Reintroduction of the Louisiana pinesnake (Pituophis ruthveni) to the longleaf pine ecosystem

Abstract

The rare and declining Louisiana Pinesnake (Pituophis ruthveni) is highly vulnerable to extinction in the wild. Fortunately, insightful members of the zoo community established a captive population of this species in the 1980s. Since 2010, this breeding population has been used as a source of individuals for release into restored habitat with intent to establish a viable population. Initial results are encouraging, including seemingly adequate individual growth rates and the documentation of in situ reproduction. Essential elements of a reintroduction program include a committed and effective stakeholder group, a well-managed captive breeding population, sufficient genetic diversity, restored habitat to serve as reintroduction sites, and adequate funding. Recovery of this characteristic species of the fire-maintained pine forests of the West Gulf Coastal Plain of the United States will likely involve establishing several viable, reintroduced populations.

Citation

Pierce, Josh B.; Castellanos, David; Reichling, Steven B. 2024. Reintroduction of the Louisiana pinesnake (Pituophis ruthveni) to the longleaf pine ecosystem. In: Walls, Susan C.; O'Donnell, Katherine M., eds. Strategies for conservation success in herpetology.  Herpetological Conservation Series No. 4. University Heights, OH: Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles: 208-217.