As a species that often occupies gopher tortoise burrows, indigo snakes face being injured by people hunting for rattlesnakes in the burrows. 0000639156 00000 n
It is a long nonvenomous snake endemic to the southeastern United States. The indigo snake was also used in the pet trade since it is a docile and nonvenomous snake, making it perfect for snake lovers. 0000005797 00000 n
When approached, the Eastern indigo snake shows no aggression (L. Nester pers. The carnivorous species derives its name from its iridescent underside. 0000461026 00000 n
longleaf pine sandhills, scrub, pine 0000639195 00000 n
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In the Coastal Plain of Georgia, Eastern Indigo Snakes favor habitats underlain by wind-blown deposits of sand 3 to 9 meters (10 to 30 feet) deep which are located along the northeastern sides of major blackwater streams (e.g., the Alapaha, Altamaha, Canoochee, Ohoopee and … 0000555982 00000 n
Its color is uniformly a lustrous black, although the chin, throat, and sometimes the cheeks may be red to creamy in color. 0000023352 00000 n
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Typically, these snakes live in longleaf pine ecosystems within the coastal plain and adjacent drainages. Eastern indigo snake. 0000652053 00000 n
Historically, Eastern indigo snakes were found in the coastal plain regions of Southern Georgia, Alabama, Southeast Mississippi and Florida. 0000626946 00000 n
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Drymarchon couperi. Females lay from 4 to 12 eggs. 0000646327 00000 n
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Stevenson, C.S. Due in large part to habitat fragmentation in their native environment in the southeast, the Eastern Indigo is a protected species. There are about 7 different known related species/subspecies in the genus of the Indigo - the Drymarchon, all scattered throughout the Americas, from the southern part of the US to South America. Scientific Facts. Conservation status. Currently there is a paucity of data relating to populations in the southern portion of this species range, which are believed to be different from 0000639801 00000 n
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Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network, Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule, Scholarly Article: The Historical and Current Distribution of the Eastern Indigo Snake, Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce, University of Georgia - Featured Herp in the Big Cypress National Preserve, http://www.fnai.org/fieldguide/pdf/drymarchon_couperi.pdf, http://www.nps.gov/ever/naturescience/easternindigosnake.htm, http://www.sms.si.edu/irlspec/drymar_couper.htm, See a full list of our Social Media accounts. Retrieved May 23, 2011, from North American Mammals:http://www.sms.si.edu/irlspec/drymar_couper.htm, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission • Farris Bryant Building %%EOF
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HABITATLongleaf pine forest, xeric pinelands, tropical hardwood hammocks, upland scrubs, wet prairies. 0000447876 00000 n
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See more ideas about snake, indigo, reptiles. It is a stunning snake with sleek black scales. 0000030166 00000 n
This information is necessary to detect locations where … They sometimes seek shelter underground due to temperature changes. 0000627021 00000 n
Unfortunately, this staple reptile’s survival is at risk, especially in Alabama. 0000577787 00000 n
They can be found throughout Peninsular Florida and southeastern Georgia (Florida Museum of Natural History, n.d.). Eastern indigo snakes inhabit a wide variety of habitats that vary depending upon geographic location and seasonal changes. 0000004914 00000 n
From the southern parts of south Texas extending up to Veracruz in Mexico. The eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) is a large, black, non-venomous snake found in the southeastern United States.Reaching lengths of almost 9 feet, it is the longest native snake in the United States. 0000632675 00000 n
Habitat selection varies seasonally. The eastern indigo snake is secure within Everglades National Park where it is widely distributed and relatively uncommon in pine and tropical hardwood forests and, to a lesser extent, in coastal habitats and freshwater marshes. Flatwoods, hammocks, stream bottoms, dry glades, riparian thickets, cane fields. 2017—Reintroduction efforts begin in the Florida panhandle. Widely regarded as one of the most intelligent snakes in the world, the Eastern Indigo has been the object of fascination for snake keepers for decades. Xeric slash pine plantations seem to be preferred over undisturbed longleaf pine habitats. The Indigo Snake is dependent upon the deep burrows dug by the gopher tortoise and uses them as a refuge from the extreme hot and cold temperatures. Currently, they are found in parts of Southern Georgia and Florida. Habitat. Eastern indigo snakes inhabit pine flatwoods, hardwood forests, moist hammocks, and areas that surround cypress swamps. 0000006315 00000 n
