(DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species SNAKE, INDIGO, EASTERN
Species Id ESIS154009
Date 14 MAR 96
TAXONOMY
NAME - SNAKE, INDIGO, EASTERN
OTHER COMMON NAMES - SNAKE, INDIGO, EASTERN; SNAKE, INDIGO; SNAKE and GOPHER
ELEMENT CODE -
CATEGORY - Reptiles
PHYLUM AND SUBPHYLUM - CHORDATA,
CLASS AND SUBCLASS - REPTILIA,
ORDER AND SUBORDER - SQUAMATA,
FAMILY AND SUBFAMILY - COLUBRIDAE,
GENUS AND SUBGENUS - DRYMARCHON,
SPECIES AND SSP - CORAIS, COUPERI
SCIENTIFIC NAME - DRYMARCHON CORAIS COUPERI
AUTHORITY -
TAXONOMY REFERENCES -
COMMENTS ON TAXONOMY -
Eastern Indigo Snake
Drymarchon corais couperi (Holbrook, 1842)
KINGDOM: Animal GROUP: Reptile
PHYLUM: Chordata CLASS: Reptilia
ORDER: Squamata FAMILY: Colubridae
The eastern indigo snake is a large, heavy bodied snake attaining
a length of 2.63 m. The color is uniformly lustrous black dorsally
and ventrally except for a red or cream colored suffusion of the chin,
throat, and sometimes cheeks. Scales are large and smooth (the
central 3-5 scale rows are lightly keeled in adult males) in 17 scale
rows at midbody. The anal plate is undivided. The antepenultimate
supralabial scale does not contact the temporal or postocular scales.
Originally described as Coluber couperi by Holbrook in 1842 (09),
Baird and Girard reassigned it to the genus Georgia in 1853. Cope
transferred it to the genus Spilotes in 1860 and relegated it as a
subspecies of Spilotes corais in 1892. In 1900, Cope reassigned the
species corais to the genus Compsosoma. In 1917, Stejneger and
Barbour resurrected the genus name Drymarchon, (Drymarchon corais;
Daudin, 1827), including the eastern indigo snake as Drymarchon corais
couperi. The taxonomy has been stable since 1917 (14).
Taxonomy - 1 (DRAFT) - Taxonomy
Species SNAKE, INDIGO, EASTERN
Species Id ESIS154009
Date 14 MAR 96
The type specimen of Drymarchon corais couperi is in the Academy
of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia, PA. No. 3937. Many excellent
photographs are available which are included in the following
references: (06,11,18,24).
The most numerous collection of preserved specimens is in the
Florida State Museum (15).
Taxonomy - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species SNAKE, INDIGO, EASTERN
Species Id ESIS154009
Date 14 MAR 96
STATUS
Coded Status
Alabama; Federal Threatened
Alabama; State Listed
Alabama; Unofficially Listed
Florida; Federal Threatened
Florida; Officially Listed
Georgia; Federal Threatened
Georgia; State Listed
Mississippi; State Listed
South Carolina; State Listed
T: Federal Threatened
Commercial
COMMENTS ON STATUS -
U.S. STATUSES AND LAWS:
The eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) has been
designated a Threatened species pursuant to the Endangered Species Act
of 1973 (50 CFR 17.11; P.L. 93-205, 87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C.
1531-1540), as amended. The species has this status wherever found
including the States of Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, South
Carolina and Alabama.
This species is protected by the Lacey Act (P.L. 97-79, as
amended; 16 U.S.C. 3371 et seq.) which makes it unlawful to import,
export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase any wild
animal (alive or dead including parts, products, eggs, or offspring):
(1) in interstate or foreign commerce if taken, possessed,
transported or sold in violation of any State law or
regulation; or
(2) if taken or possessed in violation of any U.S. law,
treaty, or regulation or in violation of Indian tribal law.
It is also unlawful to possess any wild animal (alive or dead
including parts, products, eggs, and offspring) within the U.S.
territorial or special maritime jurisdiction (as defined in
18 U.S.C. 7) that is taken, possessed, transported, or sold in
violation of any State law or regulation, foreign law, or Indian
tribal law.
RESPONSIBLE FEDERAL AGENCIES:
USFWS -Responsible for the management/recovery, listing, and
law enforcement/protection of this species.
BIA -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public lands under their control. Also responsible
for management/recovery on Bureau of Indian Affairs
lands.
