(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species SNAKE, GARTER, SAN FRANCISCO
Species Id ESIS151004
Date 14 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - SNAKE, GARTER, SAN FRANCISCO
OTHER COMMON NAMES - SNAKE, GARTER, SAN FRANCISCO; SNAKE, GARTER and COMMON; COULEUVRE RAYEE
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Reptiles
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - REPTILIA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - SQUAMATA,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - COLUBRIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - THAMNOPHIS,
SPECIES AND SSP - SIRTALIS, TETRATAENIA
SCIENTIFIC NAME - THAMNOPHIS SIRTALIS TETRATAENIA
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
San Francisco Garter Snake
Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia (Cope in Yarrow, 1875)
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Reptile
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Reptilia
ORDER: Squamata FAMILY: Colubridae
The San Francisco garter snake is one of eleven recognized
subspecies of the common garter snake (Thamnophhis sirtalis). The
The Genus Thambophis includes the slender serpents called garter
snakes that are harmless and considered beneficial to man because of
its prey preference (05). This subspecies differs from other
subspecies of the common garter by the presence of paired broad red
stripes running the length of the body. In other subspecies the red
stripes are broken by black cross bars (03). The belly is
greenish-blue and the top of the head is red. The eyes are relatively
large, and usually 7 upper and 10 lower labial scales are present.
The body scales are 19 rows and the dorsal scales are weakly to
strongly keeled (03,05). Adults reach a maximum size of 51 inches
(130 cm). A description including a description of a freshly killed
specimen (M.V.Z. No. 47716, female) can be found in Fox, 1951 (03).
The following is taken from the recovery plan: Confusion
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species SNAKE, GARTER, SAN FRANCISCO
Species Id ESIS151004
Date 14 MAR 96
resulting from a mislabeling of the first collected specimens delayed
the proper placement of the SFGS until 1951. Fox (1951)(03) reviewed
and clarified the complicated taxonomic history of the SFGS by
demonstrating the specimens reported by Cope (in Yarrow 1875, Cope
1892) as Eutaenia sirtalis tetrataenia from the Pitt (pit) River in
northeastern California and from Puget Sound in Washington were
assigned incorrect localities when labled and were actually collected
on the San Francisco Peninsula. The subspecific name tetrataenia
has since been applied only to T. sirtalis from San Mateo County.
Fitch (1965) (02), considered tetrataenia to be the most distinctive
of all sirtalis subspecies. However, subsequent investigators (Bury
1971, Barry 1978) (07,01) have noted that several populations exhibit
varying percentages of individual snakes with an interrupted stripe.
The continuity of the lateral black and red stripes which characterize
the type specimen of tetrataenia is broken to varying degrees in these
populations. Some individuals in these populations exhibit color
patterns similar to that of a neighboring subspecies, the California
red-sided garter snake (T.s. infernalis). In T.s. infernalis lower
black stripe is absent, and a series of regularly spaced black
blotches are contiguous with the upper black strip.
The blotched pattern considered by Bury (07) to be that of an
"intergrade" or "hybrid" was judged by Barry (01) to be simply a
"variation of the true T.s. tetrataenia." Barry (01) noted that the
blotches occurred only in the region of the neck and that posteriorly,
a pattern consisting of an unbroken lateral red stripe on each side
persisted. Barry (01) compared percentages of population color pattern
variation between specimens which he collected in the 1970's with
museum specimens collected by Fox in the late 1940's and found no
significant change. Fox (03) and Barry (01) both noted that
intergradation between subspecies tetrataenia and infernalis was
restricted to a localized area along the boundry between San Mateo
and Santa Clara Counties in the vicinity of Palo Alto. In these
specimens, the lateral red stripes are completely broken. Intergrade
populations have been reported from Emeral Lake, Lake Lagunita, and
Foothills Park. Barry (01) suggested that intergrades in this area
probably were more numerous in the past, but that as the area become
more urbanized, the two subspecies have become increasingly isolated
from each other.
Following is a summary of the taxonomic treatment of
Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia (Cope in Yarrow) (03):
Coluber infernalis, Blainville, 1835: 291 (part).