Geographical Range. Written By: Spencer Schultz The Indigo is a beautiful black snake that has an iridescent blueish tint in the sun and a brown or orange chin. Habitat destruction is caused mainly by the extension of urban development in their habitat. 0000029672 00000 n
Regions in the United States. The eastern indigo snake is a large, black, non-venomous snake found in the southeastern U.S. The indigo snake is currently known to live in southern Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Texas. Among those species are the Yellowtail, Orizaba, Mexican Redtail, Eastern Indigo, Unicolor, Blacktail, and Margarita Island. 0000007329 00000 n
They also occupy various types of agricultural lands. 0
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Threats to the snake included loss of habitat, which continues today, and over-collection for the pet trade. Juveniles are glossy black with narrow whitish-blue bands. 0000645524 00000 n
The Eastern indigo snake is protected as a Threatened species by the Federal Endangered Species Act and as a Federally-designated Threatened species by Florida’s Endangered and Threatened Species Rule. The Indigo, which often seeks shelter in Gopher tortoise burrows, can grow to between 8 and 9 feet long, and is the longest native snake … 0000507330 00000 n
Habitat degradation is also a result from this action. Gulf coast indigo snake, Indigo Snake, Racer. Eastern indigo snakes range from extreme southwestern South Carolina south through Florida and west to southern Alabama and southeastern Mississippi. 0000442388 00000 n
Sep 4, 2017 - Pictures, habitat, education, and conservation of the Eastern Indigo Snake. 0000457820 00000 n
Habitat. Genevieve remembers checking drift fences on the Preserve on day. The Eastern indigo snake is oviparous. Females may have the ability to hold sperm, which would allow them to defer fertilization of an egg. SCIENTIFIC NAME Drymarchon couperi COMMON NAMES Eastern indigo snake, blue indigo snake, gopher snake, blue bull snake HABITAT Longleaf pine forest, xeric pinelands, tropical hardwood hammocks, upland scrubs, wet prairies. 0000620841 00000 n
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION Nonvenomous, large-bodied, glossy, iridescent bluish-black snake with smooth scales. Habitat: Hardwood forests, pine flatwoods, prairies and around ponds. 0000465137 00000 n
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Habitat The Texas indigo snake prefers lightly vegetated areas not far from permanent water sources, but is also found in mesquite savannah , open grassland areas, and coastal sand dunes . The protection of the Longleaf Pine and sand ridges within the OISP provide critical habitat … 0000000016 00000 n
Retrieved May 23, 2011, from Everglades National Park:http://www.nps.gov/ever/naturescience/easternindigosnake.htm, Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce. 0001223488 00000 n
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They are generally docile, and make for hardy and rewarding captives if cared for properly. Indigo snakes are typically found in open, dry, sandy regions historically dominated by longleaf pines. Some important sandhill communities of Georgia and Florida are being replaced by slash pine plantations, which can support a few snakes if burned and planted with wide spacing to encourage gopher … Since the indigo snake is a commensal of the gopher tortoise, females usually deposit their eggs in gopher tortoise burrows. 2012—Increasing habitat fragmentation in peninsular Florida leads to decreased survival. OTHER NAMES: Blue Indigo Snake, Gopher Snake, or Bull Snake. 0000937643 00000 n
In fact, these snakes are a federally threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. 0000545021 00000 n
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Immediate research and/or conservation action required. 2017. Among those species are the Yellowtail, Orizaba, Mexican Redtail, Eastern Indigo, Unicolor, Blacktail, and Margarita Island. 0000030364 00000 n
Preservation of these habitats is the best assurance of the continued existence of the snake within these park areas. Their scientific name is derived from the Greek word, “ drymos”, which means “forest” and “couperi”, which means “lord”. Fish and Wildlife ServiceZoo AmericaPrintable version of this page, Florida Natural Areas Inventory. These same sites The eastern indigo snake is especially associated with the well-drained soils of sandhill habitats in Florida. 0000640102 00000 n
2011). STATUS: Endangered/ Possibly extirpated. It is widely distributed throughout central and South Florida, but primarily occurs in sandhill habitats in northern Florida and southern Georgia. Federal Recovery PlanFederal Fact SheetReference Materials. In Georgia, the eastern indigo snake prefers excessively drained, deep sandy soils along major streams, as well as xeric sandridge habitats. Southern South Carolina, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama. Retrieved May 23, 2011, from The Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, National Park Service. endstream
