Winter activity in a coastal population of Vipera aspis (Reptilia, Viperidae)

Winter activity patterns in a little coastal population of Vipera aspis (4 adult males, 3 adult females) have been studied during three winters using radiotracking. Most of studied specimens are mainly active, hiding just und er leaves, moving from a refuge to another, covering up to 150 m. About 50 % of snakes were active in the sun (29 % of total days). Home ranges and co re areas were similar between sexes, even if males attained at larger home ranges. Recorded home ranges were relatively large with respect to those pr esumed for the winter season, during which the reported activity is usually absent dr reduced. Short and long displacements and movements were relativ ely higher and more frequent in males than in females. Favourable temperatu res due to the geographic position and climatic situation of the area seeme d the major stimulus for this asp viper population to be active.