Status of the eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) on St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, Franklin County, Florida
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Published source details
Irwin K.J., Lewis T.E., Kirk J.D., Collins S.L. & Collins J.T. (2003) Status of the eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) on St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, Franklin County, Florida. Journal of Kansas Herpetology, 7, 13-18.
Published source details Irwin K.J., Lewis T.E., Kirk J.D., Collins S.L. & Collins J.T. (2003) Status of the eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) on St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, Franklin County, Florida. Journal of Kansas Herpetology, 7, 13-18.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Release captive-bred reptiles into the wild: Snakes & lizards Action Link |
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Translocate adult or juvenile reptiles: Snakes Action Link |
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Release captive-bred reptiles into the wild: Snakes & lizards
A study in 1980–2001 on an island off the coast of Florida, USA (Irwin et al. 2003) found that a small number of released (some captive-bred) eastern indigo snakes Drymarchon couperi survived 5–8 years in the wild. In the 17–20 years after 40 eastern indigo snakes were released, five snakes were recorded in the wild and the last snake was observed 5–8 years after release (1983: 1 individual; 1985: 1 individual; 1986: 2 individuals; 1988: 1 individual). In 1980–1982, forty eastern indigo snakes (hatchlings and juveniles from a captive breeding colony, wild-caught adults, confiscated snakes and donated from zoos) were released onto St Vincent Island National Wildlife Refuge (51 km2). Snakes were monitored using combinations of cameras in gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus burrows and drift fence/pitfall trap arrays in autumn, winter and spring 1983–1990, January and December 2000, and April 2001. Sightings (unverified) were also recorded but are not reported here.
(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)
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Translocate adult or juvenile reptiles: Snakes
A study in 1980–2001 on an island off the coast of Florida, USA (Irwin et al. 2003) found that a small number of released eastern indigo snakes Drymarchon couperi survived 5–8 years in the wild. In the 17–20 years after 40 eastern indigo snakes were released, five snakes were recorded in the wild and the last snake was observed 5–8 years after release (1983: 1 individual; 1985: 1 individual; 1986: 2 individuals; 1988: 1 individual). In 1980–1982, forty eastern indigo snakes (hatchlings and juveniles from a captive breeding colony, wild-caught adults, confiscated snakes and donated from zoos) were released onto St Vincent Island National Wildlife Refuge (51 km2). Snakes were monitored using combinations of cameras in gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus burrows and drift fence/pitfall trap arrays in autumn, winter and spring 1983–1990, January and December 2000, and April 2001. Sightings (unverified) were also recorded but are not reported here.
(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)
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