| Land Protection |
|
|
|
In consideration of the large spatial requirements for viable eastern indigo snake populations, conservation strategies depend on protecting large, contiguous sections of unfragmented habitat. Minimum preserve size has been estimated at 4,000 ha but larger areas will increase the probability of robust self-sustaining populations over time. In addition, given that indigo snakes require certain habitat types seasonally, the configuration and proximity of habitats within a preserve are also important. Protecting larger preserves that include a diversity of overwintering and summer foraging habitats will increase viability of indigo snake populations.
To address the threats of habitat loss and fragmentation, Project Orianne’s Land Protection Program will work with partners to develop a core protected area centered on some of the largest remaining eastern indigo populations; The Altamaha River Corridor Indigo Snake Preserve. The Preserve is built around an existing network of approximately 6,070 ha acres of conservation lands including State Wildlife Management Areas, a Nature Conservancy Preserve, and property owned by Project Orianne. The Preserve includes both important eastern indigo overwintering habitat (sandhills and Altamaha Grit outcrops) and a diversity of summer habitats. We are currently working on expanding the size of the Preserve by acquiring additional properties and working with partners on conservation easements. The long-term goal for the Preserve is to protect a minimum of 8,093 ha (approximately 20 times the largest eastern indigo home range documented) with all properties protected forever (e.g., protected under a conservation easement) and managed in perpetuity to maintain eastern indigo populations. By protecting, restoring, and managing such a preserve, we will have truly have created an eastern indigo preserve where snake populations can live undisturbed forever.
|