We examined spatial ecology and habitat use of Coluber flagellum (Coachwhip) in a 12,000-ha Pinus palustris (Longleaf Pine) reserve in southwestern Georgia from 2007 through 2008. We radio-tracked 7 Coachwhips (5 males and 2 females) for 291 to 325 days. The average 100% minimum convex polygon (MCP) home-range for all snakes was 102.9 ± 28 ha. Daily movement during the active season (April–November) varied from 28.6 to 73.6 m for males (n = 5) and from 27.5 to 95.6 m for females (n = 2). Snakes were usually associated with open-canopied pine forests and found less often in aquatic and agricultural habitats. Our results are consistent with evidence from previous studies in that Coachwhips used sites with open-forest structure and large expanses of habitat.
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1 June 2015
Spatial Ecology and Habitat Use of the Coachwhip in a Longleaf Pine Forest
Jennifer M. Howze,
Lora L. Smith
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Southeastern Naturalist
Vol. 14 • No. 2
June 2015
Vol. 14 • No. 2
June 2015