Population status and threats of Nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes) in Serbia

[T. R. Čubrić]

[13], 100 listova

Biografija autora: list 99-100. Bibliografija: list. 84-98.

Conservation Biology

In this doctoral dissertation, historical and contemporary aspects of the demographic and population characteristics of three selected populations of nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes), as well as broader environmental conditions in terms of species ecology and anthropogenic pressure, were analyzed. Comparisons of selected population structure parameters among populations originating from protected areas (LC population), unprotected areas (IR population), and areas where commercial harvesting of individuals had occurred (SV population) revealed an optimal sex ratio in the LC and IR populations, in contrast to a male-biased sex ratio in the SV population. The age structure was found to be most stable in the LC population. Interpopulation and sex-related differences in body size and body condition were detected, together with potential conservatism in head shape and size. A consistent loss of suitable habitat for the species was predicted under the examined climate change scenarios. Three major clades (based on 16S rRNA) were identified in Serbia, representing a novel finding compared with the two clades previously recognized. In addition, unique evidence of clade overlap was detected at two localities. The current public attitude toward snakes in Serbia was found to be ambivalent. Conservation priorities were established among the analyzed populations. Overall, the results of this dissertation indicate that a uniform conservation strategy for V. ammodytes in Serbia would not be appropriate. Each of the three studied populations requires a specific combination of conservation measures: the LC population as a reference protected population with stable demographic characteristics; the SV population as an urgent conservation concern requiring further genetic analyses and continued monitoring, particularly of population density; and the IR population as a monitoring priority where hibernacula and juvenile microhabitats should be identified. Recommendations for mitigating negative anthropogenic impacts are also provided.

Vipera ammodytes, populacioni status, filogenetika, kondicijaa tela zmija, geometrijska morfometrija, modelovanje budućeg pogodnog staništa, ofiofobija, prioriteti za očuvanje

Vipera ammodytes, population status, phylogenetics, body condition of snakes, geometric morphometrics, future habitat suitability modeling, ophidiophobia, conservation priorities

598.124.1:502.172(497.1)(043.3)

B280; B320.

Tekst