Santa Catalina Island rattlesnake (Crotalus catalinensis)

Species information

Images

Threats

Once thought to be a common species, the Santa Catalina Island rattlensnake has suffered declines, primarily due to the killing and illegal collection of individuals; unfortunately its reported passive behaviour makes it an easy target (1). On Santa Catalina Island, ‘pit fall’ traps have been found and people have been seen collecting reptiles in bags. In addition, predation by feral cats, and a decline in the Santa Catalina Island rattlesnake’s main prey, the deer mouse, may pose a threat to this now Critically Endangered species (1).

Conservation

There are currently no conservation plans in place for this highly threatened reptile. Like many other snakes, this species may receive less conservation attention than it deserves due to long-standing and fairly widespread negative attitudes towards snakes (4). The implementation of a program to control the population of feral cats on the island has been suggested as a measure to help secure the survival of this rare and fascinating snake (1).