Eutaenia sirtalis tetrataenia Cope in Yarrow, 1875: 546 (original
description).
Eutaenia imperialis, Coues and Yarrow, 1878: 280.
Tropidonotus sirtalis parietalis, Garman, 1883: 25.
Eutaenia infernalis, Bocourt, 1892: 40 (part).
Tropidonotus ordinatus var. infernalis, Boulenger, 1893: 207 (part).
Thamnophis parietalis, Van Denburgh, 1897: 200 (part).
Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis, Van Denbaugh and Slevin, 1918:
198 (part).
Thamnophis ordinatus infernalis, Klauber, 1948: 10 (part).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species SNAKE, GARTER, SAN FRANCISCO
Species Id ESIS151004
Date 14 MAR 96
The type specimen of the San Francisco garter snake is in the
United States National Museum No. 21384 (originally No. 866) (selected
by Fitch, 1941 (03)) was recorded in error as being collected at
"Banks of Pit River, California" (03). Other collections can be found
in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, University of California-Berkely
(MVZ); California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco (CAS), Stanford
University Natural History Museum (SU) reported and seperately
cataloged at CAS; Los Angles Co. Natural History Museum (LACM); and
Coyote Point Junior Museum, San Mateo (CPJM) (06).
Other common names used for the species include the common garter
snake, and Couleuvre rayee. A list of records of T. s. tetrataenia
and its intergrades can be found in Fox, 1951 (03).
Taxonomy - 3 (DRAFT) - Status
Species SNAKE, GARTER, SAN FRANCISCO
Species Id ESIS151004
Date 14 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
E: Federal Endangered
Commercial
Game (Consumptive Recreational)
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The San Francisco garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia)
has been designated Endangered pursuant to the Endangered Species Act
of 1973 (50 CFR 17.11; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884;
16 U.S.C. 1531-1540), as amended. The subspecies has this status
wherever found including the State of California.
This subspecies is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to import,
export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any wild animal
(alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, or offspring):
(1) in interstate or foreign commerce if taken, possessed,
transported or sold in violation of any State law or
regulation; or
(2) if taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law,
treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law.
It is also unlawful to possess any wild animal (alive or dead
including parts, products, eggs, and offspring) within the U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in
18 U.S.C. 7) that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in
violation of any State law or regulation, foreign law, or Indian
tribal law.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: California
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: (CA) Department of Fish and Game
STATE STATUTE: California Endangered Species Act; Fish and Game
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species SNAKE, GARTER, SAN FRANCISCO
Species Id ESIS151004
Date 14 MAR 96
Code Chapt. 1.5, Art. 1, Sect. 2050
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
The San Francisco garter snake is listed as endangered by the
1986 IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
Collection by reptile fanciers and dealers poses a significant
threat to the San Francisco garter snake because of its beautiful
coloration (05).
67/03/11:32 FR 04001/ - Listed as Endangered.
82/07/26:47 FR 32208/32209 - Notice of Draft/10(a) permit.
82/12/02:47 FR 54366/ - Receipt of Application/10(a) permit.
83/03/10:48 FR 10136/10137 - 10(a) Permit (PRT 2-9818) No Impact.
85/07/22:50 FR 29901/29909 - Notice of Five Year Review.
85/09/01:50 FR 37059/ - Amendment to PRT 2-9818.
86/01/07:51 FR 00690/ - Amendment to PRT 2-9818/Grading Work.
86/01/21:51 FR 02767/ - Denial of Amendment to Take E/T Species.
87/07/07:52 FR 25522/ - Completion of 5-year Review
Status - 2 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - AQUATIC
TERRESTRIAL
INLAND AQUATIC
LAND USE -
Residential
Commercial and Services
Transportation, communications, and Util
Cropland and Pasture
Orchards, Groves, Vineyards, Nurseries,
Herbaceous Rangeland
Shrub and Brush Rangeland
Mixed Rangeland
Mixed Forest Land
Streams and Canals
Lakes
Reservoirs
Forested Wetland
Nonforested Wetland
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Riverine, intermittent UB4
Riverine, intermittent UB3
4UB
Riverine, intermittent UB1
Riverine, intermittent SB4
Riverine, intermittent SB3
Riverine, intermittent SB2
Riverine, intermittent SB1
Riverine, intermittent RS2
Riverine, intermittent RS1
Riverine, intermittent RB2
Riverine, intermittent RB1
Riverine, intermittent OW0
4FL
Riverine, intermittent FL5
Riverine, intermittent FL4
Riverine, intermittent FL3
Riverine, intermittent FL2
Riverine, intermittent FL1
Riverine, intermittent BB2
Riverine, intermittent BB1
Riverine, intermittent AB5
Riverine, intermittent AB4
Riverine, intermittent AB3
4AB
Riverine, intermittent AB1
Riverine, upper perennial UB4
Riverine, upper perennial UB3
Riverine, upper perennial UB2
Riverine, upper perennial UB1
Riverine, upper perennial SB4
Riverine, upper perennial SB3
Riverine, upper perennial SB2
Riverine, upper perennial SB1
Habitat Associations - 1
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Riverine, upper perennial RS2
3RS
Riverine, upper perennial RB2
Riverine, upper perennial RB1
Riverine, upper perennial OW0
Riverine, upper perennial FL6
Riverine, upper perennial FL5
Riverine, upper perennial FL4
Riverine, upper perennial FL3
Riverine, upper perennial FL2
Riverine, upper perennial FL1
Riverine, upper perennial BB2
3BB
Riverine, upper perennial AB5
Riverine, upper perennial AB4
Riverine, upper perennial AB3
Riverine, upper perennial AB2
Riverine, upper perennial AB1
Riverine, lower perennial UB4
Riverine, lower perennial UB3
Riverine, lower perennial UB2
Riverine, lower perennial UB1
Riverine, lower perennial SB4
2SB
Riverine, lower perennial SB2
Riverine, lower perennial SB1
Riverine, lower perennial RS2
Riverine, lower perennial RS1
Riverine, lower perennial RB2
Riverine, lower perennial RB1
Riverine, lower perennial OW0
Riverine, lower perennial FL6
Riverine, lower perennial FL5
Riverine, lower perennial FL4
2FL
Riverine, lower perennial FL2
Riverine, lower perennial FL1
Riverine, lower perennial EM4
Riverine, lower perennial EM3
Riverine, lower perennial EM2
Riverine, lower perennial BB2
Riverine, lower perennial BB1
Riverine, lower perennial AB5
Riverine, lower perennial AB4
Riverine, lower perennial AB3
2AB
Riverine, lower perennial AB1
Lacustrine, littoral UB4
Lacustrine, littoral UB3
Lacustrine, littoral UB2
Lacustrine, littoral UB1
Lacustrine, littoral RS2
Lacustrine, littoral RS1
Lacustrine, littoral RB2
Lacustrine, littoral RB1
Lacustrine, littoral OW0
2FL
Lacustrine, littoral FL5
Lacustrine, littoral FL4
Habitat Associations - 2
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Lacustrine, littoral FL3
Lacustrine, littoral FL2
Lacustrine, littoral FL1
Lacustrine, littoral EM4
Lacustrine, littoral EM3
Lacustrine, littoral EM2
Lacustrine, littoral BB2
Lacustrine, littoral BB1
2AB
Lacustrine, littoral AB4
Lacustrine, littoral AB3
Lacustrine, littoral AB2
Lacustrine, littoral AB1
Lacustrine, limnetic UB4
Lacustrine, limnetic UB3
Lacustrine, limnetic UB2
Lacustrine, limnetic UB1
Lacustrine, limnetic RB2
Lacustrine, limnetic RB1
1OW
Lacustrine, limnetic AB5
Lacustrine, limnetic AB4
Lacustrine, limnetic AB3
Lacustrine, limnetic AB2
Lacustrine, limnetic AB1
Palustrine UB4
Palustrine UB3
Palustrine UB2
Palustrine UB1
Palustrine SS7
0SS
Palustrine SS4
Palustrine SS3
Palustrine SS2
Palustrine SS1
Palustrine RB2
Palustrine RB1
Palustrine OW0
Palustrine ML2
Palustrine ML1
Palustrine FO7
0FO
Palustrine FO5
Palustrine FO4
Palustrine FO3
Palustrine FO2
Palustrine FO1
Palustrine FL6
Palustrine FL5
Palustrine FL4
Palustrine FL3
Palustrine FL2
0FL
Palustrine EM6
Palustrine EM5
Palustrine EM4
Palustrine EM3
Palustrine EM2
Palustrine EM1
Habitat Associations - 3
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Palustrine AB5
Palustrine AB4
Palustrine AB3
Palustrine AB2
Palustrine AB1
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
The San Francisco garter snake is restricted to riparian
habitats (05). Preferred habitat parameters include fresh water
present all year, a dense reed or shrub cover surrounding the water,
the availability of food items (frogs, and small fish), and a lack of
competitive species of garter snakes (04).
