Geographic distribution: Boiga irregularis (Brown treesnake)

Herpetological Review
By: , and 

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Abstract

Rota: Rota Seaport (14.136502°N, 145.135351°E; WGS84). 3 September 2014. Shelwyn Taisacan, Robert Ulloa. Verified by G. Zug. USNM 581745. Snake (42 g, 810 mm SVL, 1020 mm total length) captured in a mouse-baited trap hung on the fence perimeter of the Rota Seaport. Because the Northern Marianas Islands are historically snake-free, these traps are used around ports and airports for early detection of snakes that may stow away in vessels or aircraft from Guam (60 km to the south), possibly evading quarantine detections. Necropsy revealed no prey items in stomach or gas- trointestinal tract. Dissection at USNM confirmed the snake was female. To our knowledge, this is the first incursion of a live Boiga irregularis on Rota. Brown Treesnakes previously observed on the island (N = 3) arrived in cargo already dead. The USGS Brown Treesnake Rapid Response Team mobilized 4 September–20 Oc- tober 2014 to search the focal and surrounding areas for evidence of a possible incipient population; no additional snakes were found during this search effort.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Geographic distribution: Boiga irregularis (Brown treesnake)
Series title Herpetological Review
Volume 46
Issue 1
Year Published 2015
Language English
Publisher Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles
Contributing office(s) Fort Collins Science Center
Description 1 p.
First page 61
Country United States
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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