Multiscale Habitat Selection and Refuge Use of Common Kingsnakes, Lampropeltis getula, in Southwestern Georgia

Abstract

The Common Kingsnake, Lampropeltis getula, is thought to be experiencing population declines in the southeastern portion of its geographic range. However, limited information exists regarding the natural history and habitat requirements of the species in this region. We conducted a radio-telemetry study to investigate habitat selection in L. getula at multiple scales in southwestern Georgia. At the home range scale, L. getula did not show habitat selection. However, at the study-area scale, L. getula selected for natural pine and hardwood forest types over other available habitats. At the microhabitat scale, L. getula were found in locations with more coarse woody debris and woody vegetation than random sites. Lampropeltis getula primarily used small mammal (Peromyscus spp.) burrows and stumpholes as below ground refuge sites. We demonstrate that habitat selection of L. getula is complex and occurs at multiple scales.