Full Citation
Title: The Effect of Urban Sprawl & Suburbanization on Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Populations in Northeastern Illinois
Citation Type: Dissertation/Thesis
Publication Year: 2014
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Abstract: Venomous snakes are rarely considered by humans as a major conservation concern, yet in Northeastern Illinois the indigenous eastern massasauga rattlesnake has seen a rapid decline in numbers over the last twenty years. This snake species is considered a keystone species in the prairie wetlands ecosystem in Northeastern Illinois. Looking at historical population statistics of the area’s largest city, Chicago, and its various suburbs there is a visible suburbanization trend that began about fifty years back. With rising population in the suburban areas of Chicago comes an increase in housing developments as well as an increase in urban land cover. Even with the protection of the wetlands of Illinois, all of these factors seem to be directly effecting the existing populations of eastern massasugas in Northeastern Illinois. These specialist rattlesnakes require both the prairie wetlands for hibernation, as well as adjacent dry uplands in order to survive. All in all, suburbanization and urban sprawl in the Chicago area can be correlated with the decimation of the once healthy population of eastern massasauga rattlesnakes in Northeastern Illinois.
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Authors: Cole, Jason
Institution: Carthage College
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Degree: Bachelor of Arts In Environmental Science: Conservation and Ecology & Geography and Earth Science
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Pages: 32
Data Collections: IPUMS NHGIS
Topics: Land Use/Urban Organization
Countries: United States