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Habitat utilization by Eastern yellowbelly racers (Coluber constrictor flaviventris) in southwest Dallas County Texas.

Article Excerpt
Abstract.--A population of Coluber constrictor flaviventris was surveyed in both relic and disturbed Blackland Prairie habitats during the spring, summer and fall of 1999 and 2000 at Cedar Hill State Park in Dallas County, Texas. Drift fences with funnel traps and coverboards were used to live-trap snakes. During the two years, 69 specimens were recorded. The study demonstrated that the disturbed Blackland Prairie had significantly more specimens then the relic Blackland Prairie.

There are several publications discussing reptiles and amphibians utilizing and adapting to disturbed habitats (Dyrkacz 1977; Enge 1998; Fitch 1999; Kaufmann 1992.). Bury (1983) reported that the amphibian populations in an old growth forest (both species richness and abundance) were drastically altered after logging had occurred. However, comparisons of reptiles or amphibians utilizing both relic and disturbed habitats of the same habitat type are uncommon.

Coluber constrictor is found in a variety of habitats throughout the United States including grasslands, prairies and forested areas (Conant & Collins 1998). In Cedar Hill State Park, where C. constictor flaviventris occurs, they are abundant in these habitats but were noted to exhibit a strong tendency towards grasslands. Coluber constrictor are strictly diurnal with a relatively high body temperature preference (Fitch 1999). Their diet consists of a large variety of food items including insects, reptiles,...