Mr. Mann,
In response to your queries on the commercial use of the wild species in our program, here is what we at the lab have come up with:
Subject:
The East Indigo Snake, Drymarchon couperi
Complete Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Craniata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squmata
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Drymarchon
3 Marketable Adaptions:
- Length: The East Indigo is the largest nonvenomous snake in North America. They reach lengths of 6 to 8 feet.
- Color: This snakes coloring is a striking iridescent black.
- Immunity to venom: This snake is immune to the venom found in snakes; as a result it will eat other snakes.
Species Background:
This species of non-venomous snake has been in our breeding program since 1978 when it was put on the threatened list. Factors that have led to the decline of this snake are disforestation, over collection by pet trade, and gassing of gofer tortoise burrows.
Proposal:
Because the East Indigo snake is nonaggressive, nonvenomous, and aesthetically pleasing we feel it is the perfect candidate for a marketable release. We would like to offer certain areas of the country the privilege of buying a species release program. This program would consist of East Indigo candidates who have been epically bred for nonaggression toward humans and size to distinguish them from any other snake in the surrounding area.
This release would serve three purposes:
- To inform the public of this snake
- To redistribute the E. Indigo into declining areas
- To offer the assistance of an E. Indigo as a means for pest control.
Many Americans are being overrun by rodents and venomous snakes due to the lack of E. Indigo in their areas. Most of these people solve this pest infestation by either buying a cat or using poison. But for those individuals who are allergic to cats and hesitant to use poison around their house this would be a safe, natural solution.
The Process:
Once paid our team will go to the Client’s property install simulated gofer tortoise burrows, and release the snake. We would then check on the snakes progress 3 weeks out, 3 months out, 6 months out then finally a year to make sure is it is properly settled in to its new environment.
Foreseeable Side Effect
Even though these snakes are indigenous to the regions we would be introducing them into, it may damage the ecosystem. Also these snakes have been bred larger than their wild counterpoints they may now be genetically different enough to be considered a new species.
Ethics:
Every time humanity interferes with nature it damages it irreversibly. I personally think that no matter how profitable this venture there will unforeseeable changes to the ecosystem in the areas we release these snakes into.
Thanks for your time,
Meredith Cawley
Works Cited
Florida Collier County Environmental Services
Savannah Ecology Laboratory Herpetology Program
The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin
Reptilechannel.com
Florida’s Species Recovery Program
factzoo.com
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