Examining Soil For eDNA Leads to Locating Eastern Indigo Snakes

[Homebody]

This is a Reptiles magazine article about a new method for conservationists to monitor Eastern Indigo Snakes in the wild (https://reptilesmagazine.com/examini...indigo-snakes/).

[Bogertophis]

Wow, that's really COOL!

[bcr229]

I wonder if the same methods can be used to track down Burmese pythons in Florida.

[Homebody]

I wonder if the same methods can be used to track down Burmese pythons in Florida.

I would imagine so, but I don't think it would be as helpful to hunters as it is to conservationists. Conservationists are pleased to know that there are still snakes in the area. Hunters need to find the snake itself.

[bcr229]

I would imagine so, but I don't think it would be as helpful to hunters as it is to conservationists. Conservationists are pleased to know that there are still snakes in the area. Hunters need to find the snake itself.

It would be useful to know if they are congregating in a specific area so hunters know exactly where to look. My husband went herping in the FL everglades a few years back and didn't see a single Burm but he saw tons of other wildlife.

[Homebody]

I agree. I'm a little concerned that this method may not work though, even for indigo snakes. The experiment was performed in naturalistic enclosures. As we all know, there is a big difference between even the most naturalistic enclosure and nature.

[Bogertophis]

I agree. I'm a little concerned that this method may not work though, even for indigo snakes. The experiment was performed in naturalistic enclosures. As we all know, there is a big difference between even the most naturalistic enclosure and nature.

That's what I'm thinking too. Especially in Florida, with all the moisture- countless bodies of water & precipitation? But I'll hope it works...