Temperature as an effective biosecurity tool against invasive snakes

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Invasive Species Management
• Herpetology

Background:

• Invasive species, such as the California kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae), pose significant ecological threats globally.
• The island of Gran Canaria is established with L. californiae, a species of high concern in the European Union, with potential to spread to other vulnerable regions.
• Biosecurity measures are crucial to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive snakes, which can cause irreversible ecological damage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of thermal treatments (conductive heating and thermal fumigation) as a biosecurity tool against the invasive California kingsnake (Lampropeltis californiae).
• To determine the preferred temperature range and voluntary thermal maximum of L. californiae.
• To assess the response of L. californiae to different thermal treatments and control conditions.

Main Methods:

• Determined species-selected temperatures, preferred temperature range, and voluntary thermal maximum by exposing 24 L. californiae individuals to a thermal gradient.
• Assessed the response of another 24 L. californiae individuals to conductive heating, thermal fumigation, and control (no heat) treatments.
• Recorded the time and body temperature at which individuals exited the treatment apparatus.

Main Results:

• L. californiae selected temperatures around 27.80°C, with a voluntary thermal maximum of 32.50°C.
• Conductive heating and thermal fumigation induced rapid exit in 83.33% and 91.67% of individuals, respectively, at elevated body temperatures.
• Control treatments resulted in a significantly lower exit rate (29.17%) and occurred at lower body temperatures.

Conclusions:

• Thermal treatments, including conductive heating and thermal fumigation, are effective in inducing invasive snakes to leave controlled environments.
• These methods show promise as a biosecurity tool to prevent the inadvertent transportation of L. californiae and other invasive snake species.
• Implementing thermal treatments can aid in managing and preventing the spread of damaging invasive reptiles globally.