Reproductive Site Fidelity and Nesting Ecology of Racers and Gopher Snakes

Nk’Mip Desert Heritage Society

The Nk’Mip Snake Research Program is a long-term initiative operated through the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre (NDCC), a non-profit organization established and governed by the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB). 

This project will fill in knowledge gaps about movement and essential habitat features for two threatened snake species by tracking gravid female Western Yellow-bellied Racers and Great Basin Gopher Snakes to identify nesting sites and assess fidelity to egg-laying areas across two key populations in the South Okanagan. By comparing movements and habitat use on Osoyoos Indian Band land and within the White Lake Basin, the study will determine whether females are selecting road embankments or other disturbed habitats for nesting. Findings will fill a major gap in conservation knowledge and guide actions to reduce neonate road mortality and protect critical reproductive habitats for these threatened snake species.

This project is year one of a three-year request. Approved by Regional District Okanagan Similkameen Board and $22,285.73 was allocated from the South Okanagan Conservation Fund in 2026. The project is expected to complete by January 31, 2027.