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Natural history of the cottonmouth moccasin, Agkistrodon Piscivorus
Burkett, Ray D.
Burkett, Ray D.
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Abstract
No complete account of the life history of the cottonmouth moccasin has appeared, although much has been written concerning the species in both scientific and popular literature. Objectives of the study here reported upon were: (1) to learn as much as possible concerning the natural history of tl1e cottonmouth: (2) to determine what factors limit the geographic distribution of the species, (3) to determine the role of the cottonmouth in its ecological community: (4) to compare the cottonmouth's life history with that of other crotalid snakes, especially the kinds that are most closely related to it.
Although this report will be of interest chiefly to specialists, portions of it may be of some value to the public. The cottonmouth is economically important mainly because of the injurious or fat.al effects of it.s bite and the psychological effect that its actual or suspected presence has upon many persons. The economic importance of the diet of the cottonmouth is obscured because of the wide variety of prey items and the lack of information concerning the conditions under which many of the beneficial prey items are eaten. The venom has been used in the therapeutic treatment of blood clots owing to its anticoagulant properties (Didisheim and Lewis, 1956). Allen and Swindell (1948:13) stated that venom is employed in the treatment of hemorrhagic conditions and rheumatoid arthritis as well as in the production of antivenin. However, none of these uses of venom have become widely accepted, and their value is questionable.
It is hoped that the information in tl1is report concerning habitat, reproduction, and behavior will lead to a better understanding of the cottonmouth and perhaps serve as a basis for the planning of control programs wherever they may be necessary. It is also hoped that. this report may serve as a stimulus for further investigation of many unknown aspects of the natural history and ecology of the cottonmouth.
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M.A. University of Kansas, Zoology 1964
Date
1964-05-31
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University of Kansas
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burkett_1964_3430765.pdf
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Keywords
Snakes, Cottonmouth moccasin, Agkistrodon Piscivorus