Lying in Wait for Extinction: Ecological Correlates of Conservation Status among Australian Elapid Snakes

摘要: Why do some species decline rapidly with anthropogenic disturbance, whereas others readily ex- ploit disturbed habitats? It is possible that the ecological characteristics of render them especially vulnerable to extinction. Previous analyses a diverse array taxa have identified number intrinsic predictors vulnerability, but snakes not been studied in this respect. We collated data on Australian venomous snake family Elapidae, based primarily examination pre- served specimens museums, investigate differences between threatened and nonthreatened taxa. also used comparative ( phylogenetically based) identify functional associations en- dangerment. Correlates conservation vulnerability previous studies did discriminate suc- cessfully elapid species. However, elap- ids differed significantly two main respects. First, tended rely ambush foraging rather than actively searching for prey. Sit-and-wait foragers may be because (1) they sites specific types ground cover, activities disrupt these habitat features, (2) am- bush associated suite life-history traits involve low rates feeding, growth, re- production. The second major correlate endangerment involves mating system. Endangered typ- ically lacked male-male combat: In such taxa, females grow larger males are more human predation (as judged by composition museum collections). Our analysis that, although currently listed as threatened, share many endangered group. results facilitate future attempts prioritize actions snakes.