![]() With that said, their substrate should have excellent absorption properties and be easy to clean on a regular basis. Equipped with a fast metabolism and a seemingly endless appetite, this species eats more frequently than most and therefore defecates more as a result. Selecting the appropriate substrate is especially important for Eastern indigos. My adult Eastern indigos are kept in 8’ x 2’ x 2’ PVC enclosures and use up every inch exploring, basking, hunting or prospecting. Therefore, long-term housing should accommodate their size as much as possible - the bigger the enclosure, the better. While young Eastern indigos can be temporarily kept comfortable in a plastic tub, these snakes achieve size at a rapid rate and will quickly outgrow a tub within the first year. In order for them to thrive, plenty of space and appropriate enrichment should be provided, as well. While basic husbandry for Eastern indigos is relatively simple, these incredibly active and inquisitive snakes require more than just a suitable habitat. You should make this very clear in your application.Įastern indigo snakes are a very active and inquisitive species. Keep in mind that USFWS will only approve applicants that intend to contribute to protection efforts in some way, be it through study or propagation of the species. After submitting your application along with a $100 processing fee, you should expect to receive your permit within one to three months, assuming it was approved. The breeder will walk you through the application process, which will include questions regarding your herpetocultural experience, your reason for acquiring an Eastern indigo, and the enclosure you plan to house the snake in. If you are acquiring an Eastern indigo from a breeder that is outside of your state, you must apply for an Interstate Commerce Permit, which can now be completed online through the USFWS ePermit system. Therefore, if you are purchasing your Eastern indigo from a breeder within state lines, you do not need to apply for a permit and may conduct the sale as you would with non-regulated snakes. Thankfully, the regulations on captive-bred Eastern indigos are much simpler, as it primarily serves to regulate interstate commerce (sales from across state lines). Regulations and Permits for the Eastern Indigo SnakeĪs a federally protected species under the Endangered Species Act, it is prohibited by law to capture, collect, hunt, harm or kill a wild Eastern indigo snake unless otherwise permitted to do so. 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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