JCSET | Watershed Studies Institute Research Symposium
Assessing the Influence of Stress and Behavior on Susceptibility to and Recovery from Snake Fungal Disease in the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Andrea Darracq
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Mortality in wild snake populations from Snake Fungal Disease (SFD), caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola (Oo), has been documented since 2006. Yet, causes of the disease are still unclear. We investigated the effects of stress, including baseline and elevated corticosterone and corticosterone reactivity and variability, on SFD dynamics in Timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus). Additionally, we are evaluating the relationship between stress and timber rattlesnake 2nd and 3rd order habitat selection. In summer 2018 and 2019, we captured and transmittered 20 timber rattlesnakes. From the point of capture through late October from 2018 to 2020. We collected blood and swab samples once per month from each individual to quantify corticosterone levels and Oo presence, respectively. We analyzed corticosterone using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and determined the presence of Oo using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, we measured habitat attributes at used and random locations once per month to quantify habitat selection. During the field seasons of 2018, 2019, 2020 85% (n = 17of 20 captures) of timber rattlesnakes tested positive for Oo. We intend to present preliminary results regarding baseline CORT and reactivity as they relate to clinical disease. The results of this research will have broad implications for reptile conservation as it pertains to anthropogenic stress and associated population declines related to diseases.
Spring Scholars Week 2021 Event
Watershed Studies Institute Symposium
Assessing the Influence of Stress and Behavior on Susceptibility to and Recovery from Snake Fungal Disease in the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus)
Mortality in wild snake populations from Snake Fungal Disease (SFD), caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola (Oo), has been documented since 2006. Yet, causes of the disease are still unclear. We investigated the effects of stress, including baseline and elevated corticosterone and corticosterone reactivity and variability, on SFD dynamics in Timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus). Additionally, we are evaluating the relationship between stress and timber rattlesnake 2nd and 3rd order habitat selection. In summer 2018 and 2019, we captured and transmittered 20 timber rattlesnakes. From the point of capture through late October from 2018 to 2020. We collected blood and swab samples once per month from each individual to quantify corticosterone levels and Oo presence, respectively. We analyzed corticosterone using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and determined the presence of Oo using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, we measured habitat attributes at used and random locations once per month to quantify habitat selection. During the field seasons of 2018, 2019, 2020 85% (n = 17of 20 captures) of timber rattlesnakes tested positive for Oo. We intend to present preliminary results regarding baseline CORT and reactivity as they relate to clinical disease. The results of this research will have broad implications for reptile conservation as it pertains to anthropogenic stress and associated population declines related to diseases.