The Spatial-Temporal Activities, Habitat Selection, and Diet of the Western Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus tergeminus)

 

To effectively manage or recover a wildlife species, it is imperative that you know its fundamental ecology through long-term monitoring of individuals within their habitats. The Western Massasauga Rattlesnake is native Texas grassland species. Collecting ecological and behavioral data on grassland species is of particular importance due to the global and local loss, fragmentation, and lack of protection of these ecosystems. Thus, the Western Massasauga can serve as a flagship species for Texas grasslands. Additionally, being a rattlesnake, the Western Massasauga serves important predator and prey roles in an ecosystem. While data on the Western Massasauga's ecology exist, it is minimal when compared to its sister species, the federally protected Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, and for populations in Texas. Therefore, this project aims to provide critical ecological information for this native Texas species as well as to develop methodologies for end-users in the management of this species.  This project will be conducted on populations of these snakes at the Matador Wildlife Management Areas in collaboration with the managers of the sites. This research will fill knowledge gaps for the Western Massasauga, provide agencies with clear information and recommendations for managing this species across its distribution in Texas and will lay a solid foundation for future research and management of this species and the grassland habitat it occupies in Texas.