Project Description

Project Completion: March 2020. This project is now complete.
Implements Science Plan Theme: Adaptation
Principal Investigator(s): Susan Walls, USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Collaborator(s):
Kristen Hart, USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
William J. Barichivich, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Michael Cherkiss, USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Jeff Howe, USFWS South Florida Ecological Services Office
John Tupy, USFWS South Florida Ecological Services Office

Key Points

• Expanded scientific understanding of the threatened pine rockland ecosystem
• Increased understanding of two threatened snakes, that can be applied to other species
• Research was requested by USFWS to aid wildlife management decision making

Overview

Pine rockland habitat is rapidly disappearing in South Florida. Pine rocklands are forests with a rocky, limestone-based ground, and the South Florida slash pine as the main tree species. The habitat is home to hundreds of native species. Less than 3 percent of its original extent remains today. The ecosystem faces threats like saltwater intrusion, sea-level rise, and land use change. These threats impact the long-term health of pine rockland habitat. This makes species that live only in this unique habitat at risk of extinction.

The Rim Rock Crowned Snake (Tantilla oolitica) and the Key Ring-Necked Snake (Diadophis punctatus acricus) live in the threatened pine rockland ecosystem. The Rim Rock Crowned Snake historically lived in eastern Miami-Dade County, as well as throughout the Florida Keys. The Key Ring-Necked Snake lives only in lower Florida Keys. Both species are very elusive and small (less than 20 cm long) and they mostly live underground. And both species are being considered for listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

This project assessed habitat conditions for these two snakes to give USFWS more available data to make an informed decision. First, this project gathered current and historical records for both species. Records came from sources like museum specimens, inventories, and other personal accounts. Then, we identified potential future changes in habitat, like management actions and environmental conditions. Management changes included acquiring new habitat or restoring damaged habitat. Environmental changes included how often tropical storms happen. We then looked at how these habitat changes might impact the snakes themselves.

The USFWS can use this data to help decide whether to list these species as endangered. This project could inform the conservation of other at-risk species living in the pine rockland ecosystem.

View a SE CASC Science Seminar Series presentation summarizing this project: