SPECIES SURVEY GUIDELINES (10 SPECIES) - U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE - IPAC
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U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Species Survey Guidelines (10 Species) Generated June 02, 2023 07:14 AM UTC, IPaC v6.92.0-rc7 IPaC - Information for Planning and Consultation (https://ipac.ecosphere.fws.gov/): A project planning tool to help streamline the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service environmental review process.
Table of Contents Species Document Availability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Beautiful Pawpaw and 7 more species - Florida Ecological Services Field Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Everglade Snail Kite - Florida Ecological Services Field Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Eastern Indigo Snake - Florida Ecological Services Field Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Species Survey Guidelines (10 Species) Species Document Availability Species Document Availability Species with survey guidelines Beautiful Pawpaw Deeringothamnus pulchellus Britton's Beargrass Nolina brittoniana Eastern Indigo Snake Drymarchon couperi Everglade Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus Florida Bonamia Bonamia grandiflora Papery Whitlow-wort Paronychia chartacea Pigeon Wings Clitoria fragrans Sandlace Polygonella myriophylla Scrub Buckwheat Eriogonum longifolium var. gnaphalifolium Scrub Plum Prunus geniculata Species without survey guidelines available Eastern Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis ssp. jamaicensis Gopher Tortoise Gopherus polyphemus Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus Wood Stork Mycteria americana 6/2/2023 7:14 AM IPaC v6.92.0-rc7 Page 1
Species Survey Guidelines - Scrub Buckwheat and 13
more species
Published by Florida Ecological Services Field Office - Publication Date: May 16, 2022 for the following species included in
your project
Scrub Buckwheat Eriogonum longifolium var. gnaphalifolium
Everglade Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus
Sandlace Polygonella myriophylla
Scrub Plum Prunus geniculata
Pigeon Wings Clitoria fragrans
Gopher Tortoise Gopherus polyphemus
Eastern Indigo Snake Drymarchon couperi
Britton's Beargrass Nolina brittoniana
Papery Whitlow-wort Paronychia chartacea
Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus
Eastern Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis ssp. jamaicensis
Beautiful Pawpaw Deeringothamnus pulchellus
Wood Stork Mycteria americana
Florida Bonamia Bonamia grandifloraFlorida Ecological Services Field Office - Publication Date: May 16, 2022
Species Survey Guidelines - Scrub Buckwheat and 13 more species
Survey Calendar for Listed Plant Species
Florida Ecological Services Office
Scientific name, Survey Calendar
Common name Status Jan. Feb. Mar. April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
1
Conradina glabra ,
Apalachicola e fw fw fw fw
rosemary
Crotalaria avonensis2,
e ft.lv ft.lv fw fw fw fw ft.lv ft.lv ft.lv ft.lv ft.lv ft.lv
Avon park harebells
Jacquemontia
reclinata, e fw fw fw fw fw fw fw
Beach jacquemontia
Deeringothamnus
pulchellus3, e fw fw
Beautiful pawpaw
Chamaecrista lineata
var. keyensis,
e fw fw fw fw
Big pine partridge
pea
Eriocaulon
nigrobracteatum, ur fw fw fw
Blackbract pipewort
Argythamnia
blodgettii, t fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft
Blodgett’s silverbuty
Lindera subcoriacea4,
ur
Bog spicebush
Lobelia boykinii,
ur fw fw fw
Boykin’s lobelia
Nolina brittoniana5,
e ft.lv ft.lv fw.ft.lv fw.ft.lv fw.ft.lv ft.lv ft.lv ft.lv ft.lv ft.lv ft.lv ft.lv
Britton’s beargrass
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Species Survey Guidelines - Scrub Buckwheat and 13 more species
Scientific name, Survey Calendar
Common name Status Jan. Feb. Mar. April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Chromolaena
frustrata,
e fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw
Cape Sable
thoroghwort
Warea carteri,
e fw fw
Carter’s mustard
Linum carteri var.
carteri6,
e fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft
Carter's small-
flowered flax
Rhododendron
chapmanii7,
e fw fw
Chapman's
rhododendron
Coreopsis integrifolia,
ur fw fw fw fw
Ciliate-leaf tickseed
Justicia cooleyi,
Cooley’s water- e fw fw fw fw fw
willow
Amorpha crenulata8,
e fw fw fw fw fw fw lv lv lv
Crenulate lead-plant
Paronychia c.
minima9, ft.lv ft.lv ft.lv ft.lv ft.lv
Crystal lake nailwort
Lythrum curtissii,
ur fw fw fw fw
Curtiss' loosestrife
Chamaesyce deltoidea
spp. deltoidea10, e lv.o lv.o lv.o fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw lv.o
Deltoid spurge
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Species Survey Guidelines - Scrub Buckwheat and 13 more species
Scientific name, Survey Calendar
Common name Status Jan. Feb. Mar. April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Rudbeckia
auriculata11, ur
Eared coneflower
Bonamia
grandiflora12, t lv.o lv.o lv.o lv.o lv.o lv.o lv.o lv.o lv.o lv.o lv.o lv.o
Florida bonamia
Brickellia mosieri,
e fw fw fw
Florida brickell-bush
Chrysopsis floridana13,
e fw
Florida goldenaster
Indigofero mucronata
var. keyensis, ar unknown
Florida indigo
Cladonia perforata14,
Florida perforate e o o o o o o o o o o o o
cladonia
Digitaria pauciflora,
Florida pineland t unknown
crabgrass
Potamogeton
floridanus, ur unknown
Florida pondweed
Dalea carthagenensis
var. floridana, e fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw
Florida prairie clover
Consolea corallicola15,
Florida semaphore e fw.o fw.o fw.o fw.o fw.o fw.o fw.o fw.o fw.o fw.o fw.o fw.o
cactus
Scutellaria floridana16,
t fw fw fw ft
Florida skullcap
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Species Survey Guidelines - Scrub Buckwheat and 13 more species
Scientific name, Survey Calendar
Common name Status Jan. Feb. Mar. April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
17
Torreya taxifolia ,
e Anytime
Florida torreya
Salix floridana18,
ur fw fw.ft fw.ft
Florida willow
Ziziphus celata19,
e fw fw lv.o lv.o ft ft lv.o lv.o lv.o lv.o lv.o
Florida ziziphus
Asimina tetramera,
e fw fw fw fw
Four-petal pawpaw
Cereus eriophorus var.
fragrans20,
e fw fw fw fw fw fw
Fragrant prickly-
apple
Chamaesyce garberi,
t fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw
Garber’s spurge
Dicerandra
christmanii, e fw fw fw fw fw
Garrett’s mint
Spigelia gentianoides,
e fw fw
Gentian pinkroot
Sideroxylon thornei,
ur ft ft ft
Georgia bully
Pinguicula ionantha21,
t fw fw fw
Godfrey's butterwort
Forestiera godfreyi22,
ar fw fw ft ft ft lv lv lv
Godfrey's privet
Minuartia godfreyi4,
ur
Godfrey's stitchwort
Sarracenia rubra ssp.
gulfensis23,
ur fw fw o o o
Gulf sweet
pitcherplant
6/2/2023 7:14 AM IPaC v6.92.0-rc7 Page 6Florida Ecological Services Field Office - Publication Date: May 16, 2022
Species Survey Guidelines - Scrub Buckwheat and 13 more species
Scientific name, Survey Calendar
Common name Status Jan. Feb. Mar. April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
24
Harperocallis flava ,
e fw.ft ft
Harper's beauty
Hartwrightia
floridana25, ur
Hartwrightia
Hymenocallis
henryae26, ur fw fw ft.lv
Henry's spider-lily
Hypericum cumulicola,
Highlands scrub e fw fw fw fw
hypericum
Halophila johnsonii27,
t
Johnson's seagrass
Xyris longisepala,
ur unknown
Karst pond xyris
Pilosocereus robinii27,
e
Key tree-cactus
Dicerandra
immaculata, e fw fw fw
Lakela’s mint
Polygala lewtonii,
e fw fw fw
Lewton’s polygala
Lythrum flagellare,
ur fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw
Lowland loosestrife
Aeschynomene
pratensis, ur fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft
Meadow joint-vetch
Ribes echinellum28,
Miccosukee t lv.o lv.o fw ft ft o o o o lv.o lv.o lv.o
gooseberry
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Species Survey Guidelines - Scrub Buckwheat and 13 more species
Scientific name, Survey Calendar
Common name Status Jan. Feb. Mar. April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
29
Najas filifolia ,
ur o fw.ft.o fw.ft.o fw.ft.o
Narrowleaf naiad
Cucurbita
okeechobeensis ssp.
e ft.o ft.o fw fw fw fw fw fw ft.o ft.o ft.o ft.o
Okeechobeensis30,
Okeechobee gourd
Lilium iridollae,
ur fw fw
Panhandle lily
Rhexia salicifolia,
Panhandle ur fw fw fw fw
meadowbeauty
Panonychia chartacea
var. chartacea, t fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft
Papery whitlow-wort
Clitoria fragrans,
t fw fw
Pigeon wings
Chamaesyce deltoidea
spp. pinetorum, t fw fw
Pineland sandmat
Chionanthus
pygmaeus31, e o o fw fw lv lv lv o
Pygmy fringe-tree
Ludwigia ravenii32,
ur fw fw.ft fw.ft .ft
Raven's seedbox
Linum arenicola33,
e fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft
Sand flax
Polygonella
myriophylla, e fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft
Sandlace
Liatris ohlingerae,
e fw fw fw fw
Scrub blazingstar
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Species Survey Guidelines - Scrub Buckwheat and 13 more species
Scientific name, Survey Calendar
Common name Status Jan. Feb. Mar. April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Eriogonum longifolium
var. gnaphalifolium, t fw fw fw fw fw fw
Scrub buckwheat
Lupinus aridorum,
e lv lv fw.lv fw.lv fw.lv lv lv lv lv lv lv lv
Scrub lupine
Dicerandra frutescens,
e fw fw fw fw fw fw fw
Scrub mint
Prunus geniculata34,
e fw fw ft ft ft lv.o lv.o lv.o lv.o lv.o lv.o lv.o
Scrub plum
Conradina brevifolia4,
Short-leaved e
rosemary
Rhexia parviflora,
Small-flowered ur fw fw fw
meadowbeauty
Galactia smallii,
e fw fw fw
Small's milkpea
Hypericum
lissophloeus35,
ur
Smooth-barked St.
John's-wort
Eryngium
cuneifolium36, e lv lv lv lv lv lv lv fw fw fw lv lv
Snakeroot
Ludwigia spathulata,
ar fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft
Spathulate seedbox
Euphorbia
telephioides, t fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft fw.ft
Telephus spurge
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Species Survey Guidelines - Scrub Buckwheat and 13 more species
Scientific name, Survey Calendar
Common name Status Jan. Feb. Mar. April May June July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec.
Rhynchospora
thornei37,
ar
Thorne's beaked-
rush
Polygala smallii,
e fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw fw
Tiny polygala
Chamaesyce deltoidea
spp. serpyllum, e unknown
Wedge spurge
Linum westii,
ur fw fw fw
West's flax
Macbridea alba,
t fw fw fw
White birds-in-a-nest
Warea amplexifolia38,
e lv lv lv lv lv fw fw
Wide-leaf warea
Polygonelia
basiramia, e fw fw fw fw fw fw
Wireweed
ar = at-risk, e = endangered, ft = fruit, fw = flower, lv = leaves, o = other, t = threatened, un = unknown, ur = under review
1
Occasionally flowers until December.
2
Flowers March–June. Fruits and leaves (lacking stipules) are distinctive year-round.
3
Flowers late March–April. Will re-sprout and flower all year following fire.
4
Spring-flowering months have not been identified.
5
Flowers March–May, but fruits, leaves, and growth habit are distinctive all year.
6
Flowers and fruits Feb–May. Flowers open in morning, shedding petals by mid-day.
7
Flowers mid-March to mid-April. Shrubs are hard to see without flowers but may be distinguished when not in flower from most other
evergreen shrubs by rusty scales, elongated fruits, and terminal buds.
8
Flowers spring–summer. Leaves are distinctive spring–fall.
9
Late summer and fall identified as best survey season. Months have not been specified.
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Species Survey Guidelines - Scrub Buckwheat and 13 more species
10
Flowers from April to November but can usually be distinguished by its wiry stems and rounded-triangular leaves with entire, rolled-
under margins.
