North America’s longest snake is back after decades

Mar 21, 2022 14:16 GMT+7

The Oriental indigo snake is a non-venomous, non-venomous black, common snake that is the longest native snake in North America. Adults can be up to 2.8 meters long and weigh between 2.5 and 5 kilograms.

North America’s longest snake is back after decades

The largest snake species is native to the United States, once inhabiting all of Alabama but became extinct in the 1950s. This is largely due to habitat loss.

According to experts, the discovery of the oriental indigo snake in the wild marks the success of an intensive program to bring the reptile back to the state of Alabama.

Jim Godwin, a biologist with the Alabama Natural Heritage project managed by the Auburn University Museum of Natural History, says the oriental indigo snake is the apex predator in the longleaf pine forest. Thus, the decline in snake populations has a “domino effect” on other species in the ecosystem.

A representative of the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Authority said: “The newly discovered snake shows that the project is growing, the indigo snake is starting to multiply and develop, just as we wanted. Bringing a species back to its native range is a daunting task and we are delighted to have discovered this snake.”

Oriental indigo snake tester appeared in Alabama, USA

According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, both wild-born oriental indigo snakes were discovered in Alabama by accident. This snake is small in size, very difficult to detect because they hide well.

During the winter, the project team monitors gopher tortoise burrows, where adult oriental indigo snakes breed during the cold months, in search of snakes.

In 2006, a group of Alabama conservationists launched a project to reintroduce the oriental indigo snake to the area. The ultimate goal is to bring back a total of 300 snakes, creating a healthy population in Alabama.

They are not venomous, but have a very special feature that can eat other venomous snakes, such as rattlesnakes because of their immunity to the venom of rattlesnakes. This species is said to be one of the most beautiful snakes in the world, because of the jet black color on its body.

Hoang Dung (synopsis)