>> I've always wondered about Trans Pecos and Bairdi Ratsnakes living in simular range & habitat, on why Subocs are much more sensitive to humidity. Anyone have any imput on that? Are there main differences on habitat with Bairdi & Trans Peco Rats?



Although their ranges do overlap in part, you really don't find them in exactly the same habitat. Bairdi are snakes of more wooded hillsides and therefore they occur further east than bogeys and in the areas where the two occur together they tend to occupy the more wooded, mesic areas. Bogeys on the other hand will occupy the dry desert flats and treeless, rocky hillsides where bairdi aren't common.



You can really see the difference in the areas where they don't overlap. In central TX, bairdi occur on wooded rocky hillsides, typically covered with junipers and small oaks, often along waterways. Bogeys don't occur here.



In west TX, where Bogeys are the dominant ratsnake, you don't find trees except in the higher, more mesic mountains. Therefore bogeys are common, bairdii are localized. North and west of the Davis mts, there are only bogeys, and few trees.



There are a few areas where the two species can be found on the same rockcuts, for example, but those cuts are usually in areas where one side has a more trees and shrubs and the other is more open and drier.



You also find bairdi out in the rain with some frequency. You don't find bogeys out in the rain very often.




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Chris Harrison

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