San Francisco garter snakes are observed most often in the
vicinity of standing water, chiefly ponds, lakes, marshes and sloughs.
However, temporary ponds and other seasonal water bodies are also
used by them. Emergent and bankside vegetation such as cattails
(Typha spp.), bulrushes (Scirpus spp.), rushes (Juncus spp.),
and spike rushes (Eleocharis spp.), apparently are preferred and used
as cover. The interface between stream and pond habitats and
grasslands is used for basking, while nearby dense vegetation or water
often provide escape cover. If floating algal or rush mats are
available, snakes will utilize these, since they apparently offer more
secure basking sites.(05)
Recent field studies by the California Department of Fish and
Game found that differential use of habitat by garter snakes may
occur. Observations suggest that upland sites such as grassy
hillsides near drainages and ponds also are used for basking, rodent
burrows away from standing water are used for shelter and escape
cover, and low-lying marsh areas are used for feeding and
reproduction. The degree to which upland sites are used is unknown.
(05)
Many of the known or suspected locations for the San Francisco
garter snake are adjacent to or surrounded by urban developments
(residential housing, shopping centers, highways, etc.), and
one population is on the San Francisco International Airport. Other
suitable habitats lie in areas adjacent to orchards, vineyards, and
transitional areas adjacent to mixed hardwood forests). One
population occurs on Sharp Park at a golf course pond at Laguna
Salada. Another population, occurs on the Cascade Ranch (pasture
habitat) in habitats, that currently as in the past, are heavily
impacted by uses such as livestock production (cattle grazing) (05).
Habitat Associations - 4 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species SNAKE, GARTER, SAN FRANCISCO
Species Id ESIS151004
Date 14 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
CARNIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Fish
General Mammalia
General Amphibia
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species SNAKE, GARTER, SAN FRANCISCO
Species Id ESIS151004
Date 14 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G
G
G Aquatic Features: Pool areas
G Aquatic Features: Springs [flowing]
G Inland Wetlands: Bogs
G Human Association: Farm ponds
G Terrestrial Features: Burrows
G
G Human Association: Public residential parks
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SNAKE, GARTER, SAN FRANCISCO
Species Id ESIS151004
Date 14 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
The San Francisco garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia)
feeds on other vertebrates. The most common vertebrate eaten is the
red legged frog (Rana aurora). Other food items recorded are the
Pacific tree frog (Hyla regilla), freshwater fish, salamander larvae,
and possible small mammals (05).
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
Specific information on the home range/territory of the San
Francisco garter snake is unknown (05). Male red-sided garter snakes
(T. s. parietalis) in Kansas moved an average of 532 m and females
347 m between summer habitat and overwintering dens. In Manitoba,
Canada the same subspecies moved an average of 10.7 km (05). The San
Francisco garter snake's home range would probably be less and
determined by site conditions (food availability, cover, etc.) (05).
PERIODICITY:
This species is diurnal and active during the spring, summer, and
fall. There is a period of hibernation during the winter (01,02,05).
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
Specific details on movement patterns of the San Francisco garter
snake will require site specific studies (05).
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
Preferred cover and shelter requirements are year around fresh
water and dense cover around the water (04).
San Francisco garter snakes have been observed most often in the
vicinity of standing water, chiefly ponds, lakes, marshes and sloughs.
