Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Program Name/Specialization

Behavioural Neuroscience

Faculty/School

Faculty of Science

First Advisor

Noam Miller

Advisor Role

Supervisor

Abstract

There is growing interest in snake cognition, personality, and welfare as more snakes are kept as pets, yet little research has been conducted. The effects of enrichment and environmental factors have been well documented in other taxa, and recent evidence suggests that snakes may benefit in similar ways. This dissertation investigated the impact of environmental and social enrichment on personality expression, personality stability, and brain development. Western hognose snakes (Heterodon nasicus) were used as the model species, as they are a popular choice in the pet trade. This allows the research to be readily translatable to husbandry practices of many snake owners. In Chapter 2, preference tests revealed that snakes showed a significant preference for enrichment stimuli, such as substrate and rooting material. This preference was even more evident when enrichment was paired with cooler temperatures. Personality assays indicated that boldness did not correlate with enrichment preference, suggesting that preference was not driven by pre-existing personality traits. In Chapter 3, half of the snakes were independently housed in enriched enclosures long-term, based on enrichment verified in Chapter 2. The remaining half were housed in minimalistic enclosures mimicking rack systems. Personality assays indicated that enriched snakes exhibited greater stability in traits, such as sociability and boldness. They also displayed significant increases in brain volume, particularly in the posterior brain region. In Chapter 4, snakes were housed either in same-sex pairs or in isolation long-term. Personality assays were conducted with body temperature manipulations to assess the influence of temperature on ectotherm personality expression. Results were similar to those of Chapter 3, as enriched snakes displayed greater stability in both sociability and boldness, regardless of temperature fluctuations. The findings from all three experimental chapters highlight that snakes exhibit an innate preference for enrichment, experience enhanced brain development, and demonstrate greater behavioural stability as a result of environmental and social enrichment. The consistency of these effects across both forms of enrichment further supports the notion that snakes benefit substantially from enrichment implementation. This dissertation challenges outdated assumptions regarding reptilian behavioural inflexibility and underscores the urgent need for more species-specific, welfare-centered husbandry practices for snakes.

Convocation Year

2026

Convocation Season

Spring

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