Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,
Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
Project Orianne
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Location: Conecuh National Forest
Event: Release of 18 captive-bred Eastern indigo snakes into the Conecuh National Forest. The Eastern indigo snake is Threatened under the Endangered Species Act and is a non-game protected species in Alabama.
Background: A federal grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administered by the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and a private contribution from Project Orianne to Auburn University are funding this reintroduction project. Its purpose is to rear young snakes in captivity to a size suitable for releasing into the wild with the goal of establishing a new population. The Eastern indigo snake is an important component of the longleaf pine ecosystem and is not venomous. The Conecuh National Forest, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, was chosen as a release site because it has a suitable habitat for the indigo snake. The longleaf pine ecosystem dominates the 84,000 acres Conecuh National Forest that is located in Escambia and Covington counties. There have been no confirmed sightings in Alabama of the Eastern indigo snake in the wild since the mid 1950s.
Partners: This project is the collaboration of many contributors, including the following:
Ft. Stewart, U.S. Army
Fish and Wildlife Report