However, temporary ponds and other seasonal water bodies are also
used by them. Emergent and bankside vegetation such as cattails
(Typha spp.), bulrushes (Scirpus spp.), and rushes (Juncus spp.)
apparently are preferred and used as cover. The interface between
stream and pond habitats and grasslands is used for basking, while
nearby dense vegetation or water often provides escape cover. If
floating algal or rush mats are avialable, snakes will utilize these,
as they apparently offer more secure basking sites.(05)
Recent field studies by the California Department of Fish and
Game found that differential use of habitat by garter snakes may
occur. Observations suggest that upland sites such as grassy
hillsides near drainages and ponds also are used for basking, rodent
burrows away from standing water are used for shelter and escape
cover, and low-lying marsh areas are used for feeding and
reproduction. The degree to which upland sites are used is unknown.
(05)
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
This species mates on dry land around ponds and marshes. Since
it gives birth to live young, there are no nest requirements (05).
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SNAKE, GARTER, SAN FRANCISCO
Species Id ESIS151004
Date 14 MAR 96
The age at sexual maturity is not known. Mating may occur in the
spring or fall. It appears to be concentrated during the first few
warm days in March (05). T. siratalis is ovoviparous and it is
presumed that fecundity and litter sizes of T. s. tetrataenia are
similar. The young are born July or August and the litter size
(ranging from 3-85) averages 12 to 24 young (05).
PARENTAL CARE:
There is no parental care in San Francisco garter snakes. The
biology/ecology of the young snakes is unknown.
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Most aspects of the population biology of the San Francisco
garter snake are unknown. However, the snake is under study (04,05).
The largest population (San Francisco Airport/Milbrae site) is
believed to have a population in excess of 600 snakes (08).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
The primary food of the San Francisco garter snake is the red
legged frog (Rana aurora) which is found in the wetland areas where
the snake is most common (01).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
San Francisco garter snakes are extremely wary and when
appraoched will flee into nearby water or cover. Thus these snakes
are very difficult to locate, observe, and capture (05).
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SNAKE, GARTER, SAN FRANCISCO
Species Id ESIS151004
Date 14 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Off-Road Vehicles
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human disturbance of populations
Beneficial Developing/maintaining stream structures
Beneficial Maintaining/Controlling Water Flow
Beneficial
Beneficial Developing/maintaining/protecting wetlands
Beneficial Controlling water levels
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Restricting/regulating human use of habitats
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Controlling pollution [thermal, chemical, physical]
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Pesticide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Herbicide Use
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Agricultural Practice
Beneficial Reforestation
Beneficial Restricting Timber Harvest
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Nonnative Vegetation
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Native Vegetation
Beneficial Restricting Poaching
Beneficial Controlling/Restricting Noncommercial Harvest
Beneficial Regulating commercial harvest levels
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Domestic Animals
Adverse Collecting
Existing Collecting
Adverse Highway/Railroads
Existing Highway/Railroads
Adverse Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Existing Soil compaction by heavy equipment in mine areas
Adverse Draining wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes
Existing Draining wetlands, marshes, ponds, lakes
Adverse Grazing
Existing Grazing
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
The San Francisco garter snake, which occurs only in San
Mateo County, California has a very limited distribution (03). Even
within this single County, the species occurs only in and around
wetland areas. Detrimental factors include collecting of this
beautiful snake for pets and the effects of urbanization such as
wetland filling, highway construction, livestock grazing, and the
expansion of cities (i.e., housing, and shopping centers) (05).
Alteration and isolation of habiats resulting from urbanization
is the principal reason for deline. This includes loss and adverse
modification of wetland and adjacent upland habitat by urban,
industrial, and recreational development, as well as agricultural
conversion, stream and creek channelization, removal of emergent
riparian vegetation, and riprapping of streambanks and shorelines.
The snake's geographical range appears to be relatively extensive,
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SNAKE, GARTER, SAN FRANCISCO
Species Id ESIS151004
Date 14 MAR 96
however surveys suggest a very limited and localized occurrence of
T. s. tetrataenia in San Mateo County. Most extant population sites
are subject to human disturbance or threatened with destruction. The
Skyline ponds near Pacifica, which formerly attracted large numbers
of San Francisco garter snakes (and reptile collectors), have been
eliminated by housing developments (01 in 05). At present,
agricultural, commercial and urban development in the County continues
to eliminate habitat and is expected to continue through the
foreseeable future (05).
