DOCSLIB.ORG

Eastern Indigo Snake Species Description

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Eastern Indigo Snake Species Description Eastern Indigo Snake Species Description Eastern indigo snakes are one of the largest snakes in North America; reaching a maximum total length of 2.62 m. Most records of wild specimens 2.4 m or longer have been from southern Florida. The species is fairly stout-bodied and sexually dimorphic in size, with males attaining greater lengths than females. Large males are typically 2.13-2.36 m and weigh 3.2-4.5 kg; while large females seldom exceed 2.0 m and weigh 1.8-2.7 kg. Photo: Steve Winters Eastern indigo snakes are a uniform bluish or gunmetal black both dorsally and ventrally. A wash of orange-red is often present on the chin, sides of the head, and throat. There is some variation in this as in northern Florida; where some populations have black lip scales and a white patch in the center of the throat rather than the orange-red. The orange-red pigment is more prominent in male eastern indigos and may extend onto the belly of some south Florida snakes. The common name for eastern indigos snakes relates to the large, smooth scales of this species which appear iridescent purple in sunlight. Adult males have partial keels on the scales of the middorsal 3-5 scale rows. Hatchling eastern indigos are sometimes more lighter-colored than adults with evidence of a faint pattern of cream speckling forming faint lateral bands. Taxonomy The taxon was described by James Edward Holbrook in 1842, and named in honor of J. H. Couper who brought him the first specimen from south of the Altamaha River in Wayne County, Georgia. The species Drymarchon corais historically was considered a monotypic species with 8 to 12 subspecies; including D. c. couperi. In the early 1990’s the eastern indigo snake, Drymarchon corais couperi, was elevated to full species level (Drymarchon couperi), and most herpetologists have adopted this suggestion, including the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, in their official names list. Populations of eastern indigo snakes are isolated from their nearest relative, Drymarchon melanurus erebennus, by approximately 1,000 km. The Latin name for the genus Drymarchon roughly translates to “forest ruler”, from the Greek words drymos, meaning forest, and archon meaning ruler. Eastern indigo snakes have a number of common names: indigo, blue indigo snake, black snake, gopher snake, blue gopher snake, and blue bull snake. Distribution Eastern indigo snakes are a member of a species complex which is primarily tropical in distribution. Its range into temperate North America depends on the presence of deep animal-burrows (e.g., gopher tortoise burrows) to survive cold winter temperatures. Eastern indigo snakes occur throughout most of Florida and much of the Coastal Plain of southern Georgia. The historic range included southeastern Mississippi, southernmost Alabama, and possibly southeastern South Carolina; however, eastern indigo populations no longer inhabit these states. The current strongholds for the species are peninsular Florida and southeastern Georgia. Eastern indigo snakes are rare and of very local occurrence in the Florida panhandle (west of Tallahassee) and in southwestern Georgia. Habitat Throughout its range, the eastern indigo snake can be found in a wide variety of habitats depending on the region in which it is found. In peninsular Florida, eastern indigo snakes occur in diverse habitat types; including sandhills, oak scrub, sand pine scrub, mangrove swamps, wet prairies, cabbage palm-live oak hammocks, and pine flatwoods. Some eastern indigo populations in south Florida inhabit vegetated, rock-strewn canal banks surrounded by sugarcane fields or citrus groves. In the northern parts of the range (i.e., southern Georgia and northern Florida (including the Panhandle region) eastern indigo snakes appear to be dependent on gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) burrows for winter dens, and are more largely restricted to sandy, longleaf pine habitats. Gopher tortoise burrows in these areas play a central role in the ecology of eastern indigo snakes, particularly during ecdysis, and their presence will be required in repatriation sites at these northern latitudes. Additional refugia used throughout the year include stump holes, hollow logs, root channels, limestone solution holes, and land crab burrows. In the Coastal Plain of Georgia eastern indigo snakes favor wind-blown deposits of sand 3-9 m deep which are