Biology, general ecology and behaviour of the snake, Coronella austriaca Laurenti

The general characteristics of the colubrid snake Coronella austriaca are described from observations made on populations examined in England. An account of the population ecology, breeding ecology, habitat preferences and general behaviour of this species is based on records collected at three study sites over a period of three years.
Level of recruitment to the populations is probably low because: 1, females do not breed usually until in their fourth year (three years old); 2, mortality of young seems to be high; 3, while gestation normally lasts about six or seven months it seems that some females may mate in alternative years. It is suggested that the location and density of C. austriaca populations is determined primarily by the topography and nature of the plant communities on the site, acting via the thermal requirements of the snakes. The abundance and location of prey species (young of small mammals and of other reptiles) may also effect the population density and local movements of this snake. The distribution of Vipera berus and C. austriaca on the study sites did not greatly overlap indicating that ecological competition may exist between these two species.
In view of the rare status of this snake, suggestions are put forward for its management and conservation, and areas of future research are outlined.