LOUISIANA PINE SNAKE RELEASE TRIP 2021
Deep in the Kisatchie National Forest in the heart of Louisiana, Dr. Steve Reichling, research director at the Memphis Zoo, embarked on a very important mission of releasing dozens of the endangered Louisiana pine snakes into their natural habitat. In 2010, when they saw the wild populations rapidly declining, Dr. Reichling and his team at the Memphis Zoo took charge to revive the Louisiana pine snake and repopulate the species in its natural habitat. This project begins in the research labs at the Memphis Zoo. Scientists conduct artificial insemination to supplement natural breeding and care for the clutches of eggs until they hatch. After the hatchlings are stable, they are prepped to be released. The team selects the healthiest and those most likely to survive in the wild environment. Scientists carefully place tracking devices into the snake, so they can be identified by remote devices placed in the forest to identify the snakes in the wild without being too invasive. The research team has produced hundreds of fertile eggs, which they have raised and prepped to be released back in the wild. Tracking the snakes once they return to the wild helps determine the success of the breeding programs and the stability of the population. Dr. Reichling explains the preparation for this project saying, “The work required to spend one day in the forest releasing dozens of Louisiana pinesnakes takes place every single day of the year leading up to that moment. The snakes under our care at the Zoo need meticulous tending by snake care experts, who mind the nutritional status of the pinesnakes, watch for any signs of illness like the best mother would do, and insure that every fertile egg laid yields a perfect and perfectly healthy baby – strong and suitable for release.”
10 / EXZOOBERANCE
