Landscapes, habitat, and migratory behaviour: what drives the summer movements of a Northern viper?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Studies on movement behaviour and habitat use are central to understanding the ecology of migratory animals and play an important role in the conservation and management of these species. However, individuals' spatial ecology can vary substantially, and failing to understand differences within or between populations may be problematic. In British Columbia, Canada, where Western Rattlesnakes reach their northern range limit, individuals undertake seasonal migrations between communal hibernacula and summer hunting grounds. Western Rattlesnakes commonly are associated with low-elevation grasslands and open Ponderosa pine habitats; however, recent work has shown that some animals undertake longer-distance migrations into higher-elevation Douglas-fir forests.

Methods

T

SUBMITTER: Howarth CR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12306057 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature