How does the NatureServe status of Western Ratsnake in Minnesota compare to Missouri?
Answer
It is S2 (Imperiled) in Minnesota versus S5 (Secure) in Missouri.
There is a dramatic contrast in the conservation status of the Western Rat Snake between these two states, reflecting the extremes of its range. In Missouri, where the snake is central to the species' heartland, it is often listed as S5, indicating it is Secure within that state. Conversely, in southeastern Minnesota, which represents the northernmost extent of documented sightings, the snake is rare and listed as S2, signifying an Imperiled status. This shift highlights the sensitivity of peripheral populations to subtle environmental pressures, such as climate variation or habitat restriction, which threaten local viability even when the global status remains secure.
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