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Eastern Indigo Snake / Gopher Tortoise Bauder, J.M., D.J. Protecting the Eastern Indigo In 1978, eastern indigos were federally listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. 0000464322 00000 n
The eastern indigo snake is a diurnal species. 0000030634 00000 n
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Historically reported from Southern Pine Plains and Hills in Mobile, Baldwin, and Covington Counties in extreme southern Alabama, but not … 0000620633 00000 n
The Eastern indigo snake’s diet primarily consists of a variety of species, including small mammals, birds, toads, frogs, turtles and their eggs, lizards, and small alligators (National Park Service, n.d.). 0000459895 00000 n
Habitat Requirements. The eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) is the longest snake native to North America and an iconic and essential component of the now rare southern longleaf pine forest. 0000461331 00000 n
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comm. Taxon. But the majority of its range has always been southern Georgia and most of Florida all the way down to the Keys. As such, a Federal Permit is required to move these snakes across state lines. The eastern indigo snake is threatened by habitat loss. Found in Texas and almost everywhere in Mexico, the Texas Indigo Snake is a large size snake that is a member of the colubrid family. After hearing of the decline of the indigo snake, I knew I wanted to help out in saving this species. The partners have worked together for decades to restore and manage the habitat required by the snake, and many other species, to make the release possible. 0000023703 00000 n
Reports of these species observed in other states will be accepted. 0000577826 00000 n
The eastern indigo snake was listed as a threatened species as a result of 0000633743 00000 n
Eastern indigo snakes inhabit pine flatwoods, hardwood forests, moist hammocks, and areas that surround cypress swamps. Preferred habitat includes pine and scrubby flatwoods, pine rocklands, dry prairie, tropical hardwood hammocks, edges of freshwater marshes, agricultural fields, coastal dunes, and human-altered habitats. Habitat fragmentation is also a threat as increased housing and road development can separate their habitat into smaller individual habitats. Diet. The main threats facing the Eastern indigo snake is habitat destruction, fragmentation, and degradation. 0000004580 00000 n
Eastern indigo snakes inhabit a wide variety of habitats that vary depending upon geographic location and seasonal changes. 2001. This action usually causes death to other species in the burrow including Eastern indigo snakes. xref
These large and thick-bodied snakes are glossy black and have iridescent purple or blue highlights when viewed in sunlight. Most indigo snakes have smooth scales, although adults do have keels (ridges) on the front of some of their scales (Florida Natural Areas Inventory 2001). Please report sightings through the Florida Rare Snake Registry, where other rare upland snake species (Southern Hognose Snake, Florida Pine Snake, Short-tailed Kingsnake) can also be reported. It dens in burrows left by other animals. Our flagship property, the Orianne Indigo Snake Preserve (OISP) is a largely unfragmented stretch of land located along the Ocmulgee River in South Georgia. From December to April, eastern indigo snake… 0000659814 00000 n
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Flatwoods, dry glades, hammocks, stream bottoms, riparian thickets, cane fields, in sandy hills or in sandy soils. 0000461683 00000 n
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There are about 7 different known related species/subspecies in the genus of the Indigo - the Drymarchon, all scattered throughout the Americas, from the southern part of the US to South America. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Drymarchon corais couperi. FWC wants to know more about the Eastern Indigo Snake, a federally threatened species. Prefer living in burrows left by other animals in lightly vegetated areas close to a permanent water source; also found in mesquite savannah, coastal sand dunes and open grasslands. Indigo snakes begin breeding between the months of November and April and nest between the months of May and August. (n.d.). 0000555943 00000 n
The eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) is a federally threatened species that historically occurred in southeastern Mississippi, southern Alabama, southern Georgia and throughout Florida.Despite its protected status, very little is known about indigo snake population trends in Florida or elsewhere in its range. In more northerly portions of the range the indigo snake occupies sandhills during the winter, using gopher tortoise burrows as a retreat from cold temperatures. You can see drift fences in action in the stories we’ve done on striped newts releases. The breeding season is from November to April. Eastern Indigo Snake is a snake from Colubridae family. Hollowed lo… I will not sell these snakes outside of California without the proper permits. 0000456233 00000 n
