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A. piscivorous Range Definition, Within An Interg
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by ALA_snake33 on September 28, 2006
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I have a Theory, about the Set Ranges of A. p. piscivorous & A. p. leucostoma in North Alabama and I would venture to say other Crossing Ranges for these, and other Intergrating Locals.
Basing my Theory on what I have found in my area, I tend to think that leucostoma seems to prefer Habitats that have more Running Water, Steep Banks, and are in a little Higher Elevation. I also tend to go with the idea that piscivorous seems to prefer your more typical Swamp, Marsh, and Low Wetland Environments. I also have noticed a lot of Intergration between these Two Subspecies, in areas that have a mix of these deferent Environments.
Out of the 200+ A. piscivorous I have Caught, over the last 14 Years "Give Or Take" this seems to be the trend. If any of you have any thoughts on this Subject, by all means please way in.
Be Safe Ya’ll, Happy Herping : Wally
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RE: A. piscivorous Range Definition, Within An In
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by Cro on September 28, 2006
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I resently went herping with a good friend, and we found a bunch of Eastern Cottonmouths in areas of High Elevation, Steep Banks, and Running Water. It was at the extreme part of the range in North Georgia.
There I learned the value of 6 foot long gentle giant tongs, LOL ! That was the only flavor Cottonmouth found there, and I was truely surprised at the number we found.
I have also found a lot Florida Cottonmouths in S. Georgia in the typical swamp habitats around the Okeefenokee Swamp.
I also have snakes from South-West Georgia from Albany, that would key out as Western Cottonmouths, although that range is a long way from Albany, GA.
I am not sure we are going to narrow down Cottonmouths to a specific habitat type. They are very adaptable snakes.
Best Regards JohnZ
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RE: A. piscivorous Range Definition, Within An In
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by ALA_snake33 on September 29, 2006
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John: I know that piscivorous is probably one of the toughest Snakes we have in North America, but of all the Cottonmouth I have caught, the Western Race have almost always been found in Higher Elevation “at least here in North Alabama”.
I just wonder if there could be something to this? Considering this, both of the Subspecies we have here probably have some Hormonal differences between them, and you would think that these Hormonal differences would dictate who they Mate with. Now, if you take into consideration the places were both Subspecies are found, it would make more since for the 2 to Inbreed, but I have been finding Populated areas that only leucostoma are found and I also find the same thing with piscivorous. With this being said, each time I find strong Populations of Westerns, they are in Creek like areas, were the Water Moves a little faster and the Banks are Higher.
I have been pondering this Question for quit some time now, wish I could do some more Stable Studies on it. I do know that Howard Gloyd & Roger Conant both done very in-depth Studies, on the Habits and Habitat Preferences of A. piscivorous, but I do wonder if they ever looked at the possibility that each of the piscivorous Races could have a somewhat Habitat Preference between the 2.
Like I said in my last post, I have found both Subspecies in my area in quit strong Populations, but probably 90% of all the leucostomas I have found have been in Streams or Creeks in a little Higher Elevation. So, it dose make the mind wonder. If anyone else is interested in this Theory, please way in. I think it could possibly be something of significance. Who knows, piscivorous could have Habitat preferences within Intergrating Ranges. Would be interesting to Study, would it not?
Just something that has been Nagging at me for a long, long time now, and I needed to bring it up “been a little hesitant tho”.
Be Safe Ya’ll, Happy Herping : Wally
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RE: A. piscivorous Range Definition, Within An In
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by Cro on September 29, 2006
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Wally, there could be something to your theory of micro-habitat preference for the populations of Western Cottonmouths in Alabama.
I really do not see it here in Georgia that much, but it could happen more in other states.
The ``Western`` looking Cottonmouths in Georgia are just that, ``Looking,`` and not full blooded, so they might not carry the habitat preference the same way.
You should keep logging your finds on this.
Best Regards JohnZ
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RE: A. piscivorous Range Definition, Within An In
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by ALA_snake33 on September 30, 2006
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John: Thanks for answering my post. I will keep Logging all my findings and hope it leads to something new, who knows, this could lead to something very big.
I will keep everyone informed on what I find. Wish me luck ya’ll, I need it “LOL”.
Be Safe Ya’ll, Happy Herping : Wally
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