BLM -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
Status - 1 (DRAFT) - Status
Species SNAKE, INDIGO, EASTERN
Species Id ESIS154009
Date 14 MAR 96
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public land under their control (43 CFR 4140). Also
responsible for management/recovery on Bureau of Land
Management lands.
DOD -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public land under their control. Also responsible for
management/recovery on Department of Defense lands.
NPS -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public lands under their control. Also responsible
for conservation (Nat. Park System Organic Act - 16
U.S.C. 1, 2-3)/management/recovery on National Park
Service lands. Taking, possessing, or disturbing of
Federally listed species is prohibited on NPS lands
(36 CFR 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3).
USFS -Responsible for the law enforcement/protection of this
species with applicable State and Federal laws on
public lands under their control. Also responsible
for management/recovery on Forest Service lands. The
Forest Service is responsible for integrating
management, protection, and conservation of Federally
listed species into the Forest Planning process
(36 CFR 219.19 and 219.20).
All Federal agencies have responsibility to ensure that any
action authorized, funded, or carried out by that agency is not likely
to jeopardize the continued existence of the species or result in the
destruction or adverse modification of Critical Habitat (50 CFR 402),
and to utilize their authorities to carry out programs for the
conservation of the species.
STATE STATUSES AND LAWS:
STATE: Florida
DESIGNATED STATUS: Threatened
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Comm.
STATE STATUTES: Article IV, Sec. 9, Florida Constitution,
372.072 Florida Statute Rule 39-27.04
(designation of Threatened species) Title 39,
Florida Annotated Code
STATE: Georgia
DESIGNATED STATUS: Threatened
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Georgia Department of Natural Resources,
Game and Fish Division,
Non-game Endangered Wildlife Program
STATE STATUTES: The Endangered Wildlife Act of 1973, Section
3914-3
STATE: Alabama
DESIGNATED STATUS: Nongame Wildlife Species
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Div. of Game and Fish
Status - 2 (DRAFT) - Status
Species SNAKE, INDIGO, EASTERN
Species Id ESIS154009
Date 14 MAR 96
STATE STATUTES: Game and Fish Reg. 87-GF-7.
UNOFFICIAL LIST: Endangered; In: Mount, R.H. 1986. Vertebrate
Animals in Need of Special Attention. Ala.
Agri. Expt. Sta., Auburn Univ. 124 pp.
STATE: Mississippi
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: Mississippi Department of Wildlife
Conservation
STATE STATUTES: Public Notice Number 2156 of the Mississippi
Code of 1972, Section 47, Number 5, pp105-119
STATE: South Carolina
DESIGNATED STATUS: Endangered
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENCY: South Carolina Wildlife and Marine
Resources, Non-game and Heritage Trust
STATE STATUTES: Non-game and Endangered Species Act,
Section 50-15-40
INTERNATIONAL STATUSES, TREATIES, AND AGREEMENTS:
None.
ECONOMIC STATUSES:
Prior to listing this species was in great demand as a pet.
Many have been taken from the wild by collectors in the past. However,
there does not seem to be as large of a demand since Federal listing.
77/01/01:42 FR 38921/38924 - Proposed listing as Threatened
78/01/31:43 FR 04026/04029 - Final listing as Threatened
83/12/08:48 FR 55100/55102 - Five year review
Status - 3 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS
HABITAT - TERRESTRIAL
TERRESTRIAL
INLAND AQUATIC
SOCIETY OF AMERICAN FORESTRY TYPES
SAF TYPE STAGE CLOSURE
Longleaf Pine shrub--seedling
Longleaf Pine young tree
Longleaf Pine mature tree
Longleaf Pine Old Growth
shrub--seedling
young tree
mature tree
Old Growth
LAND USE -
Orchards, Groves, Vineyards, Nurseries,
Herbaceous Rangeland
Shrub and Brush Rangeland
Mixed Rangeland
Evergreen Forest Land
Mixed Forest Land
Forested Wetland
Nonforested Wetland
Sandy Areas other than Beaches
NATIONAL WETLAND INVENTORY CODES
NWI NWICLS NWIMOD NWISPEC
Palustrine SS1
Palustrine FO3
Palustrine FO2
Palustrine FO1
Estuarine, intertidal SS3
COMMENTS ON HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS -
Outside peninsular Florida, eastern indigo snakes are largely
restricted to the vicinity of xeric habitats supporting populations of
gopher tortoises, Gopherus polyphemus, although the indigo snake moves
seasonally into more mesic habitats. The snake utilizes gopher
tortoise burrows for shelter and possibly breeding. Throughout
peninsular Florida, the indigo may be found in all terrestrial
habitats which have not suffered high density urban development (11,
15,16). They are especially common in the hydric hammocks of the gulf
hammock region of north Florida and in similar habitats throughout
peninsular Florida (15). The species is also found around the
periphery of and along drainage canals through citrus groves
throughout Florida (15).