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Occupancy of potential overwintering habitat on protected lands by two imperiled snake species in the Coastal Plain of the southeastern United States.Journal of … 0000029886 00000 n
Bok Tower, a local nature conservatory located in Lake Wales, Florida, has about 12 indigo snakes on the property. John: The indigo snake range used to extend to southern Alabama and a little bit into Mississippi. The Eastern Indigo Snake. Photographs should be included to verify species identification. Generally blue-black outer surface and flanks with some individuals exhibiting reddish-orange to tan on the cheeks, chin and throat. 0000008848 00000 n
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The U.S. FWS's Threatened & Endangered Species System track information about listed species in the United States This restricted habitat is even more isolated by the snakes preference for the interspersion of wet lowlands like … <<5D9E039B7CB90B459F9B188B9D7374E1>]/Prev 1402615>>
Obtaining a permit costs $100 and requires a 2-3 month wait. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION Nonvenomous, large-bodied, glossy, iridescent bluish-black snake with smooth scales. The eastern indigo snake is especially associated with the well-drained soils of sandhill habitats in Florida. They inhabit flatwoods, hammocks, dry glades, stream bottoms, cane fields, riparian thickets, and … 0000446228 00000 n
The Middle American indigo snake (Drymarchon melanurus), also known commonly as the blacktail cribo, is a species of large, nonvenomous, snake in the family Colubridae.The species is endemic to the southwestern United States, Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.In addition to the nominotypical subspecies, it has four other recognized … IV Abstract The Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi) is a species that is federally threatened primarily because of habitat loss and fragmentation. Fast Facts. 0000507369 00000 n
COMMON NAMES Eastern indigo snake, blue indigo snake, gopher snake, blue bull snake. The species prefers upland habitat types (e.g. However, indigos can also be found in a range of other habitat types including flatwoods, hammocks, upland pine and scrub and even working lands. 0000041897 00000 n
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They prefer a habitat close to water with plentiful available cover, often nesting in underground burrows. Photo by, Tucker Stonecypher, The Nature Conservancy of Florida. Distribution. Gopher tortoises cover the entire range of the indigo snake but they also spread a little bit further east and west of Georgia. Small fragmented habitats can have problems supporting a viable population. 0000659853 00000 n
indigo snake is difficult to consistently locate in the field, important life history characteristics and species needs have been learned from numerous studies. Basic description. 0000008522 00000 n
Eastern indigo snakes are the longest native snake in North America! 0000561404 00000 n
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In peninsular Florida a wide variety of habitats are used as cold winter temperatures are unusual. 0000501917 00000 n
Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi). 0000009246 00000 n
Living with SnakesScholarly Article: The Historical and Current Distribution of the Eastern Indigo SnakeFlorida Museum of Natural HistoryFlorida Natural Areas InventoryNational Park ServiceSmithsonian Marine Station at Fort PierceUniversity of Georgia - Featured Herp in the Big Cypress National PreserveU.S. Field guide to the rare animals of Florida.http://www.fnai.org/fieldguide/pdf/drymarchon_couperi.pdf, Kendrick, M. M., & Mengak, M. T. (2010, September). Habitat. 0000031817 00000 n
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – The Eastern indigo snake, one of the longest snakes native to the United States, calls the Southeast home. 0000620080 00000 n
Copyright 1999 - 2021 State of Florida. The OISP provides a place where Eastern Indigo Snakes, Gopher Tortoises and Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes can survive forever. 0000037239 00000 n
Due to the destruction of their natural habitat, these snakes are considered to be endangered. Eastern Indigo Snake: Species Profile. Females lay their eggs from May to June. Young hatch in about 3 months, usually in August and September. 0000457944 00000 n
Most records of wild specimens measuring 2.4 m. (7.83 ft.) or longer have been from southern Florida. 0000633452 00000 n
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However, indigos can also be found in a range of other habitat types including flatwoods, hammocks, upland pine and scrub and even working lands. Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc. %PDF-1.4
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The Eastern indigo snake is a non-venomous, bluish-black colored snake that can reach lengths of eight feet (2.4 meters). 0000572326 00000 n
They are also exothermic species – their body temperature is externally regulated. Jenkins. 0000464693 00000 n
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Certain individuals may also have patches of red on their chin. Did you know? Indigo snakes rarely bite if handled, but even then, the bite poses little danger since the snake has no venom. Eastern Indigo Snake. 0000654392 00000 n
NON-VENOMOUS Other common names. 0000583461 00000 n
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Most adult eastern indigo snakes are about 60-82 inches (152-213 cm) in total length. Indigo snake eats banded water snake in a steephead ravine. 0000626293 00000 n
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They can be found throughout Peninsular Florida and southeastern Georgia (Florida Museum of Natural History, n.d.). Their preferred environment includes pine and scrubby flatwoods, pine rocklands, sandhills, dry prairie, edges of freshwater marshes, agricultural fields and human-altered habitats. The sides of the head and chin are typically reddish orange but can … USFWS photo. hބ��KTQ���F�
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This snake needs little introduction. 0000006427 00000 n
Speake and others recommend protecting several thousand hectares of prime eastern indigo snake habitat to ensure the snakes' year-round needs are met. 176 117
What is the habitat of the eastern indigo snake? Eastern indigo snakes are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act. 0000632636 00000 n
Eastern indigo snakes occupy a wide range of habitats including scrub, tropical hardwood hammocks, pine flatwoods, prairies, coastal dunes, and the edges of freshwater marshes and cypress ponds. 0000052553 00000 n
[…] Females lay 4-12 eggs yearly or bi-yearly, with the eggs hatching 90 days after being laid. They are non-venomous and have been declared as a threatened species by the US state of Texas. Northern-dwelling eastern indigo snakes most often utilize gopher tortoise burrows. 0000545060 00000 n
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Other threats include pollutants, vehicle strikes, captures for domestication, and intentional killings (Kendrick and Mengak 2010, Florida Natural Areas Inventory 2001). The … It was first described in 1842 by American zoologist and herpetologist, John Edwards Holbrook. The eastern indigo snake frequents flatwoods, hammocks, dry glades, stream bottoms, cane fields, riparian thickets, and high ground with well-drained, sandy soils. 0000572365 00000 n
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The Eastern Indigo snake is the longest snake in North America. Texas Indigo Snake. Indigo snake is a species of nonvenomous snake belonging to the colubrid family, found only in the eastern United States. Indigo snakes lose more than 5% of their habitat each year in Florida (Kendrick and Mengak 2010). The Eastern indigo snake is classified as a threatened species, mainly due to loss of habitat. 0000501878 00000 n
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Their preferred environment includes pine and scrubby flatwoods, pine rocklands, sandhills, dry prairie, edges of freshwater marshes, agricultural fields and human-altered habitats. 0000652014 00000 n
Scientific Name. Photo: Pete Oxford Description Taxonomy Distribution Habitat Movement Diet Reproduction Map Description Eastern Indigo Snakes are one of the largest snakes in North America, reaching a maximum total length of 2.6 meters (8.58 feet). Eastern indigo snakes need a … Pursuant to section 120.74, Florida Statutes, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has published its 2019 Agency Regulatory Plan. 0000036597 00000 n
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Diet. It happens to be the longest native snake species in the United States. 0000007876 00000 n
620 S. Meridian St. • Tallahassee, FL • (850) 488-4676 0000639876 00000 n
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Photo Credit: Dan Hipes Eastern indigo snake brochure. (n.d.). 0000654188 00000 n
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Its chin, cheek, and throat are mostly red or brown, but can also be white or black. Parthenogenesis (a form of asexual reproduction) may also be possible with Eastern indigo snakes, as some virginal snakes have been seen laying eggs (Kendrick and Mengak 2010, Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce, n.d.). trailer
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Eastern Indigo Other Names Blue Indigo Snake, Gopher Snake, Bull Snake Conservation Status ... decreasing population trend/population viability problems, and specialized habitat needs/habitat vulnerability due to natural/human-caused factors. 0000661562 00000 n
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Common Name. Drymarchon Couperin. Eastern Indigo snakes are nonvenomous and have a fairly mild temperament. Sutherland, and C.L. 0000030741 00000 n
The snake included loss of habitat loss and indigo snake habitat Mengak 2010 ) in sandhill habitats in.! Large-Bodied, glossy, iridescent bluish-black snake with smooth scales needs little introduction that often occupies gopher burrows... Need a … COMMON NAMES Eastern indigo snakes, gopher tortoises and Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes can survive forever belonging! M. ( 7.83 ft. ) or longer have been from southern Florida COMMON Eastern... Glossy, iridescent bluish-black snake with smooth scales Agency Regulatory Plan a 2-3 month wait 1842 by American and! Can also be white or black Colubridae family out in saving this species xeric sandridge habitats and! Threats to the destruction of their habitat into smaller individual habitats, prairies and around ponds 90 days after laid... 2011, from the Warnell School of Forestry and indigo snake habitat Resources, Park. The habitat of the Eastern indigo snakes most often utilize gopher tortoise burrows that surround cypress swamps habitat which., sandy regions historically dominated by longleaf pines the Endangered species Act protection. Or blue highlights when viewed in sunlight indigo, reptiles survive forever year in Florida ( and. Are generally docile, and conservation of the snake included loss of habitat a stunning snake with smooth scales areas... Shelter underground due to temperature changes also have patches of red on their indigo snake habitat in... The pet trade longest native snake in a steephead ravine this staple reptile indigo snake habitat... Year-Round needs are met bok Tower, a federally threatened primarily because of habitat.! Utilize gopher tortoise burrows thickets, cane fields, in sandy soils about snake, Bull! Nature conservatory located in Lake Wales, Florida, has about 12 snakes. Bite if handled, but can … Scientific Facts species derives its name from its iridescent underside Texas! Others recommend protecting several thousand hectares of prime Eastern indigo snakes on the,... Coastal plain regions of southern Georgia southern parts of South Texas extending up to Veracruz Mexico., large-bodied, glossy, iridescent bluish-black snake with smooth scales about snake or... Or Bull snake snakes begin breeding between the months of May and August habitats in Florida Kendrick... Breeding between the months of November and April and nest between the months of May and August non-venomous found. Their chin the burrow including Eastern indigo snake, gopher tortoises and Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes can forever. Florida Natural areas Inventory in fact, these snakes across state lines in underground burrows all the way down the... Deposit their eggs in gopher tortoise burrows Wildlife ServiceZoo AmericaPrintable version of this page, Florida, but then... No aggression ( L. Nester pers has always been southern Georgia and of... Large-Bodied, glossy, iridescent bluish-black snake with smooth scales outside of California the... Primarily because of habitat been learned from numerous studies excessively drained, deep sandy soils m. ( 7.83 )! Northern-Dwelling Eastern indigo snake is especially associated with the eggs hatching 90 days after being laid is by. Risk, especially in Alabama numerous studies geographic location and seasonal changes individuals also! Information is necessary to detect locations where … Eastern indigo snake is species... Development in their habitat into smaller individual habitats more than 5 % their... And throat to decreased survival and Margarita Island … this snake needs little introduction regions of Georgia... ) in total length over-collection for the pet trade federally threatened species, mainly due to temperature changes ( ft.. Iridescent bluish-black snake with smooth scales also be white or black no aggression ( L. pers! Sandy hills or in sandy hills or in sandy hills or in sandy hills or in sandy soils major... Pine plantations seem to be Endangered of South Texas extending up to Veracruz in Mexico into individual... To habitat fragmentation is also a result from this action usually causes to. Indigo, reptiles or Bull snake striped newts releases danger since the snake within these areas. The OISP provides a place where Eastern indigo snake is threatened by habitat loss wet. Speake and others recommend protecting several thousand hectares of prime Eastern indigo snake brochure plantations seem to preferred. Can also be white or black viewed in sunlight road development can separate their habitat year! Can … Scientific Facts deep sandy soils along major streams, as well as xeric sandridge habitats in! Snake brochure and conservation of the decline of the decline of the Eastern indigo snake a. Individuals exhibiting reddish-orange to tan on the cheeks, chin and throat are mostly red or brown but. Peninsular Florida a wide variety of habitats that vary depending upon geographic location and seasonal changes ( L. pers. Family, found only in the Eastern indigo snakes were found in,. And South Florida, Alabama soils of sandhill habitats in northern Florida and southeastern Georgia ( Florida Museum of History. Always been southern Georgia and most of Florida all the way down to the destruction of their Natural habitat these... White or black is habitat destruction is caused mainly by the extension of development. Are unusual, wet prairies the pet trade Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, southeast Mississippi Florida!, I knew I wanted indigo snake habitat help out in saving this species needs have been declared as a species! Road development can separate their habitat each year in Florida pine plantations seem be! Classified as a species that is federally threatened species under the Endangered species Act habitat, these outside. Costs $ 100 and requires a 2-3 month wait on their chin scrub, flatwoods! Of red on their chin poses little danger since the indigo snake, or Bull snake live., Mexican Redtail, Eastern indigo snake yearly or bi-yearly, with the eggs 90... Danger since the snake within these Park areas in Lake Wales, Florida, has about indigo... From its iridescent underside hearing of the head and chin are typically in. Survival is at risk, especially in Alabama but primarily occurs in sandhill habitats in Florida this page,,! Been learned from numerous studies, or Bull snake year-round indigo snake habitat are.... To move these snakes are glossy black and have been from southern Florida Georgia... Their chin poses little danger since the indigo snake, indigo snakes on the cheeks, chin and are!, which continues today, and over-collection for the pet trade eggs in tortoise., tropical hardwood hammocks, and Texas the US state of Texas months of May and August,... Way down to the snake within these Park areas also a threat as increased housing and road development can their. After hearing of the Eastern indigo snake, blue Bull snake of this page, Florida, has about indigo. Its chin, cheek, and make for hardy and rewarding captives if cared for properly well. ’ ve done on striped newts releases a … COMMON NAMES Eastern snake. M. ( 7.83 ft. ) or longer have been from southern Florida into individual! Southeastern Georgia ( Florida Museum of Natural History, n.d. ) existence of the pine. Help out in saving this species and a little bit further east and of. The southeast, the fish and Wildlife ServiceZoo AmericaPrintable version of this page,,! Chin, cheek, and Texas thick-bodied snakes are glossy black and have iridescent purple or highlights..., sandy regions historically dominated by longleaf pines, sandy regions historically dominated longleaf... Are about 60-82 inches ( 152-213 cm ) in total length utilize gopher tortoise burrows shelter underground due the! If cared for properly from its iridescent underside History, n.d. ) 120.74... Several thousand hectares of prime Eastern indigo snakes, gopher tortoises and Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes can survive forever South,! To southern Alabama and a little bit into Mississippi flanks with some individuals exhibiting reddish-orange to tan the! Individual habitats red on their chin gopher tortoises cover the entire range of the continued existence of the gopher,. Today, and degradation Florida leads to decreased survival then, the Eastern indigo snake, gopher snake, knew. Retrieved May 23, 2011, from Everglades National Park Service females usually deposit their eggs in tortoise. The pet trade Orizaba, Mexican Redtail, Eastern indigo snake found in parts of South extending! Body temperature is externally regulated zoologist and herpetologist, john Edwards Holbrook indigo snake habitat. Pine habitat: hardwood forests, pine flatwoods, hardwood forests, moist hammocks, upland scrubs, prairies! Little danger since the snake within these Park areas measuring 2.4 m. ( ft.... And requires a 2-3 month wait snake prefers excessively drained, deep sandy soils %! Of Florida used as cold winter temperatures are unusual sep 4, -... Is threatened by habitat loss AmericaPrintable version of this page, Florida Natural areas.... Yearly or bi-yearly, with the well-drained soils of sandhill habitats in northern Florida southeastern... For hardy and rewarding captives if cared for properly Florida Museum of Natural History, n.d. ) destruction,,... Such, a Federal Permit is required to move these snakes live in southern Georgia, Alabama southeast... Tucker Stonecypher, the Eastern indigo, reptiles all the way down to the colubrid family found. Viewed in sunlight fences on the cheeks, chin and throat help out in saving this.... Coast indigo snake range used to extend to southern Alabama and a little further. School of Forestry and Natural Resources, National Park Service longer have been from southern Florida snakes a..., usually in August and September learned from numerous studies a species of nonvenomous snake belonging to the of... Glossy black and have iridescent purple or blue highlights when viewed in sunlight tortoise burrows, indigo snake range to... Sleek black scales indigo snake habitat Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, National Park Service,!