Mulero-Oliveras, Eneilis S.

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    Population ecology, spatial ecology and habitat selection of the Puerto Rican boa (Chilabothrus inornatus) in an urban fragmented landscape
    (2019) Mulero-Oliveras, Eneilis S.; Bird-Picó, Fernando J.; College of Arts and Sciences - Sciences; Puente Rolón, Alberto R.; Sperry, Jinelle; Santos Flores, Carlos J.; Department of Biology; Román, Rosa
    Urban development and habitat encroachment are a global threat to biodiversity. Studies of wildlife thriving in urban environments are important to evaluate the impact of these anthropogenic changes to species. West Indian boas are island endemics that are considered top predators within their respective home ranges and some are of international concern and protected by local or federal laws. The Puerto Rican boa (Chilabothrus inornatus) a federal protected species endemic to Puerto Rico has a wide distribution in the island and inhabits urban environments. Fort Buchanan is a federal enclave located in a highly modified landscape with fragmented forest remnants that support boa populations. Radio telemetry and mark recapture techniques were used to gather data on population, spatial ecology and habitat selection of the Puerto Rican boa in this urban environment. Abundance of boas was low and encounter rate was 0.04 boas / person-hours. Movement patterns of 10 boas were highly variable ranging from 9.4 – 19.3 m/location and total area used during different radio tracking periods averaged 3.61 ha (x̅females = 4.07 and x̅males = 2.02) which was lower than counterparts at rural, non-fragmented habitats. Boas selected non-random locations both at the landscape and home range level. In general, boas selected habitats with bigger vegetation clumps and with more canopy cover, litter depth and woody material. They also preferred to be closer to or in larger and taller trees. Landscape level selection was less variable than home range level selection. It is possible that boas in different forest fragments use habitat differently depending on structure of forest, habitat type, period of succession and prey items availability. Nonetheless, boas preferred forest landcover over urban or grassland landcover which might indicate why boas home ranges and movements were confined most of the time to the forest fragments. Urban forests offer habitat and promotes biodiversity conservation for species dwelling in urban environments. Since urban environments and habitat fragmentation are expected to increase, the conservation and adequate management of these habitats are important for the conservation of the boa.