In Florida, pine snakes can be found in appropriate habitat statewide outside of the Everglades and Keys. Geographically, pine snakes are found in the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains, from South Carolina to South Florida, west to Mobile Bay, Alabama. Florida pine snakes occupy large areas of fire-maintained, open canopy, dry habitats that include sandhill, old fields, pastures, sand pine scrub, and scrubby flatwoods. They range in length from 48 to 66 inches, with a maximum recorded length of 90 inches. The Florida Pine Snake ( Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus) is a large, nonvenomous snake with dark brown to reddish blotches on a gray to sandy-colored background. Below you will find common vertebrate and invertebrate commensal species associated with the gopher tortoise as outlined in the Gopher Tortoise Management Plan. Species that are believed to depend significantly on resources provided by the gopher tortoise burrow or its community of inhabitants are known as priority commensals. Burrows provide a relatively constant microhabitat that offers protection from fire and inclement weather. A healthy and widespread gopher tortoise population is necessary for commensal species populations to exist.ĭependence on gopher tortoise burrows varies among commensal species, but for some the burrows are essential. Animals that obtain food, refuge, and other benefits from the burrows are known as gopher tortoise commensal species. ![]() Because gopher tortoises alter their environment in a way that benefits other species, they are recognized as a keystone species. The gopher tortoise’s presence is important to more than 350 species that benefit from the burrows gopher tortoises dig. Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network.Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.Report injured, orphaned or dead manatees.Report fish kills, wildlife emergencies, sightings, etc.
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