Upland Snake Conservation Initiative

Chris Jenkins and Jayme Waldron, Co-chairs

Eastern Indigo

Eastern Indigo Snake

The Upland Snake Conservation Initiative (USCI) evolved from the Gopher Tortoise Council's Rattlesnake Conservation Committee, which no longer exists. The USCI will address many issues and research needs concerning southeastern upland snakes. Along with the eastern diamondback rattlesnake, many other unique upland snakes are in peril within the southeastern United States. While efforts will include all upland snakes, emphasis will be placed on the following rare and endangered southeastern species: eastern indigo snake; southern hognose snake; eastern coachwhip; short-tailed snake; northern, Florida and black pine snakes.

Chris and Jayme encourage anyone interested in the conservation, education or research needs of southeastern upland snakes to contact them directly.

Kingsnake Conservation and Investigation of Declines

In recent years, Common Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula) have virtually disappeared from much of their range in Florida, southern Georgia, and southeastern Alabama. Read More

Southern Hognose Snake Conservation

The Upland Snake Conservation Initiative is proud to team with Project Simus to promote information gathering and conservation of the southern hognose snake. Project Simus was initiated in 1995 by Jeff Beane and Tom Thorp, as an effort to gather and maintain information on the natural history, status, and distribution of the southern hognose snake (Heterodon simus) in North Carolina. They have since expanded their effort to encompass the entire range of the species. For more information, visit the Project Simus website.