Habitat Evaluation of Ladle Snake (Naja Naja Oxiana) in Golestan National Park

Despite their high diversity and importance as top predators in many ecosystems, the ecology of many snakes remains poorly understood. Here, we describe macro- and microhabitat use by the Ladle snake (Naja naja oxiana) in Golestan National Park. Presence and absence of species and 13 micro- and macroenvironmental variables were detected in each of 101 sampling plots distributed throughout the study area. The 12×12 meter sampling plots were established two times in each presence plot. Therefore 53 presence and 53 absence plots in spring and also 48 presence and 48 absence plots in summer were sampled. Data analysis was conducted using binary logistic regression. The results showed that habitat parameters including slope, area covered by stone, and elevation were the most significant predictors affecting Ladle snake presence in spring. In summer, the slope, density of woody stems and elevation were the most significant predictors affecting Ladle snake presence. Due to the characteristics including low slope, low elevation, high value of area covered by stone and higher density of woody stems, steppe habitats in Golestan National Park have the capability of supporting Ladle snake.