In addition to human-caused habitat loss and alteration,
collection by reptile fanciers and dealers poses a significant threat
to this snake because of its beautiful coloration. Barry (01 in 05)
presented considerable evidence of collecting in areas such as the
Skyline ponds, Sharp Park and on the San Francisco Fish and Game
Refuge (which includes both Lower and Upper Crystal Springs
Reservoirs). There are indications that this activity still poses a
serious threat.
Future threats to this snake include additional urban development
and the effects of reduced gene pool due to the fragmented nature of
the few remaining populations, some of which may be very small in
number (04,05).
APPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Recovery Plan for the San
Francisco Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia). U.S. Fish
and Wildl. Serv., Portland, OR. 77 pp.
The primary objective of the Recovery Plan for the San
Francisco Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) is to
protect and maintain ten populations of 200 adult snakes in a 50:50
sex ratio. The species may be declassified to threatened if at least
200 snakes (adults in 50:50 sex ratio) are maintained in at least
six of the ten populations for five years. If at least 200 adult
snakes (50:50 sex ratio) are maintained in the 10 populations for
15 years, delisting of the species may be considered.
The recovery activities necessary to acheive this objective are:
1. Enforce laws and regulations to promote snake conservation,
evaluate success of enforcement efforts and revise as necessary;
2. Protect the six known colonies through;
A. securing the cooperation of State or city land management
agencies, private land owners, and developing and
implementing management plans (i.e., land aquisition, land
use zoning);
B. monitoring each population and habitat;
C. minimizing habitat degradation and losses (i.e.,
maintaining/controlling - water flow and salinity levels,
development, agriculture practices and grazing, timber
harvest, and pollution); and
D. preventing illegal entry (both foot and ORV use),
collecting (i.e., poaching and commercial harvest by
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SNAKE, GARTER, SAN FRANCISCO
Species Id ESIS151004
Date 14 MAR 96
reptile fanciers), and preventing chemical treatments
(i.e., pesticides and herbicides) at certain colonies;
3. Rehabilitate habitat at some colonies/manage ground water/install
flood control structures/create habitat ponds/control native and
non-native vegetation/stream bank-channel modification;
4. Establish and protect at least four additional snake populations
(secure each essential habitat (i.e., land acguisition, agreements)
and implement management plans);
5. Assess population trends, and modify management plans accordingly;
6. Identify additional recovery and research needs, and modify
primary objective and management accordingly; and
7. Implement public information and education program.
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - References
Species SNAKE, GARTER, SAN FRANCISCO
Species Id ESIS151004
Date 14 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Barry, S.J. 1978. Status of the San Francisco garter snake.
Inland Fish. End. Prog., Calif. Dept of Fish and Game. Spec. publ.
78-2.
02 Fitch, H.S. 1965. An ecological study of the garter snake,
Thamnophis sirtalis. Univ. of Kansas Publ. Mus. of Nat. Hist.
Vol. 15:493-564.
03 Fox, W. 1951. The status of the garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis
tetrataenia. Copeia 1951:257-267.
04 McGinnis, S.M. 1984. The current distributiona and habitat
requirements of the San Francisco garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis
tetrataenia, in coastal San Mateo County. Rept. for: Calif. Dept.
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05 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Recovery Plan for the San
Francisco Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia). U.S.
Fish and Wildl. Serv., Portland, OR. 77 pp.
06 California Department of Fish and Game. 1978. Studies and
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07 Bury, B. 1971. Status report on California's threatened
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***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Barry, S.J. 1978. Status of the San Francisco garter snake.
Inland Fish. End. Prog., Calif. Dept of Fish and Game. Spec. publ.
78-2.
02 Fox, W. 1951. The status of the garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis
tetrataenia. Copeia 1951:257-267.
03 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1985. Recovery Plan for the San
Francisco Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia). U.S.
Fish and Wildl. Serv., Portland, OR. 77 pp.
References - 1