11
Flowering in summer – fall. Months have not been specified.
12
Flowers May-August. Leaves and vines are distinctive all year.
13
Flowers in late November and December.
14
Easily recognized in the field by the conspicuous holes or perforations below each dichotomous branch point and its wide, smooth,
yellowish gray-green branches.
15
Flowers all year, primarily December to April. May be recognized by “semaphore” branching all year.
16
Flowers most profusely approximately five weeks after fire and very rarely with no fire.
17
During winter when leaves are off of deciduous trees in the preferred habitat.
18
Flowers February-April, fruits March - April. Leaves and fruits are both useful for positive identification.
19
Flowers late December–February, fruits May–June. Leaves and stems are distinctive spring–fall.
20
Flowering peaks in May, September and October, with sporadic flowering during the summer. Plants growing in the shade rarely flower
or produce fruit.
21
Flowers late February to April. Difficult to identify otherwise.
22
Flowers mid-January to mid-February. Fruits present through May. Leaves may be recognized through the summer.
23
Flowers April–May. Pitchers identifiable until fall.
24
Identifiable characteristics in April and May.
25
Fall-flowering months have not been identified.
26
Flowers mid-May to mid-June, may be recognized by fruits and leaves through mid-July.
27
Identifiable characteristics are not specified.
28
Flowers in March, fruit mature in April and May. Leaves (except during summer), spines, and stems are distinctive all year
29
Most conspicuous mid-summer–fall. Flowers and fruits present August–October. Best identified by the seed shape.
30
Flowers spring and summer. Vines and fruits most visible in fall and winter.
31
Flowers in spring but may be identified by leaves in the summer and knobby twigs in the winter.
32
Flowers are inconspicuous, with green sepals and no petals.
33
Petals fall soon after flowers open in the morning.
34
Flowers January–February before leaves appear. Fruits March–May. Leaves or twigs are fairly distinctive all year.
35
Flowers May to frost, but gray-green leaves, smooth, metallic silvery bark, and prop roots are distinctive all year.
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Species Survey Guidelines - Scrub Buckwheat and 13 more species
36
Flowers August–October, but the basal rosette of toothed, wedge-shaped leaves is distinctive all year.
37
Fruiting in late spring and summer. Months have not been specified.
38
Flowers September - October. Seedlings may be identified as early as April, and mature plants during the spring and summer by their
leaves.
6/2/2023 7:14 AM IPaC v6.92.0-rc7 Page 12Species Survey Guidelines - Scrub Buckwheat and 13
more species
Published by Florida Ecological Services Field Office for the following species included in your project
Scrub Buckwheat Eriogonum longifolium var. gnaphalifolium
Everglade Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus
Sandlace Polygonella myriophylla
Scrub Plum Prunus geniculata
Pigeon Wings Clitoria fragrans
Gopher Tortoise Gopherus polyphemus
Eastern Indigo Snake Drymarchon couperi
Britton's Beargrass Nolina brittoniana
Papery Whitlow-wort Paronychia chartacea
Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus
Eastern Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis ssp. jamaicensis
Beautiful Pawpaw Deeringothamnus pulchellus
Wood Stork Mycteria americana
Florida Bonamia Bonamia grandifloraFlorida Ecological Services Field Office
Species Survey Guidelines - Scrub Buckwheat and 13 more species
APPENDIX A
USFWS Snail Kite Survey Guidance
The objective of the survey is to document any and all use of the area by snail kites. To this end,
the most important aspects are complete survey coverage and detailed documentation of kite
activity. Documenting approximate nesting location and related snail kite activity/behavior are
important, but “nest checks” are not required nor allowed without a valid Endangered Species
Recovery Permit under Section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act. Unless an observer
possesses a valid 10(a)(1)(A) permit, nest monitoring must be conducted from a minimum
distance of 500 feet (ft) to avoid disturbing nesting kites.
Snail kite surveys should be conducted in the early morning to increase the probability of
detection and decrease potential thermal stress to eggs or nestlings. To maximize the probability
of observing kite activity, surveys should not be conducted in any precipitation above a slight
sprinkle, in fog that impedes visibility, or in strong winds.
A. Nesting and Courtship Behavior – look for these characteristics for hints of nest presence:
• Stick carrying – Follow birds with material carries. (However, sometimes it won’t lead
you to a structure, as males may carry around as a courtship behavior.)
• Long drawn out calling – Individuals call for many reasons but if you aren’t pressing into
their space long drawn out calling can hint at a possible structure.
• Diving and Swooping – Males will often swoop and dive in a courtship display. If you
see a pair swooping around together it could mean a potential nest. Sometimes very
aggressive adults will swoop at people or boats if there is a nest very close by, but this is
rare.
• Copulation – This can sometimes be a result of stress but often means that there is a nest
or there will soon be one.
• Carrying of meat – If a kite has meat in its talons or bill, it is either taking it to a mate or a
nest. If you see these behaviors follow that individual giving them enough space to return
to a possible nest.
o Kites flying with the whole snail doesn’t necessarily mean they are nesting. Kites
will sometimes fly long distances for a preferred perch just to extract the meat.
• Circling and calling – If two kites are circling and calling, there is most likely a nest
nearby.
B. Survey Protocol:
1. Surveys conducted by airboat or other motor vehicles should be conducted using at
least two observers (a driver and a passenger). Multiple crews of two (using multiple
airboats) may be used at the same time to cover a larger area if desired. Kayaks may
also be used if the area is smaller and sufficient coverage can be achieved.
2. Before the survey begins, the observer should record the date, location, observer
name(s) (identify driver/passenger), start time, and weather (temp, wind speed, cloud
cover).
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Species Survey Guidelines - Scrub Buckwheat and 13 more species
3. If available, the driver should turn on the tracks on the driver GPS. Previous tracks
should only be used as a guide to help drivers navigate through difficult terrain, avoid
known hazards, understand the general extent of surveys, and locate access points.
Tracks can also be used to know where you didn’t go on previous surveys. There is
no need to follow previous tracks – it is more important to thoroughly search the area
for snail kite activity.
4. Surveys are conducted by following a given route which depends on the project area:
a. All potential suitable foraging and nesting habitat within the project area plus
a 500 meter (m) buffer (herein, this is referred to collectively as the survey
area) should be surveyed for snail kite activity.
b. In lake habitats, follow the perimeter of the lake as well as any islands that are
present. The survey route should be adjusted as needed to survey the entire
width of littoral habitat.
c. In wetland habitats, establish transects starting along the wetland edge (or the
edge of the survey area within the wetland), with subsequent parallel transects
spaced such that all potential nesting and foraging habitat is surveyed within
the survey area. Spacing between transects will be site dependent, based on
onsite habitat and visibility, but should not be more than 200 m between
transects.
d. DO NOT drive through potential nesting substrate or put the boat in a
situation where you might prop blast or destroy possible nesting habitat.
e. Stay at least 500 ft from confirmed or suspected nest locations to avoid
disturbing nesting kites.
f. If a kite appears agitated (cackling, quick wing flapping, circling overhead),
increase the distance between your boat and the kite until the bird stops its
agitated behavior. The distance at which kites may become agitated varies
between individual birds, so paying close attention to bird behavior is
important.
5. Once the survey has commenced, the observer/passenger should scan with binoculars
up to 80% of the time. The driver should also scan for snail kites and alert the
passenger of observations.
6. For every kite observed, take a GPS location (either at location of bird, or a GPS
point with bearing/distance) and record the following on the datasheet:
a. Time of observation
b. Sex (male=M; female=F; juvenile=J; young of the year=Y; unknown=U)
c. Activity
i. Perched = P
ii. Flying = FL
iii. Foraging (obvious hunting for prey, or with snail) = FG
iv. Courtship (calling, mate feeding, copulation, flying with nesting
material) = C
v. Suspected nesting (defending, flushing from, carrying sticks or food to
a suspected nest location) = N
d. Banded status (whether the bird is banded Y/N, color bands if these can be
read)
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Species Survey Guidelines - Scrub Buckwheat and 13 more species
7. If you see agitated/defensive behavior or other breeding activity that suggests an
active nest is nearby, mark the location on an aerial map. In addition, record a GPS
point and describe the approximate distance and direction from the location. After
quickly recording the location data, increase your distance from the suspected nest
until the bird stops its agitated behavior and you are at least 500 ft from the suspected
nest. Location information should be provided to the Service the same day so that we
can confirm nesting as quickly as possible.
