Document Type

Poster

Session Format

Graduate Research Poster (no oral presentation)

Location

Magnolia Ballroom

Publication Date

2024

Faculty Advisor

Dominic DeSantis

Start Date

27-3-2024 10:00 AM

End Date

27-3-2024 10:50 AM

Abstract

Historically, predators have been classified into two categories based upon how they search for and acquire prey. Active foragers move through the environment in search of prey, while ambush foragers “sit-and-wait” in selected positions for prey to pass. This difference in energetic demands is expected to correlate with disparities in the time species allocate to various behaviors. According to this energetics hypothesis, ambush foragers should exhibit reduced movement and space use relative to co-occurring active foragers. Snakes represent traditionally overlooked model organisms for exploring these associations, particularly the interplay between movement, foraging mode, and thermal preferences. Radio telemetry is the primary tool for measuring snake movement, however, coarse measures of activity hinder examination of movement patterns at finer temporal scales. This study capitalizes on recently validated procedures integrating radio telemetry and accelerometry for continuous monitoring of the spatial and temporal dimensions of movement behavior in snakes. We will carry out an improved test of the energetics hypothesis by exploring these associations in ambush-foraging Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) and active-foraging Rat Snakes (Pantherophis alleghaniensis). This project will provide a blue-print for future hypothesis-driven studies on movement behavior in small and secretive species using emerging animal-borne datalogging technologies.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.