The Herpetological Journal

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33256/36.2.125130

pp. 125-130

Authors: Giorgi Iankoshvili, Ioane Rostiashvili, Andro Solomanashvili, Shota Zandukeli, Alisa Sanakoeva & Mariam Tsulaia

Abstract: Communal hibernation is prevalent among snakes of the temperate zone, however, it remains poorly documented for most species worldwide. We report the first documented interspecific snake hibernaculum in Georgia, identified after a local resident posted on TikTok. In total, we collected 135 snakes from a reinforced septic tank. Of these, 133 were identified as Dolichophis schmidti (Nikolsky, 1909) of different ages, with single specimens of Platyceps najadum (Eichwald, 1831) and Natrix tessellata (Laurenti, 1768). This find represents both the largest recorded aggregation of D. schmidti and the first interspecific snake hibernaculum documented in the Caucasus. The D. schmidti specimens showed a nearly balanced sex ratio with a slight female bias (52.6%) and a wide size range (total length 82–158 cm; mass 82–753 g), indicating multiple cohorts. Snakes occurred in the terminal chamber, where microclimatic conditions were most stable (11 °C). As construction posed an imminent threat, snakes were translocated from the discovery site and released in the spring. Our find demonstrates the importance of anthropogenic structures for successful communal hibernation in human-modified landscapes. This case also highlights the value of social media as an early-warning mechanism for conservation responses.

Keywords: Caucasus, Colubridae, citizen science, reptile behaviour, winter aggregation