Landscape changes influence the reproductive behaviour of a key ‘capital breeder’ snake (Boa constrictor occidentalis) in the Gran Chaco region, Argentina

Abstract

Many wild reptile species are threatened by habitat loss. However, the way in which changes in landscape patterns influence intraspecific ecological processes is not completely understood. Boa constrictor occidentalis is an endangered species and has a special conservation value since it is endemic of dry forests in the Gran Chaco region. Because the Gran Chaco is largely threatened due to habitat loss it is necessary to know how landscape changes influence this species. Therefore, we evaluated the effects of forest loss and landscape composition on the reproductive life-history parameters. Landscape changes were assessed by analyzing satellite imagery and reproductive parameters were determined by ultrasound images of the reproductive structures. The obtained results indicate that habitat loss may affect body condition, clutch size and testicular volume of the Argentine boa constrictor. We also found that the spatial pattern of vegetation influences the distribution of females and males in the landscape. Matting aggregations are scarce in shrublands. Therefore, our study shows that forest loss could enhance vulnerability to extirpation through constraints placed on reproduction. We encourage resource managers to evaluate sensitive reproductive life-history parameters as well as habitat deterioration to asses the conservation status of the populations of the Argentine boa constrictor. Since the Gran Chaco forest, a key habitat to the species’ reproduction, is largely threatened, strong conservation action is needed to halt and reverse forest loss in this region.