Through the Save The Snakes Pacific States Grant Program, Save The Snakes supports Christian Oldham in 2023 to increase awareness about snakes in Washington. His project aims to preserve the common sharp-tailed snake population and its habitat and to promote conservation awareness among students.
Project Title:
Status of Sharp-Tailed Snakes on Orcas Island, Washington
Project Summary:
Common Sharp-tailed Snakes are considered to be a species of concern in the state of Washington, due to the small number of known populations in the state, as well as a lack of information available. Washington lists the species as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need under the State Wildlife Action Plan, as well as a Priority Species under the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Priority Habitat and Species Program. Sharp-tailed Snakes, in particular, are rare in Western Washington, with just five known sites of occupancy. Four of these sites are located in the San Juan Islands; three on San Juan Island and one on Orcas Island. The first confirmed observation of Sharp-tailed Snakes on Orcas Island was reported in 2007; two subsequent observations have been documented in 2013 and 2017. Seven Sharp-tailed Snakes were documented across three locations on San Juan Island between 2014 and 2016 (Rensel et al. 2019). Sharp-tailed Snakes are small, semi-fossorial snakes, which makes data collection difficult.
Aims and Objectives:
We expect to establish current site occupancy of Common Sharp-tailed Snakes (Contia tenuis) near previously reported capture locations. We also expect to evaluate observational reports from residents on Orcas Island more broadly in order to ascertain the distribution of Sharp-tailed Snakes on the island. Phylogenetics will be assessed in comparison to previous studies on the west coast of the United States, as well as to the population under study on San Juan Island. Seasonal movements and habitat use will also be assessed with respect to populations on San Juan Island and Vancouver Island, B.C. We expect to be able to determine recapture rates using photography, as has previously been studied elsewhere. Manuscripts produced from findings will be prepared and submitted to regional and/or national wildlife and/or herpetological journals.
Goal:
Employing systematic survey protocols in order to investigate the ecology of a just such a cryptic species is necessary in order to assess populations in a local and regional context. From February through July of 2024, we will conduct artificial cover object surveys at existing arrays on Orcas Island. These surveys will include taking detailed high-resolution photographs of individual snakes encountered, in order to facilitate assessment of recaptures. We will seek a new Scientific Collection Permit from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in order to measure, weigh, and sex individuals, as well as collect buccal swabs and fecal samples for phylogenetic and diet analysis. Public engagement efforts will be conducted using social media and local press outlets in order to collect and evaluate reports of Sharp-tailed Snake occupancy from other sites. Microhabitat and environmental variables associated with all observations will be recorded. We also expect to evaluate observational reports from residents on Orcas Island more broadly in order to ascertain the distribution of Sharp-tailed Snakes on the island.
Support Snake Conservation
Christian Oldham’s project is a recipient of the 2023 Save The Snakes Pacific States Grant Program. These grants are made possible because of the generosity of compassionate people and organizations who are inspired and dedicated to protect threatened snake populations and mitigate human-snake conflict around the world. Please donate today to help us continue to fund projects like their snake conservation project in the United States. Thank you for your support.