Due to their large home range and diurnal habits the species is
particularly vulnerable to being killed by people or domestic animals.
Indigo snake populations may suffer even from relatively low density
urban development. They remain in the greatest numbers in areas where
extensive tracts of wild land are still to be found (07,16).
Habitat Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Food Habits
Species SNAKE, INDIGO, EASTERN
Species Id ESIS154009
Date 14 MAR 96
FOOD HABITS
TROPHIC LEVEL -
CARNIVORE
LIFESTAGE FOOD FOOD PART
General Fish
General Amphibia
General Reptilia
General Aves
General Mammalia
Food Habits - 1 (DRAFT) - Environment Associations
Species SNAKE, INDIGO, EASTERN
Species Id ESIS154009
Date 14 MAR 96
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G = General A = Adult
LIM = Limiting RA = Resting Adult
J = Juvenile FA = Feeding Adult
RJ = Resting Juvenile BA = Breeding Adult
FJ = Feeding Juvenile P = Pupae
L = Larvae E = Egg
RL = Resting Larvae
FL = Feeding Larvae
LIFESTAGE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
G
G Coastal Features: Vegetated offshore islands
G Terrestrial Features: Burrows
Environment Associations - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SNAKE, INDIGO, EASTERN
Species Id ESIS154009
Date 14 MAR 96
LIFE HISTORY
FOOD HABITS:
The indigo snake is a generalized predator and will eat any
vertebrate small enough to be overpowered. Reported food items
include fish, frogs, toads, snakes (poisonous as well as
nonpoisonous), lizards, turtles, turtle eggs, small alligators, birds
and small mammals (02,05,06,08,10,12,16,17,18,23).
HOME RANGE/TERRITORY:
Indigo snakes are not territorial, although males may sometimes
fight. Reported average seasonal range is 4.8 hectares during the
winter (December-April), 42.9 hectares during late spring/early summer
(May-July), and 97.4 hectares during late summer and fall (August-
November) (21).
PERIODICITY:
The species is almost exclusively diurnal (16,17,23).
MIGRATION PATTERNS:
Especially in the more northern portions of its range, the indigo
snake may show seasonal shifts in habitat occupancy, wintering on
sand ridges but moving to adjacent, more mesic habitats during the
summer (21). It does not, however, exhibit true migration.
COVER/SHELTER REQUIREMENTS:
Indigo snakes require sheltered "retreats" from winter cold and
dessicating conditions. In laboratory experiments, they appear to be
especially susceptible to dessication (03). In sandhill habitats
they most frequently take shelter in the burrows of gopher tortoises
(04,09,12,13,17,18,21,25). In more mesic habitats lacking gopher
tortoises, indigo snakes may take shelter in hollowed root channels,
rodent burrows, armadillo burrows, hollow logs or crab burrows (13,
16).
REPRODUCTIVE SITE REQUIREMENTS:
There is little information available on nesting sites, but there
are two reports of eggs being laid in burrows of the gopher tortoise
(17,21).
REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS:
Breeding occurs from October to March (08,21,23) and is
promiscuous (16). A single clutch of 4-12 eggs (17,18,23) is laid
during May (16,17,21). Eggs hatch in approximately 3 months (08,24).
Sexual maturity may be reached in 3-4 years (17). Delayed
fertilization is apparently possible; there is a single record of a
captive snake laying five eggs (at least one of which was fertile)
after being isolated for more than four years (05).
PARENTAL CARE:
Young are precocial; there is no parental care.
POPULATION BIOLOGY:
Life History - 1 (DRAFT) - Life History
Species SNAKE, INDIGO, EASTERN
Species Id ESIS154009
Date 14 MAR 96
There is little available information on the population biology
of this species. Due to the decline of the gopher tortoise (01), the
availability of suitable cover (tortoise burrows) may become limiting
in more northerly portions of the range and in sandhill habitats
throughout (16). The practice of "gassing" tortoise burrows to drive
out snakes has been shown lethal to indigo snakes (20,22) and may be
a limiting factor in portions of the range where "rattlesnake
roundups" are held (13). Sex ratio does not differ significantly
from 1:1 (17,23). There is no information on longevity in the wild;
maximum reported captive longevity is 25 years 11 months (19).
