Movement ecology and post-release success of translocated Western Barred Spitting Cobras in the Khomas Region, Namibia

Abstract

Human-snake conflict is increasing globally as human habitation continues to encroach on natural habitats. To mitigate conflict, snakes are often translocated by snake removal services. In Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, the near-endemic Western Barred Spitting Cobra (Naja nigricincta nigricincta) is the second most removed snake from houses and gardens. This research aimed to assess the impact of translocation on the survival, body mass, and movement of such snakes. Three translocated Western Barred Spitting Cobras were fitted with transmitters and tracked over a period of six months post-translocation. All three individuals remained alive and showed body mass gain throughout the study period. While additional studies with greater sample size and resident snakes are needed to support the findings of the study, the post-translocation tracking data revealed a larger home range and greater movement in the male compared to the two females. No evidence of homing behaviour was observed in any of the translocated snakes.