located along the northeastern sides of major blackwater streams. These extensive 8 km long xeric ridges of sands support barren environments with stunted turkey oaks and a patchy ground cover of saw palmetto, rosemary, mints, and reindeer lichens. These upland areas are used by eastern indigos during winter months while lowland habitats serve as foraging areas during the rest of the year. Wildlife corridors are important in linking these seasonal used habitats. Site fidelity has been observed for adult eastern indigo snakes in Georgia; emphasizing the importance of long- term burrow viability. In the cooler months, eastern indigos bask in the vicinity of the gopher tortoise burrows they are using as refugia. Basking often occurs at temperatures of 15.5-22.2 ° C and at temperatures as low as 7.2°C. Movement and Home Range Eastern indigo snakes have one for the largest home ranges compared to any other North American snake species. Home range size appears to fluctuate between sites in south Georgia/north Florida and more southern sites in Florida; with sites in southern Florida being smaller than those of their northern counterparts. In Georgia, females have been found to have a home range of around 100 ha and males around 500 ha. In north Florida, females have a varying home range, between 23-281 ha; while the males have a home rage of roughly 185 ha. Home range size and movement may be influenced by eastern indigo snake population densities, mating opportunities, prey abundance, and the distance traveled between winter refugia and seasonal foraging areas. Individual linear movements can also be significant. One Georgia specimen made a long-distance, interpopulation movement of 22.2 km straight line, or more possibly 27 km, if the snake traveled through suitable habitat corridors. Eastern indigo snakes are most mobile during the warmer months of the year (April-October). During this time they move often, and visit numerous habitats; especially low, shaded forests and wetlands where snake, frog, and rodent prey are abundant. Eastern indigos are inactive for roughly two weeks when undergoing ecdysis. During this time they are often found in gopher tortoise burrow or similar retreats. Diet Eastern indigo snakes are indiscriminate carnivores known to feed on virtually any vertebrate they can overpower. They are a robust and domineering species that overpowers their prey by using strong jaws while pinning the prey item to the substrate with a body coil; often swallowing the prey alive. When feeding on snakes they may chew until the prey is immobilized, and then swallowed head first. Eastern indigos have a high degree of immunity to the venom of sympatric snakes, and suffer no lasting injury if they are bitten by venomous snakes on which they prey. Eastern indigo snakes are known to feed on fish, frogs, toads, small alligators, hatchling aquatic turtles, hatchling and juvenile gopher tortoises, lizards, other snakes, birds and their eggs, and small mammals. An adult eastern indigo found in southern Georgia regurgitated a pigmy rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius), a hatchling gopher tortoise, a southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus), and a southern toad (Bufo terrestris). Eastern indigos are sometimes cannibalistic but observations documenting this for wild snakes are rare. Reproduction Eastern indigo snakes have been characterized as a “late-maturing colubrid snake.” These traits include high adult survivorship, high longevity, low to medium fecundity, small annual clutches, low juvenile survivorship, male-biased sexual size dimorphism, high ratio of mature to immature individuals in the population, and a significant proportion of the population that is older than 4 years old. Sexual maturity in eastern indigos is reached in three to five years of age with a total length approaching 1.5- 1.8 m. Male eastern indigos are estimated to reach sexual maturity in two to three years, and females in three to four years. In southeast Georgia, it is assumed that males typically do not attempt to breed until two to three years old, and females typically breed at three to four years old; however, exceptions can occur as a two year old captured in Georgia was found to be gravid. A skewed sex ratio of 2:1 male to female was found at a Georgia study site, and may be the result of higher energetic costs associated with reproduction, higher predation rates, and/or higher overwinter mortality in females. Eastern indigo snakes are active in the winter; emerging from refugia during suitable temperatures to bask and breed. With the advent of cooling temperatures and shortening day lengths in autumn, adult eastern indigos concentrate on sand ridges and other upland habitats to breed. Competition among males for mates may be intense, resulting in male-male combat rituals. This involves the males intertwining as they wrestle and fight; sometimes biting each other on the neck and inflicting deep gashes. The height of the mating season is November through January, but breeding can occur from October through March. Females lay a single clutch of 4-14 large eggs between April-June, usually in an open-canopied sandy microhabitat. Eggs measure approximately 7.6cm in total length. The eggs are soft shelled, oval, and granular- surfaced. Females have the ability to retain live sperm for prolonged periods, possibly over four years, for later release and egg fertilization. Reports of nest sites are rare, but appear to be mostly associated with gopher tortoise burrows; especially abandoned burrows.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Prey Records for the Eastern Indigo Snake {Drymarchon Couperi)
    2010 SOUTHEASTERN NATURALIST 9(1):1-18 Prey Records for the Eastern Indigo Snake {Drymarchon couperi) Dirk J. Stevenson'*, M. Rebecca Bolt^ Daniel J. Smith', Kevin M. Enge^ Natalie L. Hyslop'^ Terry M. Norton'•^ and Karen J. Abstract - Prey items for the federally protected Easteni Indigo Snake (Drymarchort couperi) were compiled from published and gray literature, field observations, necrop- sies, dissection of museum specimens, and personal communications from reliable sources. One hundred and eighty-six records were obtained for 48 different prey spe- cies. Anurans, Gopher Tortoises, snakes, and rodents comprised ca. 85% of the prey items. Most records (n = 143) that mentioned size were from adult indigos; 17 were from juveniles. Prey records were collected from 1940-2008 and were available for all months of the year. These data confirm that Eastern Indigo Snakes eat a wide assortment of prey of varying sizes. This strategy allows D. couperi to potentially forage success- fully in many different types of habitats and under fluctuating environmental conditions, a valuable trait for a lop-level predator that requires a large home range. IatroducHon Drymarchon couperi Holbrook (Eastern Indigo Snake), with a maximum recorded total length of 2629 mm, is one of the largest snakes in North America (Conant and Collins 1991). It has been federally listed as Threat- ened since 1978 under the Endangered Species Act (US Fish and Wildlife Service 1978). Drymarchon couperi is diurnal and mostly terrestrial (Layne and Steiner 1996, US Fish and Wildlife Service 2008). Of the two main hunt- ing strategies employed by snakes (ambush predator vs. active forager; see Mushinsky 1987), D.
    [Show full text]
  • Eastern Indigo Snake (Flier)
    How To Distinguish Eastern Indigo Snakes Eastern indigo snakes became federally protected as threatened under the Endangered Species Act From Other Common Species in 1978, and they are also protected as threatened by Florida and Georgia. It is illegal to harass, harm, capture, keep, or kill an eastern indigo snake without specific state and/or federal permits. Life History Eastern indigo snakes use a wide variety of habitats The historic range of the eastern ranging from very wet to very dry. They tend to stay indigo snake (shown in dark green) in a specific area known as a home range, but this extended from the southern-most tip Adult eastern indigo snakes may be area is not static and can change over time, of South Carolina west through southern confused with few other species, due Georgia, Alabama, and into eastern to the indigo’s glossy blue-black probably in response to habitat conditions and Mississippi. The current range is shown in color and large size (5–7 ft.). prey availability. Because indigo snakes are sizeable light green. The eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon predators that actively hunt for their food, they couperi) has the distinction of being the need large home ranges. Males have been shown longest snake native to the United States. to use between 50 and 800 acres, whereas females often used for shelter. The snake may share the Eastern indigos typically range from 5 to 7 occupy up to 370 acres. During the winter, home burrow with a tortoise, but most often indigos will feet long, but can reach lengths greater than range sizes are smaller, particularly in the cooler occupy an old burrow that a tortoise has deserted.