Recovery potential is good where suitable habitat is maintained (07,
16).
SPECIES INTERRELATIONSHIPS:
Wherever the indigo snake occurs in xeric habitats, it is closely
associated with the gopher tortoise, Gopherus polphemus (04,09,12,13,
17,18,21,25), the burrows of which provide shelter from winter cold
and the dessicating sandhill environment (03,21). This dependence
seems especially pronounced in Georgia, Alabama, and the panhandle
area of Florida, where indigo snakes are largely restricted to the
vicinity of sandhill habitats occupied by gopher tortoises (07,16,18,
21).
OTHER LIFE HISTORY DESCRIPTORS:
No other information is available at this time.
Life History - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SNAKE, INDIGO, EASTERN
Species Id ESIS154009
Date 14 MAR 96
MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
RESULT MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
Beneficial Maintaining undisturbed/undeveloped areas
Beneficial Land Acquisition
Beneficial Prescribed/controlled burning of habitat
Beneficial Selective Thinning
Beneficial Timber Harvesting
Beneficial Controlling/Removing Native Vegetation
Beneficial Stocking captive-reared wild-strain animals
Beneficial Restricting Poaching
Beneficial Regulating commercial harvest levels
Adverse Incidental Capturing/Killing
Existing Incidental Capturing/Killing
Adverse Harassment/Vandalism/Indiscriminate Killing
Existing Harassment/Vandalism/Indiscriminate Killing
Adverse Collecting
Existing Collecting
Adverse Commercial Exploitation
Existing Commercial Exploitation
Adverse Off Road Vehicles
Existing Off Road Vehicles
Adverse Surface Mines
Existing Surface Mines
Adverse Highway/Railroads
Existing Highway/Railroads
Adverse Environmental Contamination/Pollution
Existing Environmental Contamination/Pollution
Adverse
Existing
Adverse Suppressing wildfire
Existing Suppressing wildfire
COMMENTS ON MANAGEMENT PRACTICES -
Perhaps the single most important factor in the decline of the
indigo snake has been the loss of habitat to urbanization and
agricultural development (07,13,17,23,25). Where large tracts of
otherwise suitable habitat remain, their suitability for indigo snakes
has often been diminished by declines in populations of gopher
tortoises (01), the burrows of which provide shelter for indigo snakes
in xeric habitats. Thus, factors which reduce suitability of tortoise
habitat, such as fire suppression (12,25) or excessive ATV use (13),
reduce suitability for indigo snakes as well. Gassing of tortoise
burrows has been shown to be lethal to indigo snakes (20,22) and may
be a limiting factor in areas where the technique is used to collect
rattlesnakes for "rattlesnake roundups". Collecting of indigo snakes,
especially commercial collecting for the pet trade, has in the past
caused at least local declines (13,17,23,25). However, commercial
traffic was severely curtailed by federal protection provided under
the Endangered Species Act and is probably not a major problem at this
time (16). Because of its relatively large home range, the indigo
Management Practices - 1 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SNAKE, INDIGO, EASTERN
Species Id ESIS154009
Date 14 MAR 96
snake is especially vulnerable to highway mortality in areas where its
habitat has been fragmented by development including surface mining
activities (16).
APPROVED PLAN:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1981. Eastern Indigo Snake
Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Atlanta, GA.
23 pp.
The following is an outline of tasks prescribed under the
approved Recovery Plan:
1. Maintain and protect existing populations of eastern indigo snakes.
11. Locate and delineate present populations through field
surveys and distribution studies.
12. Provide needed habitat.
121. Acquire and/or manage and protect areas necessary to
maintain viable populations by controlling native
vegetation through prescribed burning and/or selective
thinning and conservative timber harvest techniques.
122. Determine habitat requirements.
123. Conduct studies of population ecology, movements, and
food habits.
13. Provide improved protection for existing populations.
131. Enact legislation protecting the indigo snake in each
state where it occurs or possibly occurs.
132. Prohibit the practice of introducing toxic substances
into gopher tortoise burrows on public lands and
encourage ending the practice on private lands
inhabitated by indigo snakes.
133. Enact legislation and/or regulations that will provide
more protection for the gopher tortoise.
134. Determine the effects and the extent of exposure to
pesticides and provide protection where possible.
14. Monitor populations and habitats.
141. Determine methods for monitoring populations on study
areas and sample areas.
