Habitat use of the Aesculapian snake at different spatial scales

Abstract

ABSTRACTAt their range limits, animal populations are often small and endangered. Moreover, they may use habitats in different ways than core populations, making the determination of habitat requirements an important aspect for effective long‐term conservation of these populations. We assessed habitat requirements of the Aesculapian snake (Zamenis longissimus) in an isolated population at the northern limits of its range, southeastern Poland. We analyzed factors affecting the species’ distribution at different spatial scales. We used the area of its current distribution (22,754 ha) in Poland to analyze macrohabitat patterns at the landscape scale and used the area currently occupied by the largest local population (2,192 ha) to analyze macro‐ and microhabitat use. Additionally, at 25 sites delimited around individual and clusters of snake records (140.7 ha), we characterized the detailed forest composition. Landscape‐scale analyses confirmed the Aesculapian snake's preference for deciduous forest. At the medium spatial scale, anthropogenic macro‐ and microhabitat features had a positive effect on the presence and abundance of the species. Its distribution was positively associated with warm river valleys, and we recorded the highest numbers of snakes in areas with average annual temperatures between 5.95°C and 6.30°C. At a fine scale, the relative abundance of the Aesculapian snake was negatively associated with dense deciduous forest cover but positively associated with open broad‐leaf woodlands. To conserve northern populations of the Aesculapian snake, clearings should be maintained in forest stands, tree planting and natural succession should be reduced in open areas, and alder forests (Alnetum incanae) and small beech forest (Dentario glandulosae‐Fagetum) stands should be protected. Active conservation should include the creation of artificial reproduction sites and permanent rocky shelters to assist dispersal and connectivity among subpopulations. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.