8. At the end of the survey, the passenger should record end time (note any breaks
taken) and tally birds seen (if no birds were seen this should be indicated by writing
“NO BIRDS” across the sheet). It is also helpful to record presence of any snail eggs
(note whether exotic or native) or snails (live/shells) observed.
6/2/2023 7:14 AM IPaC v6.92.0-rc7 Page 16Species Survey Guidelines - Scrub Buckwheat and 13
more species
Published by Florida Ecological Services Field Office for the following species included in your project
Scrub Buckwheat Eriogonum longifolium var. gnaphalifolium
Everglade Snail Kite Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus
Sandlace Polygonella myriophylla
Scrub Plum Prunus geniculata
Pigeon Wings Clitoria fragrans
Gopher Tortoise Gopherus polyphemus
Eastern Indigo Snake Drymarchon couperi
Britton's Beargrass Nolina brittoniana
Papery Whitlow-wort Paronychia chartacea
Monarch Butterfly Danaus plexippus
Eastern Black Rail Laterallus jamaicensis ssp. jamaicensis
Beautiful Pawpaw Deeringothamnus pulchellus
Wood Stork Mycteria americana
Florida Bonamia Bonamia grandifloraFlorida Ecological Services Field Office
Species Survey Guidelines - Scrub Buckwheat and 13 more species
STANDARD PROTECTION MEASURES FOR THE EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
August 12, 2013
The eastern indigo snake protection/education plan (Plan) below has been developed by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Florida for use by applicants and their construction
personnel. At least 30 days prior to any clearing/land alteration activities, the applicant shall
notify the appropriate USFWS Field Office via e-mail that the Plan will be implemented as
described below (North Florida Field Office: jaxregs@fws.gov; South Florida Field Office:
verobeach@fws.gov; Panama City Field Office: panamacity@fws.gov). As long as the signatory
of the e-mail certifies compliance with the below Plan (including use of the attached poster and
brochure), no further written confirmation or “approval” from the USFWS is needed and the
applicant may move forward with the project.
If the applicant decides to use an eastern indigo snake protection/education plan other than the
approved Plan below, written confirmation or “approval” from the USFWS that the plan is
adequate must be obtained. At least 30 days prior to any clearing/land alteration activities, the
applicant shall submit their unique plan for review and approval. The USFWS will respond via e-
mail, typically within 30 days of receiving the plan, either concurring that the plan is adequate or
requesting additional information. A concurrence e-mail from the appropriate USFWS Field
Office will fulfill approval requirements.
The Plan materials should consist of: 1) a combination of posters and pamphlets (see Poster
Information section below); and 2) verbal educational instructions to construction personnel by
supervisory or management personnel before any clearing/land alteration activities are initiated
(see Pre-Construction Activities and During Construction Activities sections below).
POSTER INFORMATION
Posters with the following information shall be placed at strategic locations on the construction
site and along any proposed access roads (a final poster for Plan compliance, to be printed on 11”
x 17” or larger paper and laminated, is attached):
DESCRIPTION: The eastern indigo snake is one of the largest non-venomous snakes in North
America, with individuals often reaching up to 8 feet in length. They derive their name from the
glossy, blue-black color of their scales above and uniformly slate blue below. Frequently, they
have orange to coral reddish coloration in the throat area, yet some specimens have been reported
to only have cream coloration on the throat. These snakes are not typically aggressive and will
attempt to crawl away when disturbed. Though indigo snakes rarely bite, they should NOT be
handled.
SIMILAR SNAKES: The black racer is the only other solid black snake resembling the eastern
indigo snake. However, black racers have a white or cream chin, thinner bodies, and WILL BITE
if handled.
LIFE HISTORY: The eastern indigo snake occurs in a wide variety of terrestrial habitat types
throughout Florida. Although they have a preference for uplands, they also utilize some wetlands
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and agricultural areas. Eastern indigo snakes will often seek shelter inside gopher tortoise
burrows and other below- and above-ground refugia, such as other animal burrows, stumps,
roots, and debris piles. Females may lay from 4 - 12 white eggs as early as April through June,
with young hatching in late July through October.
