The eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) is the longest snake native to North America. Credit: Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
TALLAHASSEE, Florida – Forty-two young eastern indigo snakes were released at The Nature Conservancy’s Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve for the ninth consecutive year in hopes of restoring Florida’s ecosystem.
The eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) is the longest snake native to North America that conservationists say is an essential component of the now rare southern longleaf pine ecosystem.
The species serves a critical function to balance the wildlife community by consuming a variety of small animals including both venomous and non-venomous snakes.
Reaching lengths over eight feet long, eastern indigo snakes often rely on gopher tortoise burrows for shelter during cold weather.
The 42 snakes—22 female and 20 male—were raised for release. A total of 209 eastern indigo snakes have now been released at the property.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Florida, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens’ Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation (OCIC) and partners returned the native, non-venomous apex predator to the region.
“In restoring ecosystems, each species plays a part in bringing back natural balance,” said Preserve Manager Catherine Ricketts in a release.
“In our longleaf pine-wiregrass savannas, we want the complete suite of species here, including birds, mammals, insects and an apex predator: the eastern indigo snake. These snakes are a key component of restoring north Florida‘s longleaf pine forests.”
SIMILAR STORIES
TSA Finds Snakes In Passenger’s Pants Before Boarding On A Plane
Copyright 2023-2025 FloridaWord.com
