Between 20, 216 Eastern indigo snakes were released into protected wilderness with hopes that wild propagation will continue to prosper. Now operated by the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, a colony of more than 100 Eastern indigo snakes are managed in large, outdoor environments that closely replicate their natural habitat. In 2008, The Orianne Society launched a protection program that focused on restoring the habitat of Eastern indigos, which then branched out to become the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation (OCIC). Photo by Scarlett Nightshade.įortunately, it was around this time that conservancies began stepping forward to preserve and propagate their wild populations. The author also lets her snakes explore the grass outdoors. Populations continued to decrease, with the number of Eastern indigos observed in the field decreasing by almost 99 percent in 2009. In 1978, Eastern indigos were listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, although serious conservation efforts would not be made until many decades later. Habitat loss, intentional killing, overcollection and chemical exposure have taken a great toll on their wild populations. Like many endangered animals, Eastern indigos have faced continuous tragedy as a result of human recklessness. However, despite their substantial size, Eastern indigos are most renowned for their calm and gentle nature and rank as one of the most rewarding species an avid reptile enthusiast could ever keep. Even their genus name, Drymarchon, means “forest ruler.” As a living culmination of intelligence, charm, and prestige, these powerful Colubrids are the largest snakes native to the United States. Very few snakes match the regal reputation of the Eastern indigo ( Drymarchon couperi).
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