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Publication #Cir 1462

Snakes of the Everglades Agricultural Area1

Michelle L. Casler, Elise V. Pearlstine, Kenneth L. Krysko, and Frank J. Mazzotti2

Abstract

The Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) is an area of drained agricultural lands representing one-seventh, or 283,300 hectares of the historic 1,900,000 Everglades wetland system. Crops grown in the EAA include sugarcane, rice and corn. These crops are interspersed with ditches, canals, and roads. Snakes are commonly found basking along canal and ditch edges, and on roads.

There are 23 species of snakes that are commonly found in south Florida and are predicted to be present in the EAA. These include both venomous and non-venomous species, one introduced species and one species that is considered threatened by both state and federal agencies, the Indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi). Snakes provide many beneficial services including the control of rodent populations. Some snake species, such as the Florida Kingsnake (Lampropeltis getula floridana) also aid in the control of venomous and non-venomous snakes. Threats to healthy snake populations include habitat loss and degradation, collecting for pet trade and scientific purposes, and roads. Many snakes are able to adapt to suburban and agricultural areas but are at risk from feral animals, machinery and humans.

The 7-page PDF (340 KB) includes text, description of each snake species (name, habitat, diet), photos (snakes), references, and contact information. Available: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UW21100.pdf

Keywords: agriculture, snakes, snake habitat, EAA, Everglades, Everglades Agricultural Area, farm, farming, sugarcane, wildlife, wildlife habitat.

Footnotes

1.

This document is Cir 1462, one of a series of the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date October 21, 2004. Revised October 21, 2004. Reviewed March 14, 2008. Visit the EDIS Web Site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.

2.

Michelle L. Casler, Wildlife Research Assistant; Elise V. Pearlstine, Post-Doctoral Associate; Frank J. Mazzotti, Associate Professor; Wildlife Ecology Department, University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, IFAS, Davie, FL 33314. (954) 577-6354 and Kenneth L. Krysko, Senior Biological Scientist, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida; Gainesville, FL 32611.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Millie Ferrer-Chancy, Interim Dean.