142. Monitor habitat trends.
2. Reestablish populations where feasible.
21. Release the indigo snake at chosen sites.
211. Identify suitable reintroduction sites.
212. Obtain stock for reintroduction.
212-1. Maintain a captive breeding program and
research on captive breeding and restocking
potential as needed.
212-2. Obtain stock from the wild when necessary.
22. Monitor results of reestablishment attempts.
3. Improve the attitude of the public and their behavior towards
indigo snakes.
31. Educate the general public regarding the plight of the indigo
Management Practices - 2 (DRAFT) - Management Practices
Species SNAKE, INDIGO, EASTERN
Species Id ESIS154009
Date 14 MAR 96
snake and the need for recovery efforts.
311. Publish scientific data.
312. Produce and distribute educational materials for the
various communications media.
32. Make special efforts to contact owners or leaseholders of
large tracts of sandhill habitat where the indigo snake
possibly or does occur.
The ultimate Recovery Plan objective is to delist the species by
insuring that numerous indigo snake populations exist and are
reproducing and protected where suitable habitat still exists in the
historical range of the species. Before this can be accomplished
research is necessary to; 1) develop population monitoring methods, 2)
determine habitat requirements of juveniles, and 3) determine captive
breeding and restocking potential of the species. Establishment of
protected areas of good habitat as reintoduction sites and sanctuaries
is thought to be important as is the improvement of public attitude
and behavior towards the indigo snake.
Recovery tasks currently being carried out include habitat
management through controlled burning, testing experimental miniature
radio transmitters for tracking of juvenile indigo snakes, maintenance
of a captive breeding colony at Auburn University, recapture of
formerly released snakes to confirm survival in the wild, presentation
of education lectures and field trips, and efforts to obtain landowner
cooperation in indigo snake conservation efforts.
Management Practices - 3 (DRAFT) - References
Species SNAKE, INDIGO, EASTERN
Species Id ESIS154009
Date 14 MAR 96
References
***** REFERENCES FOR ALL NARRATIVES EXCEPT N-OCCURRENCE *****
01 Auffenberg, W. and R. Franz. 1982. The status and distribution of
Gopherus polyphemus. Pages 95-126 In: R.B. Bury, ed. North
American tortoises: conservation and ecology. US Fish and
Wildlife Service Res. Rep. 12.
02 Babis, W.A. 1949. Notes on the food of the indigo snake. Copeia
1949 (2):147.
03 Bogert, C.M. and R.B. Cowels. 1947. Results of the Archibold
expeditions. No. 58. Moisture loss in relation to habitat
selection in some Floridian reptiles. Amer. Mus. Novitates 1358:
1-34.
04 Carr, A.E., Jr. 1940. A contribution to the herpetology of
Florida. Univ. Fla. Publ. Biological Sci. Series: Vol.III, No. 1.
118 pp.
05 Carson, H.L. 1945. Delayed fertilization in a captive indigo
snake with note of feeding and shedding. Copeia 1945(4):222-224.
06 Conant, R. 1975. A field guide to reptiles and amphibians of
eastern and central North America. Second edition. Houghton
Mifflin Co.; Boston, Mass. 429 pp.
07 Diemer, J.E. and D.W. Speake. 1981. The status of the eastern
indigo snake in Georgia. In: R. Odum and J. Guthrie, eds. Proc.
Nongame and End. Wildl. Symp., GA Dept. Nat. Res. Game and Fish
Div., Tech. Bull. WL 5, Pp. 52-61.
08 Groves, F. 1960. The eggs and young of Drymarchon corais couperi.
Copeia 1960(1):51-53.
09 Holbrook, J.E. 1842. North American herpetology; or, a
description of the reptiles inhabiting the United States. Second
edition. Vol. 3. J. Dobson. Philadelphia. 3-128 pp.
10 Keegan, H.L. 1944. Indigo snakes feeding upon poisonous snakes.
Copeia 1944(1):59.
11 Kochman, H.I. 1978. Eastern indigo snake. Drymarchon corais
couperi. Pp. 68-69. In: R.W. Mcdiarmid. ed. Rare and Endangered
biota of Florida.
12 Landers, J.L. and D.W. Speake. 1980. Management needs of sandhill
reptiles in southern Georgia. Proc. Ann. Conf. S.E. Assoc. Fish
and Wildl. Agencies. 34:515-529.
13 Lawler, H.E. 1977. The status of Drymarchon corais couperi
(holbrook), the eastern indigo snake, in the southeastern U.S.A.
Herpetol. Rev. 8(3):76-79.
