Article

Malayan kraits (Bungarus candidus) show affinity to anthropogenic structures in a human dominated landscape

Details

Citation

Hodges CW, Marshall BM, Hill JG & Strine CT (2022) Malayan kraits (Bungarus candidus) show affinity to anthropogenic structures in a human dominated landscape. Scientific Reports, 12 (1), Art. No.: 7139. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-11255-z

Abstract
Animal movement can impact human–wildlife conflict by influencing encounter and detection rates. We assess the movement and space use of the highly venomous and medically important Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus) on a suburban university campus. We radio-tracked 14 kraits for an average of 114 days (min: 19, max: 218), during which we located individuals an average of 106 times (min: 21, max: 229) each. Most individuals displayed some level of attraction to buildings (n = 10) and natural areas (n = 12); we identified a similar unambiguous pattern of attraction to buildings and natural areas at the population level (of our sample). Snakes remained in shelter sites for long durations (max: 94 days) and revisited sites on average every 15.45 days. Over 50% of locations were within human settlements and 37.1% were associated with buildings. We found generally seasonal patterns of activity, with higher activity in wet seasons, and lower activity in the hot season. These results show frequent proximity between Malayan kraits and humans at the university; thereby, suggesting a near constant potential for human-wildlife conflict. Despite the fact that no snakebites from this species occurred at the university during our study period, substantial education and awareness training should be considered to ensure continued coexistence on campus.

Keywords
Ecology; Zoology

Journal
Scientific Reports: Volume 12, Issue 1

StatusPublished
Publication date31/12/2022
Publication date online03/05/2022
Date accepted by journal07/04/2022
URLhttp://hdl.handle.net/1893/34351
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC
eISSN2045-2322

People (1)

People

Mr Benjamin Marshall

Mr Benjamin Marshall

PhD Researcher, Biological and Environmental Sciences