Thesis
Ecology of the pale-headed snake (Hoplocephalus bitorquatus)
Southern Cross University, School of Environment Science and Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25918/thesis.135
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Abstract
The pale-headed snake is an arboreal elapid from eastern Australia which has received limited scientific attention. This thesis covers four research chapters that focus on the species’ population ecology, habitat selection, survey methodology and distribution modelling. This research demonstrates the vulnerability of a habitat specialist (dependant on hollow-bearing trees generally over 100 years old), which may have experienced significant population declines. Deforestation has already reduced the species’ historical distribution by one third, with habitat loss likely to be exacerbated by climate change. Anthropogenic pressures are projected to place the species’ in a high-risk category for extinction in the near future.
Details
- Title
- Ecology of the pale-headed snake (Hoplocephalus bitorquatus)
- Creators
- Michael Shelton
- Contributors
- Ross Goldingay (Supervisor) - Southern Cross University
- Awarding Institution
- Southern Cross University; Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Theses
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Southern Cross University
- Publisher
- Southern Cross University, School of Environment Science and Engineering
- Number of pages
- 173
- Identifiers
- 991012929000502368
- Copyright
- © Michael Shelton 2020
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering
- Resource Type
- Thesis