14 McCranie, J.R. 1980. Drymarchon corais. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept.
267. 1-267. 4.
15 Moler, P.E. 1985. Distribution of the eastern indigo snake,
Drymarchon corais couperi, in Florida. Herpetol. Rev.
16 Moler, P.E. 1985. Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission,
4005 South Main Street, Gainsville, FL. 32601.
17 Moulis, R. 1976. Autecology of the eastern indigo snake
Drymarchon corais couperi. Bull. New York Herpetol. Soc. 12(3-4):
14-23.
18 Mount, R.H. 1975. The reptiles and amphibians of Alabama.
Auburn. Univ. Exp. Sta., Auburn, AL. 347 pp.
References - 1 (DRAFT) - References
Species SNAKE, INDIGO, EASTERN
Species Id ESIS154009
Date 14 MAR 96
19 Shaw, C.E. 1959. Longevity of snakes in the United States as of
January 1, 1959. Copeia 1959(4):336-337.
20 Speake, D.W. and J.A. McGlincy. 1981. Response of indigo snakes
to gassing of their dens. Proc. Ann. Conf. S.E. Assoc. Fish and
Wildl. Agencies. 35:135-138.
21 Speake, D.W., J.A. McGlincy, and T.R. Colvin. 1978. Ecology and
management of the eastern indigo snake in Georgia: A progress
report. Pp 64-73, In: R.R. Odum and L. Landers, eds. Proc. Rare
and End. Wildl. Symp., Georgia Dept. Nat. Res., Game and Fish Div.,
Tech. Bull. WL 4.
22 Speake, D.W. and R.H. Mount. 1973. Some possible ecological
effects of "rattlesnake roundups" in the southeastern coastal
plain. Proc. Ann. Conf. S.E. Assoc. Fish and Wildl. Agencies. 27:
267-277.
23 Steiner, T.M., O.L. Bass, Jr., and J.A. Kushlan. 1983. Status
of the eastern indigo snake in southern Florida National Parks and
vicinity. S. FL. Res. Ctr. Rept. SFRC-83/01. 25 pp. (Everglades
National Park, Homestead, FL).
24 Wright, A.H. and A.A. Wright. 1957. Handbook of snakes of the
United States and Canada. Comstock Pub. Ithaca, NY. 1105 pp.
25 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1982. Eastern Indigo Snake
Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Atlanta, GA.
23 pp.
***** REFERENCES FOR N-OCCURRENCE NARRATIVE ONLY *****
01 Cook, F.A. 1954. Snakes of Mississippi. Miss. Game and Fish
Comm. Jackson, MS. 44 pp.
02 Diemer, J.E. and D.W. Speake. 1983. The distribution of the
eastern indigo snake, Drymarchon corais couperi, in Georgia. J.
Herpetology 17(3): 256-264.
03 Haltom, W.L. 1931. Alabama reptiles. Ala. Geol. Surv. Nat. Hist.
Mus., Pap. No. 11: 1-145.
04 Loding, H.P. 1922. A preliminary catalog of Alabama reptiles and
amphibians. Ala. Geol. Surv. Nat. Hist. Mus., Pap. No. 5: 1-59.
05 Lohoefener, R. and R. Altig. 1983. Mississippi herpetology.
Miss. State Univ. Res. Ctr., Bull. No. 1, 66 pp.
06 Moler, P.E. 1985. Distribution of the eastern indigo snake,
Drymarchon corais couperi, in Florida. Herpetol. Rev.
07 Mount, R.H. 1975. The reptiles and amphibians of Alabama.
Auburn. Univ. Exp. Sta., Auburn, AL. 347 pp.
08 Neill, W.T. 1954. Ranges and taxonomic allocations of amphibians
and reptiles in the southeastern United States. Pub. Res. Div.
Ross Allen's Rept. Inst. 7: 75-96.
09 Speake, D.W. Alabama Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, Wildlife
Bldg., Auburn Univ., AL. 36849.
10 Steiner, T. M., O.L. Bass, Jr., and J.A. Kushlan. 1983. Status
of the eastern indigo snake in southern Florida National Parks and
vicinity. S. FL. Res. Ctr. Rept. SFRC-83/01. 25 pp. (Everglades
National Park, Homestead, FL).
11 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 1982. Eastern Indigo Snake
Recovery Plan. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Atlanta, GA.
References - 2 (DRAFT) - References
Species SNAKE, INDIGO, EASTERN
Species Id ESIS154009
Date 14 MAR 96
23 pp.
References - 3