Abstract
Eastern brownsnakes (Pseudonaja textilis) from south-eastern Australia are alert, well camouflaged, secretive, fast moving, and dangerously venomous, and they spend much of the time hidden in burrows. Thus, direct observation of this species is difficult. However, distinctive patterns in environmental thermal heterogeneity, coupled with knowledge of the thermal preferenda of the snakes, enabled us to infer their location and activity based on remotely monitored body temperatures (obtained from surgically implanted radio transmitters). We used data on 40 radio-tracked snakes to evaluate patterns of thermoregulation, activity, and habitat use. Captive snakes actively selected body temperatures around 31 C, and free-ranging snakes displayed similar body temperature levels while active. From data on temperatures of the soil, operative models, and shaded air, we could identify activity schedules of the snakes (especially, times of emergence from and retreat into burrows). Snake activity was bimodal over the ye...
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