1/12/2024 0 Comments Blue indigo snake habitatThe hatchling was clearly smaller than those released from captivity, which were usually at least two feet long the snakes can grow up to eight feet long in adulthood. The snake discovered was clearly wild-born due to two factors, according to Godwin: its small size and its lack of a PIT (or passive integrated transponder) tag. “It is an excellent indicator that the snakes that we have released, which were born into captivity, have been able to adapt to the wild, are functioning as wild snakes, and are reproducing,” said Godwin. The discovery of wild-born Eastern indigo snakes means the released snakes survived and had offspring, providing a glimpse of hope for the species’ success in Alabama. The goal is to eventually introduce a total of 300 snakes to create a healthy and viable population in Alabama. In 2010, the first snakes from the captive population were released into Conecuh National Forest. Starting with wild-captured individuals from Georgia, where the snakes are also found, they began to breed a captive population. So in 2006, a team of Alabama conservationists launched a project to reintroduce the Eastern indigo snake to the state. A decline in the snake’s population, therefore, has a “domino effect” on other species in the ecosystem. Jim Godwin, an animal biologist with the Alabama Natural Heritage Program administered by the Auburn University Museum of Natural History, told CNN that Eastern indigo snakes were historically the “apex predator” in the longleaf pine forests where they live. The snakes, however, are a crucial element of the ecosystem. But they went extinct in the state in the 1950s, largely due to habitat loss, according to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The reptile, which is the largest snake native to the US, used to be found throughout Alabama. “Reintroducing a species to its native range is a daunting task, and we celebrate each step of its success!” “The snake found yesterday indicates the project is resulting in some thriving and reproducing indigos, just what we wanted!” the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division said Thursday on Facebook. The discovery of a wild-born Eastern indigo snake marks the success of an intensive program to reintroduce the reptiles to the state. It is an important and beneficial segment of Florida’s wildlife.Ĭolumn & photos by Sandi Staton – the full Nature’s Reflections article in the November 2018 SECO News online.For only the second time in more than 60 years, the elusive Eastern indigo snake has slithered into Alabama. It may give you a fright, but it is not aggressive and quite harmless. If you’re lucky enough to see an Eastern indigo, take a moment to appreciate its usefulness and let it be. Indigos may not be kept as pets, picked up, collected or sold per Florida Statute. This snake is vulnerable to highway mortality, feral pigs, pollutants and killing by uninformed persons. Its large size and strong jaws enable it to eat its prey live. Indigos are immune to venom, which allows it to eat rattlesnakes and pit vipers as well as rodents and small prey. Indigo snakes feed heavily on frogs and other snakes. Indigo hatchlings are usually about 16 inches long. Four to 12 eggs are laid in May or June, but do not hatch until August or September. These dens are used for egg laying, shedding and protection from temperature extremes. This reptile often seeks a sheltered refuge such as gopher tortoise or armadillo burrows and holes in stumps. Its young are lighter in color and have a faint banded pattern. Indigos are more black than blue with smooth, shiny scales and a reddish chin and throat. They are commonly found around ponds, cabbage palm and hardwood hammocks. Indigos are not restricted to sand habitats. With a documented range of 400 to 1,400 acres, indigos need relatively large areas of undeveloped land to flourish. The main reason for the indigo’s decline is habitat loss. It is illegal (a third-degree felony) to harm, handle, harass or possess the indigo snake. It has been classified as a threatened species in Florida since 1971. It is the largest of the native nonvenomous snakes found in North America and is federally protected. This rare snake plays an important role in Florida’s delicate ecosystem. While it may make one’s heart jump at first sight, the Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) is harmless and beneficial. A RARE, YET BENEFICIAL FRIEND TO HAVE AROUND
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |