Growth Rates and Post-Release Survival of Captive Neonate Timber Rattlesnakes, Crotalus horridus

Published source details Conner R.N., Rudolph D.C., Saenz D., Schaefer R.R. & Burgdorf S.J. (2003) Growth Rates and Post-Release Survival of Captive Neonate Timber Rattlesnakes, Crotalus horridus. Herpetological Review, 34, 314-317.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Head-start wild-caught reptiles for release: Snakes & lizards Action Link

Head-start wild-caught reptiles for release: Snakes & lizards

A replicated study in 1993–1999 in a hardwood forest in eastern Texas, USA (Conner et al. 2003) found that some released head-started timber rattlesnakes Crotalus horridus survived for at least 2–6 years following release. Eight of nine released snakes survived for one year following release and at least two survived for six years. The status of a further three snakes was unknown after two years. Three of nine head-started rattlesnakes were observed mating or participating in pre-mating behaviour five years after release. Nine young snakes (8 from a single adult female tracked near the eventual release site) were captured and housed in individual cages for six months (1 snake), 12 months (4 snakes) or 18 months (4 snakes). Snakes were released in March 1994 (1 snake), August 1995 (4 snakes) or February 1996 (4 snakes). All snakes were surgically implanted with transmitters and located weekly in March–November for 4–6 years.

(Summarised by: Maggie Watson, William Morgan)