Notes on unexpected ecological affinities for Micrurus silivae (Squamata, Elapidae)
Keywords:
forest, grasslands, SerpentesAbstract
Ecological affinities in snakes are influenced by habitat structure, prey availability, and climatic conditions, with many species showing strong preferences for specific ecosystems. The genus Micrurus includes both habitat generalists and specialists. Within the Complejo de Reservas Guyra Reta (CRGR) in the Reserva para Parque San Rafael, Micrurus corallinus is typically found in forests, while Micrurus silviae is associated with grasslands. This study reports a M. silviae specimen found in a forest, suggesting possible ecological plasticity in habitat use. CRGR, spanning 73,000 hectares, is a critical conservation area in eastern Paraguay, encompassing remnants of the Alto Paraná Atlantic Forest and Southern Cone Mesopotamian Grasslands. During a REDD+ project, a M. silviae individual was found 70 meters from grassland in a wooded fragment, indicating grassland species might use forest environments as refuge from periodic burns. This finding highlights the need for further studies on habitat use and ecological flexibility in M. silviae and similar species for effective conservation strategies.
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