摘要：The community structure in relation to habitat type was studied in a Mediterranean
community of snakes from Canale Monterano, central Italy. Habitat data for snakes
were analysed both overall and divided by season, i.e. spring (April–June) and summer
(July–September). Community analyses were performed using null models (RA2 and
RA3 algorithms) and Monte Carlo simulations on habitat niche overlap estimates. Null
models suggested that the community was assembled non-randomly (according to RA2
but not RA3), indicating that the generalist-specialist nature (the number of resource
states, but not necessarily the types) used by each species in the assemblage reduced
ecological similarity. Similar results were reached also performing the same null model
procedures on the spring datasets, whereas no structure emerged during summer either
by RA2 or RA3 algorithms. In general, this study suggests that the community structure
of snakes during spring may be shaped by the different eco-physiological needs of the
various species (probably, the differential tolerance to cold and the consequent needs of
finding suitable hibernacula), whereas the lack of structure during summer may be
caused by the between-species similar foraging needs.
