Wildlife Diversity Project Proposal
Title: Survey and Grassland Management for the Endangered Massasauga Rattlesnake at Bilby
Ranch Lake Conservation Area
______
Location (County): Nodaway_____
Project Centroid (UTM Coordinate):
Project
Leader:
Jeff Briggler, Steve Buback
Partner Match: $
$0
Total Amount Requested: $
(EXP = $24,000, EQP=$0, HL=$0)
Explain the need and objective of the project: The massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus tergeminus) is a
secretive small to medium sized rattlesnake that inhabits crayfish burrows of wet/bottomland prairie in
northern Missouri. The massasauga is a state endangered species in Missouri and has significantly
declined due primarily to extensive habitat loss caused by the conversion of wetlands and bottomland
prairies to agriculture. Historically massasaugas were known from 13 counties, but now populations only
persist in 4 counties. Currently there are 5 known populations of massasaugas in Missouri. Swan Lake
NWR, Pershing SP, Squaw Creek NWR, and Bigelow Marsh (private) are considered to have viable
populations, and a small population was recently discovered at Bilby Ranch Lake CA.
Bilby Ranch Lake CA in Nodaway County was purchased by MDC in 1987. This area consists of
5,110 acres managed for a wide range of game and non-game species with emphasis placed on ringnecked pheasants. Approximately, 4,500 acres are a mosaic of warm and cool season grasses interspersed
with agriculture crops. Within the grasslands are small, scattered patches of wetland swales of wet prairie
habitat and associated crayfish burrows necessary for the long-term persistence of massasaugas. The
status of the massasauaga population is relatively unknown and until recently was represented by one
road-killed individual found in 2008. With increased survey effort and reports from local staff and private
individuals, an additional 12 snakes have been discovered on the area. These findings confirm that a
population persists at this site, but the viability and distribution of the population remains unknown on
this vast area. To better understand and manage for this endangered, grassland species on Bilby Ranch
Lake CA, we need to determine status and distribution of the species throughout the area. Specific
objectives of this study are:
1. To determine the distribution and relative abundance of massasaugas via use of drift fences.
2. To collect data on other snake species via use of drift fences.
3. To establish a grassland management plan that will benefit the long-term persistence of
massasaugas, as well as other grassland species of interest.
Based upon these objectives, we anticipate a future WDF proposal to implement grassland reconstructions
and connectivity of wetland swale habitat on the area.
List priority geographies (COA(s)) and targeted species and/or natural communities this project
will affect: Bilby Ranch is not within any priority geographies currently; however, this area is listed as a
high priority in the draft “Missouri Massasauga Conservation Plan.” In addition, this project was
recently ranked as a high priority by the Department Wildlife Diversity Team.
Describe the expected product, result, or outcome: The immediate main benefit of this project will be
to determine the distribution and relative abundance of this state endangered species, as well as provide
the necessary information to make an informed decision on future habitat management potential on this
large, grassland conservation area to benefit massasaugas and other grassland species. This project will
further add to our knowledge of other snake species inhabiting these isolated grassland wetlands. Data
will be collected to allow repeatability of sampling in order to evaluate the effectiveness of future habitat
restoration. The information will also be used to update the MO Natural Heritage database.
Explain the approach/methodology that will be utilized to complete the project: This work will be
performed on identified suitable habitat for massasaugas. Based upon our knowledge of the area,
previous survey efforts, and emergent wetland habitat already mapped, we anticipate up to 20 locations
will be surveyed. Drift fences, with associated funnel traps, will be used to survey one half of the sites
from April through mid-May 2015, and the remaining half will be surveyed from mid-May through midJune 2015. Once the first 10 sites are surveyed, drift fences will be pulled and installed in the remaining
10 sites. Number of drift fences per site will be determined upon the size of the habitat with larger sites
receiving additional fences. Each drift fence will consist of 24 feet (3 boards at 8 feet each) of plywood
staked to the ground with a funnel trap at each end to capture moving snakes. We anticipate 80 drift
fences (160 traps) are needed. UTM coordinates will be recorded for each drift fence, and funnel traps
will be checked daily Monday through Friday. This technique has been used to capture massasaugas on
other areas in the state with great success and is an extremely reliable technique. Population
demographics (i.e., TL, SVL, mass, gender, number of follicles, etc.) will be recorded to assess population
structure and body condition of massasaugas captured. Each massasauga will be individually marked
with a PIT tag and released at site of capture, and other snake species will be marked by clipping belly
scales. Upon completion of the field surveys, a report will be provided as to the distribution and relative
abundance (number/trap night) of massasaugas and other snake species on the area. Such information will
be used by managers to formulate a plan for future grassland management on the area.
Budget Table:
Category
Amount
Requested
Contract or
Agreement
Personnel Service (Labor)
Non-MDC/Partner Match
Value
Entity
Equipment
Expenses
$24,000
Total
$24,000
Yes-see below
** In no circumstance can MDC staff or other MDC sources of funds be used for match to the WDF**
Cooperative agreements are being explored with several universities to undertake this project. Our goal is
to find qualified staff to safely work with this species, but keep the project from being published and
disclosing the location of this population.
Provide justification for any labor and/or equipment in this proposal: N/A
Indicate your willingness to accept less funding and describe the effect on the overall project if
certain portions were reduced. For example, eliminating labor or equipment may not allow the project
to be completed while a reduction in expense dollars would only decrease the footprint of the project area
(fewer acres). The majority of the cost is associated with salary, lodging, food, and vehicle rental
($20,100) for 13 weeks of intensive sampling. The remaining cost of $3,900 is for necessary supplies to
build and install drift fences, as well as items to process venomous snake. It is important to sample all
sites with such intensity on the area within one season to allow managers to make informed decisions on
the next step of grassland restoration. Installation of drift fences takes considerable time and it is
recommended that fences are run daily on weekdays for the project duration to obtain the best
information. If MDC vehicle could be used with an agreement with university, a $3000 reduction in the
cost would occur. Additional reduction in funding would result in fewer hours for individuals contracted
to check traps and increase in time commitment for MDC staff.