PROTECTION UNDER FEDERAL AND STATE LAW: The eastern indigo snake is
classified as a Threatened species by both the USFWS and the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission. “Taking” of eastern indigo snakes is prohibited by the Endangered
Species Act without a permit. “Take” is defined by the USFWS as an attempt to kill, harm,
harass, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, trap, capture, collect, or engage in any such conduct.
Penalties include a maximum fine of $25,000 for civil violations and up to $50,000 and/or
imprisonment for criminal offenses, if convicted.
Only individuals currently authorized through an issued Incidental Take Statement in association
with a USFWS Biological Opinion, or by a Section 10(a)(1)(A) permit issued by the USFWS, to
handle an eastern indigo snake are allowed to do so.
IF YOU SEE A LIVE EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE ON THE SITE:
• Cease clearing activities and allow the live eastern indigo snake sufficient time to move
away from the site without interference;
• Personnel must NOT attempt to touch or handle snake due to protected status.
• Take photographs of the snake, if possible, for identification and documentation purposes.
• Immediately notify supervisor or the applicant’s designated agent, and the appropriate
USFWS office, with the location information and condition of the snake.
• If the snake is located in a vicinity where continuation of the clearing or construction
activities will cause harm to the snake, the activities must halt until such time that a
representative of the USFWS returns the call (within one day) with further guidance as to
when activities may resume.
IF YOU SEE A DEAD EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE ON THE SITE:
• Cease clearing activities and immediately notify supervisor or the applicant’s designated
agent, and the appropriate USFWS office, with the location information and condition of
the snake.
• Take photographs of the snake, if possible, for identification and documentation purposes.
• Thoroughly soak the dead snake in water and then freeze the specimen. The appropriate
wildlife agency will retrieve the dead snake.
Telephone numbers of USFWS Florida Field Offices to be contacted if a live or dead
eastern indigo snake is encountered:
North Florida Field Office – (904) 731-3336
Panama City Field Office – (850) 769-0552
South Florida Field Office – (772) 562-3909
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PRE-CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
1. The applicant or designated agent will post educational posters in the construction office and
throughout the construction site, including any access roads. The posters must be clearly visible
to all construction staff. A sample poster is attached.
2. Prior to the onset of construction activities, the applicant/designated agent will conduct a
meeting with all construction staff (annually for multi-year projects) to discuss identification of
the snake, its protected status, what to do if a snake is observed within the project area, and
applicable penalties that may be imposed if state and/or federal regulations are violated. An
educational brochure including color photographs of the snake will be given to each staff
member in attendance and additional copies will be provided to the construction superintendent
to make available in the onsite construction office (a final brochure for Plan compliance, to be
printed double-sided on 8.5” x 11” paper and then properly folded, is attached). Photos of
eastern indigo snakes may be accessed on USFWS and/or FWC websites.
3. Construction staff will be informed that in the event that an eastern indigo snake (live or dead)
is observed on the project site during construction activities, all such activities are to cease until
the established procedures are implemented according to the Plan, which includes notification of
the appropriate USFWS Field Office. The contact information for the USFWS is provided on the
referenced posters and brochures.
DURING CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
1. During initial site clearing activities, an onsite observer may be utilized to determine whether
habitat conditions suggest a reasonable probability of an eastern indigo snake sighting (example:
discovery of snake sheds, tracks, lots of refugia and cavities present in the area of clearing
activities, and presence of gopher tortoises and burrows).
2. If an eastern indigo snake is discovered during gopher tortoise relocation activities (i.e. burrow
excavation), the USFWS shall be contacted within one business day to obtain further guidance
which may result in further project consultation.
3. Periodically during construction activities, the applicant’s designated agent should visit the
project area to observe the condition of the posters and Plan materials, and replace them as
needed. Construction personnel should be reminded of the instructions (above) as to what is
expected if any eastern indigo snakes are seen.
POST CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Whether or not eastern indigo snakes are observed during construction activities, a monitoring
report should be submitted to the appropriate USFWS Field Office within 60 days of project
completion. The report can be sent electronically to the appropriate USFWS e-mail address listed
on page one of this Plan.
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