(August 2, 2016) This year, we are seeing larger numbers of Giant garter snakes (Thamnophis gigas) than we’ve seen before in the Conservancy’s 17-year history. As one of the two “primary” Covered Species in the Natomas Basin Habitat Conservation Plan (NBHCP), this is especially gratifying.
Even more gratifying is the fact that where we are seeing the snakes is in watered marsh preserves that the Conservancy has created and maintains.
We are convinced more than ever that we need to keep these marsh complexes fully functioning at all times now that we are certain they are critical to the snakes’ safety and well-being. Moreover, we need to make certain that there is abundant prey in those marsh complexes.
Sometimes I wonder if the secret to all this is for the Conservancy to build, in essence, food factory. A food factory for this important aquatic snake, that is, the Giant garter snake.
(All photos shown here are taken on various Conservancy preserves, summer 2016.)