![]() Using this data, I analyzed movement rates, assessed the degree of road avoidance, determined home range sizes, and compared these metrics to a natural site. Specifically, I address the questions 1) Do milksnakes modify behaviours (home range size, movement rates) in response to human modified landscapes? 2) Which habitats are milksnakes selecting for at the home range scale, and within the home range, which microhabitat features are selected for? And 3) How does landscape scale habitat fragmentation impact milksnake distribution? I used radio telemetry to track 17 individuals between 20 in Rouge National Urban Park, and used a large scale coverboard survey to generate occurrence records across the Credit Valley and Toronto Region Conservation Authority Management Areas. Here, I aim to quantify milksnake habitat selection and potential behavioural adaptation in response to human development at multiple spatial scales. However, a lack of contemporary occurrence data makes it difficult to assess the impact of perceived threats on the species, or devise effective conservation strategies. The eastern milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum) represents the rare case of a species at risk that has persisted both in disturbed and undisturbed landscapes throughout its historic Canadian range. This is particularly concerning for reptiles, as they are often unable to adapt to modified landscapes. Otherwise, if you are looking for a strikingly-patterned snake that does not need regular handling, then the Milk Snake may be right for you.The decline of species with specific habitat needs can be attributed to human caused habitat destruction and fragmentation. For this reason, small children and pregnant women should not handle these pets or their associated items/substances. ![]() They can be very rewarding and interesting pets to keep, though, especially if you have allergies to dogs or cats! However, keep in mind that any reptile is capable of carrying diseases such as Salmonella, so always washing your hands after touching your pet or any of its habitat items/substances is a must. It also may become a little more irritable when it is about to shed or is shedding its skin. The Milk Snake is not exactly cuddly, though it may endure some human handling. Milk Snakes should be kept separately and should not be housed with other snake species either. Snakes shed their skin on a regular basis, so keep humidity levels well-regulated and provide things that aid in the process of shedding such as sphagnum moss in a shedding box. Snakes need a photoperiod light cycle, meaning they require 8-12 hours of light a day and black or infrared lighting may be used at nighttime. Humidity may need to increase to aid the shedding process. Temperatures in your Milk Snake’s habitat should range around 95☏ on the warmer end and 78-80☏ on the cooler end with regulated 40-60% humidity. Avoid gravel and artificial turf as they may damage the snake’s skin. Possible substrates you can use are aspen shavings, mulch-like materials, coconut fiber, reptile bark, and sphagnum moss. ![]() The habitat for a Milk Snake should be large enough for exercise and daily activities. Also, it's important to be careful with feeding habits during shedding, as it may cause unnecessary stress on your Milk Snake. Remember to feed the Milk Snake in a separate container so that it may not associate your hand or an open enclosure with food. Young snakes will eat 1-2 times a week while adults will eat every 1-2 weeks. If feeding live rodents, though, it is best not to leave the two parties unattended for the rodent may fight back and injure the snake. These snakes like to eat frozen, thawed, warmed, or even live rodents. Please call ahead to confirm the store location you'd like to visit has Milk Snakes for sale available. These snakes can live up to 15 years or more if cared for properly and can grow up to 2-6’ in length. A happy, healthy Milk Snake has clear eyes (besides while shedding,) is active and generally alert, has healthy-looking skin, sheds its skin regularly, will shed skin in one whole piece, and is a regular eater. During this time, the snake may be irritable, so avoid handling it while the shedding process is taking place. As a snake gets ready to shed, though, its eyes will become milky and blue or gray while the coloration of the body will become a whitish color. The Milk Snake originates from the subtropics and temperate zones of Central and North Americas. Reptile & Amphibian Light Bulbs & Fixtures.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |