to determine, however there are
multiple studies that attempt to
assess this impact, often by radio
-tracking translocated individuals.
In the USA, relocated Timber
Rattlesnakes (Crolatus horridus)
were shown to have a mortality
rate of 55% and more erratic
daily movements, averaging
123.8 metres per day, compared
to 11% and 36.9 metres in
resident snakes. Following trans-
location, Heiken et al. (2016) also
found elevated corticosterone
and testosterone levels in Pacific
Rattlesnakes (C. oreganus),
suggesting the procedure can be
rather stressful. Relocated
Western Diamond-backed Rattle-
snakes (C. atrox) showed three
times higher mortality rates then
resident rattlesnakes, and resi-
dent Eastern Hognose Snakes
(Heterodon platirhinos) also
survived three times longer than
transplants.
1.
Such findings aren’t restricted to
reptiles in the United States. In
India, King Cobra (Ophiophagus
hannah) studies show significant
increases in home range size and
average daily movement follow-
ing relocation. The White-lipped
Pit Viper (Trimeresurus
albolabris) is commonly found in
homes and urban areas in south
China, where they’re relocated to
national parks, with some surpris-
ing negative consequences. After
a three-kilometre translocation,
individuals exhibited increased
A Carpet Python (Morelia spilota) consuming an urban prey item - in this
movement, exposing them to
additional risks. Furthermore,
case a wandering neighbourhood cat.
translocation resulted in a failed,
Snakes have a habit of exploring caves and crevices; these Carpet
delayed or extended onset of
winter hibernation. Translocated
Pythons were found in a roof space.
female snakes did not reproduce
‘Just dropped in for a bite!’ This Eastern Brown Snake was found in an
the following season and suffer ed
80% mortalities, while all males
office lunchroom, on the kitchen bench between the toaster and the kettle.
died before the first summer.
(Pseudonaja affinis) - a member
A range of unrelated taxa appear
Here in Australia, several species of the brown snake genus
to show similar responses.
also show negative responses
common around the city of Perth
Translocated Brushtail Possums
(Trichosurus vulpecula) in
following translocation. Tiger
- found that four specimens all
Snakes (Notechis scutatus) in
perished following relocations
Melbourne, Australia, and White-
tailed Deer (Odocoileus
Victoria were shown to have
over three kilometres, while
virginianus) in Illinois, USA, both
home ranges six times the size of snakes moved less than 200
residents, and also to move
metres also experienced 50%
also show high mortality rates.
further on a daily basis (140
mortality. Translocated Dugites
Additionally, translocation has
metres versus 64 metres). A re-
also had greater ranges and
frequently failed to limit human-
cent project by reptile ecologist
travel distances prior to death.
wildlife conflicts in species such
Ashleigh Wolfe on Dugites
as Saltwater Crocodiles
2.
1.
2.
3.