Reptiles

Eastern Indigo Snake

Scientific Name

Drymarchon couperi

Body Weight

Up to 4.5 kg

Body Length

Up to 2.5 m

Habitat

Grasslands, forests, coastal scrubs and sand dunes, and around swamps

Diet

Rodents, birds, snakes, lizards, turtles, turtle eggs, small alligators, frogs and fish

Fun Facts

As top predators in their natural habitats, eastern indigo snakes prey on a wide range of animals and help maintain ecosystem balance. They are active daytime hunters and may climb shrubs or trees while searching for food. Although they are not venomous, they can eat venomous snakes.
Underground shelters are essential for eastern indigo snakes, particularly in the northern part of their range and during winter and the breeding season. They use the burrows of other animals and are often found in those of gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus). They may even lay their eggs inside.

Distribution

Endemic to southeastern United States

Threats & Conservation

Threats

Urbanisation & Infrastructure
Overexploitation of Biological Resources

The population of eastern indigo snakes has declined. They are collected for pet trade. Their habitats have been fragmented and degraded by agriculture, urbanization and mining. The expansion of human settlements has led to increased killing by people, domestic animals and vehicle strikes. The use of pesticide, and their accumulation through the food chain, may also harm these apex predators. As gopher tortoise populations have declined, fewer burrows are available for eastern indigo snakes.

Conservation

IUCN Red List categories with "Least Concern" highlighted. Text reads "Endangered Species Red List" and "Least Concern".

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Reptile Territory

Rainforest | The Summit

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Fish

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Plants

Alexandra Palm

Reptiles

Eastern Indigo Snake

Scientific Name

Drymarchon couperi

Body Weight

Up to 4.5 kg

Body Length

Up to 2.5 m

Habitat

Grasslands, forests, coastal scrubs and sand dunes, and around swamps

Diet

Rodents, birds, snakes, lizards, turtles, turtle eggs, small alligators, frogs and fish

Fun Facts

As top predators in their natural habitats, eastern indigo snakes prey on a wide range of animals and help maintain ecosystem balance. They are active daytime hunters and may climb shrubs or trees while searching for food. Although they are not venomous, they can eat venomous snakes.
Underground shelters are essential for eastern indigo snakes, particularly in the northern part of their range and during winter and the breeding season. They use the burrows of other animals and are often found in those of gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus). They may even lay their eggs inside.

Distribution

Endemic to southeastern United States

Threats & Conservation

Threats

Urbanisation & Infrastructure
Overexploitation of Biological Resources

Conservation

Support Mission R to protect animals & plants!

Saving Species & Habitats

Learn More

Come and see our animals and plants

0 mins

Reptile Territory

Rainforest | The Summit

Fun Activities

Animal Programme

Learn More

Explore more animals & plants

Reptiles

Centralian Rough Knob-tail Gecko

Fish

Whitetip Reef Sharks

Plants