominated landscapes.