Venomous reptiles in response to landscaping
Lee, Jacob
Department of Biology
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona USA
Poulos, Cory
Department of Forestry
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona USA
Nowak, Erika M.
School of Earth and Sustainability
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona USA
Venomous reptiles are a prominent source of human-wildlife conflict for Arizona residents. Arizona has the greatest diversity of rattlesnakes (Crotalus) in the US. One of the leading threats to these venomous reptile species is habitat loss due to development. Artificial supplementation such as irrigated landscapes may also attract venomous reptiles, increasing negative encounters. Threats to venomous reptile species have profound ecological consequences because of their important trophic functions. For my research, I conducted mark-and-recapture surveys of venomous reptiles at Boyce Thompson Arboretum to investigate different factors in determining venomous reptile abundance and habitat use in response to landscaping. With a high frequency of venomous reptile encounters and two visitors being bitten in recent years, the Arboretum is very interested in ensuring the safety of visitors and staff. I used a GIS-based multivariate analysis to compare capture locations to various natural and man-made habitat features, and will estimate relative abundances reptiles. My research will be the first to examine the effects of irrigation type in predicting venomous reptile occurrence in human-developed habitats. Understanding how venomous reptiles use their habitats will help mitigate the risk they pose to humans.