Adaptation dynamics of Elaphe quatuorlineata (Lacépède 1789) in Castelporziano Presidential Estate, Italy (Serpentes: Colubridae)

Abstract

This study aims to inform on the adaptation dynamics of the only ophidic species still plentiful in the Castelporziano Presidential Estate, namely the four-lined snake or Elaphe quatuorlineata (Lacepede 1789), in the light of research conducted from 1972 onwards. Over the years, this snake has shown that it can adapt well to changing climate and biotic factors but it has been seriously disturbed by human action on the environment, which has fragmented its diffusion. One of the most interesting adaptations observed is that the summer trophic phase (i.e., directly affecting micromammals) now lasts until early autumn and consequently the active cycle no longer ends in late September but in early November. Given the progressive impoverishment of avifauna on the Estate, this protracted theriophagy may be related to a lower consumption of birds in spring.