Here is an interesting article about the problem of introduced Cal Kings on Gran Canaria Island off the coast of North Africa and what the officials are doing to control them (albinos and hets). I just happen to be mentioned several times in the article...well, my kingsnake book is mentioned anyway...
http://www.issg.org/pdf/aliens_newsletters/A32.pdf
California Kingsnakes now established in the Canary Islands
Moderator: Scott Waters
- Brian Hubbs
- Posts: 4735
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 11:41 am
- Location: "Buy My Books"-land
- ratsnakehaven
- Posts: 2272
- Joined: June 8th, 2010, 9:08 am
- Location: Southern Arizona
Re: California Kingsnakes now established in the Canary Isla
That was interesting, Brian. Thanks!
TC
TC
- Brian Hubbs
- Posts: 4735
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 11:41 am
- Location: "Buy My Books"-land
Re: California Kingsnakes now established in the Canary Isla
What's even more interesting is how Scott seems to shuffle anything interesting or important to some forum that few ever look at...WTF?
- axeman2729
- Posts: 445
- Joined: November 5th, 2012, 2:10 pm
- Location: Cranberry township, PA
Re: California Kingsnakes now established in the Canary Isla
Well maybe because there are NO native snake species at all on Gran Canaria, but plenty of Skinks and Lacertid Lizards, that were endangered already before the introduction of Kingsnakes? I dont know, maybe there is a chance that the Kingsnakes will feed on a lizard or two, and since snakes arent present on the Island historically, theres really no natural snakepredator to control their advance?IndigoBlue wrote:From the paper:
I am curious why they think that those kingsnakes will decimate the local reptiles. What are they basing this from? Do California Kingsnakes in their native range do the same?Also, the increased numbers will quite possibly impact the local reptilian population to the point where we see their total disappearance
Just a wild crazy guess!
Re: California Kingsnakes now established in the Canary Isla
They are killing them post capture, why can't they just deport them like other illegals like back to california. I know they cannot release to wild but maybe adopt via pet stores? Just seems kinda sad i've had so many as "pets". Its not like they are pissy brown tree snakes, i know i are stupid!
Re: California Kingsnakes now established in the Canary Isla
Interesting. Thanks for sharing.
I wonder, if the kingsnake population was left untouched for some time, would the wild phenotype regain the majority over albinos.
I am guessing the albinos are numerous because most of the kingsnakes released were albinos.
It is an interesting case.
I wonder, if the kingsnake population was left untouched for some time, would the wild phenotype regain the majority over albinos.
I am guessing the albinos are numerous because most of the kingsnakes released were albinos.
It is an interesting case.
Re: California Kingsnakes now established in the Canary Isla
The Gallotia are a unique insular sp, their courtship, social, and ground level plant foraging behaviors have all been influenced /enabled by the absence of ground level ophidian predation.
The Canary Islands have provided a study model to learn broader evolutionary truths, like the Galapagos. I wish someone else would comment in more adequate detail on insular ecologies, who could do this important topic more justice than I could.
The Canary Islands have provided a study model to learn broader evolutionary truths, like the Galapagos. I wish someone else would comment in more adequate detail on insular ecologies, who could do this important topic more justice than I could.
- intermedius
- Posts: 481
- Joined: March 22nd, 2012, 7:19 pm
Re: California Kingsnakes now established in the Canary Isla
I believe that these snakes may evolve on the island to become lizard specialists. It has happened before I mean look at notechis scutuatus on roxby, reevesby, and Chappell island. All have become lizard or bird specimens with no predators. Perhaps a dwarf population may occur?
Re: California Kingsnakes now established in the Canary Isla
intermedius wrote:I believe that these snakes may evolve on the island to become lizard specialists. It has happened before I mean look at notechis scutuatus on roxby, reevesby, and Chappell island. All have become lizard or bird specimens with no predators. Perhaps a dwarf population may occur?
If theres a Wild God in heaven Gallotia stehlini will become getula specialists.
Re: California Kingsnakes now established in the Canary Isla
I'm just guessing, but maybe threads/posts without book plugs would have a better chance of sticking to the main message board?...Brian Hubbs wrote:What's even more interesting is how Scott seems to shuffle anything interesting or important to some forum that few ever look at...WTF?
Gerry