    [Show full text]
  • Final Rule to List Reticulated Python And
    Vol. 80 Tuesday, No. 46 March 10, 2015 Part II Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife 50 CFR Part 16 Injurious Wildlife Species; Listing Three Anaconda Species and One Python Species as Injurious Reptiles; Final Rule VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:14 Mar 09, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4717 Sfmt 4717 E:\FR\FM\10MRR2.SGM 10MRR2 mstockstill on DSK4VPTVN1PROD with RULES2 12702 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 46 / Tuesday, March 10, 2015 / Rules and Regulations DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Services Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife 3330) to list Burmese (and Indian) Service, 1339 20th Street, Vero Beach, pythons, Northern African pythons, Fish and Wildlife Service FL 32960–3559; telephone 772–562– Southern African pythons, and yellow 3909 ext. 256; facsimile 772–562–4288. anacondas as injurious wildlife under 50 CFR Part 16 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Bob the Lacey Act. The remaining five RIN 1018–AV68 Progulske, Everglades Program species (reticulated python, boa Supervisor, South Florida Ecological constrictor, green anaconda, [Docket No. FWS–R9–FHC–2008–0015; Services Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife DeSchauensee’s anaconda, and Beni FXFR13360900000–145–FF09F14000] Service, 1339 20th Street, Vero Beach, anaconda) were not listed at that time and remained under consideration for Injurious Wildlife Species; Listing FL 32960–3559; telephone 772–469– 4299. If you use a telecommunications listing. With this final rule, we are Three Anaconda Species and One listing four of those species (reticulated Python Species as Injurious Reptiles device for the deaf (TDD), please call the Federal Information Relay Service python, green anaconda, AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, (FIRS) at 800–877–8339.
    [Show full text]
  • Snakes of the Everglades Agricultural Area1 Michelle L
    CIR1462 Snakes of the Everglades Agricultural Area1 Michelle L. Casler, Elise V. Pearlstine, Frank J. Mazzotti, and Kenneth L. Krysko2 Background snakes are often escapees or are released deliberately and illegally by owners who can no longer care for them. Snakes are members of the vertebrate order Squamata However, there has been no documentation of these snakes (suborder Serpentes) and are most closely related to lizards breeding in the EAA (Tennant 1997). (suborder Sauria). All snakes are legless and have elongated trunks. They can be found in a variety of habitats and are able to climb trees; swim through streams, lakes, or oceans; Benefits of Snakes and move across sand or through leaf litter in a forest. Snakes are an important part of the environment and play Often secretive, they rely on scent rather than vision for a role in keeping the balance of nature. They aid in the social and predatory behaviors. A snake’s skull is highly control of rodents and invertebrates. Also, some snakes modified and has a great degree of flexibility, called cranial prey on other snakes. The Florida kingsnake (Lampropeltis kinesis, that allows it to swallow prey much larger than its getula floridana), for example, prefers snakes as prey and head. will even eat venomous species. Snakes also provide a food source for other animals such as birds and alligators. Of the 45 snake species (70 subspecies) that occur through- out Florida, 23 may be found in the Everglades Agricultural Snake Conservation Area (EAA). Of the 23, only four are venomous. The venomous species that may occur in the EAA are the coral Loss of habitat is the most significant problem facing many snake (Micrurus fulvius fulvius), Florida cottonmouth wildlife species in Florida, snakes included.
    [Show full text]
  • FAMILY VIPERIDAE: VENOMOUS “Pit Vipers” Whose Fangs Fold up Against the Roof of Their Mouth, Such As Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, and Cottonmouths
    FAMILY VIPERIDAE: VENOMOUS “pit vipers” whose fangs fold up against the roof of their mouth, such as rattlesnakes, copperheads, and cottonmouths COPPERHEAD—Agkistrodon contortrix Uncommon to common. Copperheads are found in wet wooded areas, high areas in swamps, and mountainous habitats, although they may be encountered occasionally in most terrestrial habitats. Adults usually are 2 to 3 ft. long. Their general appearance is light brown or pinkish with darker, saddle-shaped crossbands. The head is solid brown. Their leaf-pattern camouflage permits copperheads to be sit- Juvenile copper- heads and-wait predators, concealed not only from their prey but also from their enemies. Copperheads feed on mice, small birds, lizards, snakes, amphibians, and insects, especially cicadas. Like young cottonmouths, baby copperheads have a bright yellow tail that is used to lure small prey animals. 0123ft. Heat-sensing “pit” characteristic of pit vipers CANEBRAKE OR TIMBER RATTLESNAKE—Crotalus horridus Mountain form Common. This species occupies a wide diversity of terrestrial habitats, but is found most frequently in deciduous forests and high ground in swamps. Heavy-bodied adults are usually 3 to 4, and occasionally 5, ft. long. Their basic color is gray with black crossbands that usually are chevron-shaped. Timber rattlesnakes feed on various rodents, rabbits, and occasionally birds. These rattlesnakes are generally passive if not disturbed or pestered in some way. When a rattlesnake is Coastal plain form encountered, the safest reaction is to back away--it will not try to attack you if you leave it alone. 012345 ft. EASTERN DIAMONDBACK RATTLESNAKE— Crotalus adamanteus Rare. This rattlesnake is found in both wet and dry terrestrial habitats including palmetto stands, pine woods, and swamp margins.
    [Show full text]
  • Indigo Snake Fact Sheet
    Eastern Indigo Snake Drymarchon corais Indigo snakes are massive, blue-black snakes that are a real treat to encounter in the wild. They are the longest snakes in the United States, with some individuals reaching a total length of almost nine feet. The indigo snake’s huge size and gentle demeanor have long made it a favorite with carnivals, sideshows and animal dealers. The commercial popularity of the species caused its numbers to decline dramatically. In 1978, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed indigo snakes as a threatened species in all portions of its range; federal protection has helped to stop collection of these snakes from the wild. The numbers of indigo snakes are still declining throughout most of the Southeast. Habitat loss and fragmentation is the main problem facing these snakes today. These snakes live in a variety of habitats, and historically were found along with gopher tortoises in sandy scrub habitats. They have large home ranges and prefer vast areas, unsettled by people. Habitat throughout much of this snake’s range in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi has been lost to housing developments, shopping centers, and urban sprawl. Many indigo snakes are killed by cars. Indigo snakes are active snakes that spend a great deal of time foraging for food and mates. They are one of the few truly diurnal snake species, meaning that they are active during the day and rest at night. During times of inactivity, such as at night or during cooler months, indigo snakes often hide in gopher tortoise burrows (the tortoises don’t seem to mind).
    [Show full text]
  • Significant New Records of Amphibians and Reptiles from Georgia, USA
    GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION 597 Herpetological Review, 2015, 46(4), 597–601. © 2015 by Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles Significant New Records of Amphibians and Reptiles from Georgia, USA Distributional maps found in Amphibians and Reptiles of records for a variety of amphibian and reptile species in Georgia. Georgia (Jensen et al. 2008), along with subsequent geographical All records below were verified by David Bechler (VSU), Nikole distribution notes published in Herpetological Review, serve Castleberry (GMNH), David Laurencio (AUM), Lance McBrayer as essential references for county-level occurrence data for (GSU), and David Steen (SRSU), and datum used was WGS84. herpetofauna in Georgia. Collectively, these resources aid Standard English names follow Crother (2012). biologists by helping to identify distributional gaps for which to target survey efforts. Herein we report newly documented county CAUDATA — SALAMANDERS DIRK J. STEVENSON AMBYSTOMA OPACUM (Marbled Salamander). CALHOUN CO.: CHRISTOPHER L. JENKINS 7.8 km W Leary (31.488749°N, 84.595917°W). 18 October 2014. D. KEVIN M. STOHLGREN Stevenson. GMNH 50875. LOWNDES CO.: Langdale Park, Valdosta The Orianne Society, 100 Phoenix Road, Athens, (30.878524°N, 83.317114°W). 3 April 1998. J. Evans. VSU C0015. Georgia 30605, USA First Georgia record for the Suwannee River drainage. MURRAY JOHN B. JENSEN* CO.: Conasauga Natural Area (34.845116°N, 84.848180°W). 12 Georgia Department of Natural Resources, 116 Rum November 2013. N. Klaus and C. Muise. GMNH 50548. Creek Drive, Forsyth, Georgia 31029, USA DAVID L. BECHLER Department of Biology, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, AMBYSTOMA TALPOIDEUM (Mole Salamander). BERRIEN CO.: Georgia 31602, USA St.
    [Show full text]
  • Drymarchon Couperi) to Chemical and Visual Stimuli of Mus Musculus
    Herpetological Conservation and Biology 6(3):449–454. Submitted: 5 June 2011; Accepted: 23 November 2011; Published: 31 December 2011. CHEMOSENSORY RESPONSE OF THE THREATENED EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE (DRYMARCHON COUPERI) TO CHEMICAL AND VISUAL STIMULI OF MUS MUSCULUS 1 2 3 4 ANTHONY J. SAVIOLA , WILLIAM E. LAMOREAUX , REGIS OPFERMAN , AND DAVID CHISZAR 1School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, 501 20th Street, CB 92, Greeley, Colorado 80639, USA, e-mail: [email protected] 2Molurus Breeding Center, Longmont, Colorado 80503, USA 3Pueblo Mobile Veterinary Clinic, 5685 Summit View Dr., Pueblo, Colorado 81004, USA 4Department of Psychology, CB 345, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado 80309, USA Abstract.—We tested six adult Eastern Indigo Snakes (Drymarchon couperi) for their response to chemical and visual stimuli from prey. We recorded the rate of tongue flicking, number of tongue flicks directed at the stimuli, and the number of seconds spent investigating the stimuli. Most snake species that have been tested use both chemical and visual cues during predation; however, the relative emphasis on these cues and which cues initiate vomeronasal chemoreception varies among species. For Indigo Snakes, only visual cues of mice (Mus musculus) significantly elevated rates of tongue flicking and investigation of stimuli. In contrast, volatile chemical cues, even in the presence of visual cues, failed to elicit a significant response. Key Words.—chemical cues; Drymarchon couperi; Eastern Indigo Snake; predatory behavior; visual cues INTRODUCTION Indigo Snakes are diurnal active foragers, rapidly approaching and swallowing live or immobilized prey Snakes in general use both chemical and visual stimuli (Keegan 1944; Moulis 1976; Dodd and Barichivich from prey during hunting (Chiszar et al.
    [Show full text]
  • An Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon Couperi) Mark-Recapture Study in Southeastern Georgia
    Herpetological Conservation and Biology 4(1):30-42 Submitted: 30 March 2008; Accepted: 18 March 2009 AN EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE (DRYMARCHON COUPERI) MARK- RECAPTURE STUDY IN SOUTHEASTERN GEORGIA 1,2 3 1,4 1,5 DIRK J. STEVENSON , KEVIN M. ENGE , LAWRENCE D. CARLILE , KAREN J. DYER , TERRY 6 7,8 9 M. NORTON , NATALIE L. HYSLOP , AND RICHARD A. KILTIE 1Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Division, Wildlife Management Branch, 1557 Frank Cochran Drive, Fort Stewart, Georgia 31314, USA 2Project Orianne, Ltd., The Indigo Snake Initiative, 414 Club Drive, Hinesville, Georgia 31313, USA, e-mail: [email protected] 3Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 1105 SW Williston Road, Gainesville, Florida 32601,USA, e-mail: [email protected] 4e-mail: [email protected] 5current address: Audubon’s Tavernier Science Center, 115 Indian Mound Trail, Tavernier, Florida 33070, USA, e-mail: [email protected] 6St. Catherines Island Foundation, 182 Camelia Road, Midway, Georgia 31320, USA, e-mail: [email protected] 7Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA 8Current address: Department of Wildlife Ecology, University of Florida, 324 Newins-Ziegler Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611-0430, USA, e-mail: [email protected] 9Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, 4005 South Main Street, Gainesville, Florida 32601, USA, e-mail: [email protected] Abstract.—Recovery of the Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi) that is federally listed as threatened will require population monitoring throughout the species’ range. From 1998 through 2006, we used mark-recapture methods to monitor D. couperi at Fort Stewart, Georgia, USA.
    [Show full text]
  • Desert Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus Catenatus Edwardsii): a Technical Conservation Assessment
    Desert Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii): A Technical Conservation Assessment Prepared for the USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region, Species Conservation Project December 12, 2005 Stephen P. Mackessy, Ph.D.1 with input from Douglas A. Keinath2, Mathew McGee2, Dr. David McDonald3, and Takeshi Ise3 1 School of Biological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, 501 20th St., CB 92, Greeley, CO 80639-0017 2 Wyoming Natural Diversity Database, University of Wyoming, P.O. Box 3381, Laramie, WY 82071 3 Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, P.O. Box 3166, Laramie, WY 82071 Peer Review Administered by Society for Conservation Biology Mackessy, S.P. (2005, December 12). Desert Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii): a technical conservation assessment. [Online]. USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Region. Available: http:// www.fs.fed.us/r2/projects/scp/assessments/massasauga.pdf [date of access]. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We would like to thank the members of the massasauga listserv for information provided, including but not limited to Tom Anton, Gary Casper, Frank Durbian, Andrew Holycross, Rebecca Key, David Mauger, Jennifer Szymanski, and Darlene Upton. For excellent field work on surveys of southeastern Colorado and radiotelemetry of desert massasaugas, the lead author thanks Enoch Bergman, Ron Donoho, Ben Hill, Justin Hobert, Rocky Manzer, Chad Montgomery, James Siefert, Kevin Waldron, and Andrew Wastell. John Palmer and the Palmer family generously provided access to their ranch, which was critical for both survey and telemetry work, and many other kindnesses. For discussions about massasaugas at various times, I thank David Chiszar, Harry Greene, Geoff Hammerson, Andrew Holycross, Lauren Livo, Richard Seigel, and Hobart M.
    [Show full text]
  • North Sandlin Bay Ecosystem Restoration Biological Assessment
    North Sandlin Bay Ecosystem Restoration Project Biological Assessment for Proposed, Threatened, United States and Endangered Wildlife Species Department of Agriculture Forest Service May 2016 For More Information Contact: Ivan Green, District Ranger 24874 U.S. Highway 90 Sanderson, FL, 32087 386-752-2577 In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form.
    [Show full text]
  • Federal Register/Vol. 75, No. 48/Friday, March 12, 2010/Proposed Rules
    11808 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 48 / Friday, March 12, 2010 / Proposed Rules Anyone is able to search the Issued: March 5, 2010. made final, interstate transportation electronic form of all comments Stephen R. Kratzke, could be authorized for scientific, received into any of our dockets by the Associate Administrator for Rulemaking. medical, educational, or zoological name of the individual submitting the [FR Doc. 2010–5177 Filed 3–11–10; 8:45 am] purposes. comment (or signing the comment, if BILLING CODE P DATES: We will consider comments we submitted on behalf of an association, receive on or before May 11, 2010. business, labor union, etc.). You may ADDRESSES: You may submit comments review DOT’s complete Privacy Act DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR by one of the following methods: Statement in the Federal Register at 65 • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// FR 19477, April 11, 2000, or you may Fish and Wildlife Service www.regulations.gov. Follow the visit http://www.regulations.gov. instructions for submitting comments to 50 CFR Part 16 Docket No. FWS-R9-FHC-2008-0015. If you wish Docket Management to • notify you upon its receipt of your RIN 1018-AV68 U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: Docket No. comments, enclose a self-addressed, [FWS-R9-FHC-2008-0015] stamped postcard in the envelope FWS-R9-FHC-2008-0015; Division of [94140-1342-0000-N3] Policy and Directives Management; U.S. containing your comments. Upon Fish and Wildlife Service; 4401 N. receiving your comments, Docket Injurious Wildlife Species; Listing the Fairfax Drive, Suite 222; Arlington, VA Management will return the postcard by Boa Constrictor, Four Python Species, 22203.
    [Show full text]