Eastern Hog-nosed Snake (Heterodon platirhinos) COSEWIC assessment and update status report: chapter 1

COSEWIC Assessment summary

Assessment Summary – November 2007

Common name: Eastern Hog-nosed Snake

Scientific name: Heterodon platirhinos

Status: Threatened

Reason for designation: This species faces several threats, particularly increased mortality and severe habitat fragmentation caused by an expanding road network and increased traffic. The species is mobile for a snake, but this mobility places it at high risk when it encounters roads. The species also suffers from persecution by humans not only because it is a relatively large snake but also because of its complex defensive threats when confronted. In southwest Ontario and south of the Canadian shield, the species has suffered extensive habitat loss from agriculture and rapid increase in housing development. Poaching for the illegal wildlife trade is a growing threat.

Occurrence: Ontario

Status history: Designated Special Concern in April 1997. Status re-examined and designated Threatened in November 2001 and November 2007. Last assessment based on an update status report.

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