Gulf Power is joining The Nature Conservancy in spreading a great habitat and species recovery success story, the release on July 23 of 20 federally threatened eastern indigo snakes at the Conservancy’s Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve.

The release is part of a collaborative endeavor to return the native, non-venomous predator — of the reptile world — to the region.

Nature Conservancy officials pointed out that the release of the snakes on the 6,295-acre preserve marks the second year in a row of the reintroduction effort made possible by a long-term joint plan of multiple nonprofit, agency, and academia partners to restore this important species to the region.   

The Nature Conservancy, Central Florida Zoo’s Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation, Auburn University, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Orianne Society, Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center, Gulf Power, Southern Company through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida are dedicated to supporting the recovery of this species.

Some of these partners made it possible for the return of the indigo, by supporting a massive 30-year longleaf pine habitat restoration project.

“Gulf Power was one of the first partners to join the effort to accelerate restoration of the longleaf pine reforestation and ground cover restoration in the Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve with $385,000 in grants from 1999 to 2005,” said Kimberly Blair, Gulf Power spokesperson. “We are happy that our investments helped pave the way for the return of these beautiful indigo snakes that are important to the full restoration of the landscape. We continue to support the restoration and species recovery effort.”

Since 2014, Gulf Power has also built on its initial investment by leveraging contributions with its parent company Southern Company in partnership with National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and other public and private donors to provide  $1.56 million in Longleaf Stewardship Funds to The Nature Conservancy for conservation efforts in the Preserve and on lands that stretch from Bay County east through the Apalachicola River region and elsewhere. The grant dollars are also helping to provide for the critical monitoring of the snakes.  Gulf Power employees also dedicated 700 hours during volunteer workdays to plant trees and native grasses and remove invasive species.

With its beautiful iridescent skin and docile to human nature, the eastern indigo snake is the longest snake native to North America and an iconic and essential component of the now rare southern longleaf pine forest. It serves a critical function to balance the wildlife community — it consumes a variety of small animals including both venomous and non-venomous snakes. Impressive at over 8 feet long, the indigo often relies upon gopher tortoise burrows for shelter.

Bred and raised by the OCIC, the 20 young snakes, 12 males and eight females, have been implanted with radio transmitters by the Central Florida Zoo's vet staff to allow for the tracking and monitoring. Auburn University’s Alabama Natural Heritage Program uses radio telemetry, so researchers can track the animals’ movements, habitat selection and behavior. One of the eastern indigo snakes that was released in 2017 traveled over a mile from where it was initially released.

David Printiss, North Florida Program Manager, The Nature Conservancy in Florida said this project is an exceptional example of a strong partnership dedicated to success.

“All of the pieces have come together — the protection and management of the landscape, the advancement of the animal husbandry expertise to raise young snakes for release, and the development of the science necessary to make good decisions and monitor project success,” he said. “The restoration is complete, the snakes are flourishing, and the monitoring program is well equipped and ready – all systems go!”

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About Gulf Power

Gulf Power serves more than 460,000 customers in eight counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely provide exceptional customer value by delivering reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electricity while strengthening our communities. Visit online at MyGulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages. News information can be found at GulfPowerNews.com

News Media Contacts:

Rick DelaHaya
Media Relations
850.872.3205, cell 318-294-2338

Kimberly Blair
Media Relations
850-444-6050, cell 850-206-5132

Gordon Paulus
Media Relations
850.444-6320, cell 850-525-7510