Overview
The tiny nonvenomous Key ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus acricus) is a subspecies of the ring-necked snake found only on the lower Florida Keys of Monroe County, Florida, in pine rocklands and rockland hammocks. It reaches an adult length of 6- to 10 inches with a grayish-black back, bright yellow and red underside, and an indistinct or absent neck ring. Predators include wild hogs, feral cats, frogs, toads, raccoons, owls, opossums, larger snakes, centipedes, and large spiders.
Threats
Rising seas, increasingly severe and frequent storms, development, fire suppression, and saltwater intrusion from sea level rise all pose risks to its survival. Its primary habitat is pine rocklands, designated a globally imperiled ecosystem. Climate change and sea level rise are the biggest threats facing the Key ring-necked snake with increases of severe storms and flooding that can eliminate entire populations of the Key ring-necked snake. Scientists estimate that in the next 10–20 years, the species will begin experiencing significant losses associated with sea level rise, and by 2080 may be entirely gone.
Partnerships, Research and Projects
The Key ring-necked snake is listed in the State of Florida as “state-designated threatened,” and is protected against intentional harm, harassment, possession, or selling. In addition, the Florida’s Imperiled Species Management Plan created by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) addresses the conservation needs of multiple species through a comprehensive approach. The plan provides incidental take permitting standards and guidelines, and integrated conservation strategies and actions.
Some habitat protections are currently in place for the Key ring-necked snake. Monroe County implemented a Habitat Conservation Plan for Big Pine and No Name Keys in 2006, which requires development projects to fulfill the plan’s mitigation requirement of conserving native habitat such as pine rocklands. Additionally, suitable habitat for the Key ring-necked snake is protected within Federal preserves such as the National Key Deer Refuge. Also, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is implementing the 10-year Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Area Management Plan covering an archipelago of small sites totaling 4,250 acres (1,720 ha) and stretching 80 miles (129 km) from Key Largo to Sugarloaf and Saddlebunch Keys lying immediately northeast of Key West. This plan recommends management actions and some monitoring for the Key ring-necked snake. Lastly, the Monroe County Year 2030 Comprehensive Plan recommended that Monroe County continue its land acquisition and restoration programs.
Scientific Name
Identification Numbers
Characteristics
Habitat
Pinelands, pine rocklands, tropical hammocks, rockland hammocks, limestone outcroppings, and rocky pine scrub areas in moist areas are suitable habitats for the Key ring-necked snake.
Pine Rocklands: This habitat features an oolitic limestone substrate with holes and crevices, rock rubble piles, and pockets of organic matter in solution holes and shallow depressions. A fire regime at 5- to 7-year intervals preserves the habitat and plant community. Freshwater sources and suitable prey are available here. This is a globally designed critically imperiled ecosystem.
Hardwood Hammock: This habitat mirrors the pine rocklands in terms of the oolitic limestone substrate, rock rubble, and organic matter pockets. It also provides the snake with suitable prey and freshwater sources.
Food
The Key ring-necked snake diet consists of small insects, snakes, anoles, geckos, slugs, frogs, tadpoles, and earthworms.
Physical Characteristics
The slender tiny Key ring-necked snake is one of the smallest subspecies of the family Dipsadinae with adults reaching a length of 6- to 10 inches. This snake’s back is grayish-black with a bright yellow and crimson underside and an indistinct or absent neck ring. Its scales are smooth.
Behavior
These secretive snakes are nocturnal and live underground. They inhabit moist shallow soil over limestone formations, rotten stumps, fallen logs, and rocks, and pockets of organic matter accumulating in solution holes and shallow depressions in limestone.
Life Cycle
Ring-necked snakes mate in the spring or fall, delayed fertilization is possible, and eggs are laid in June or early July. Females lay 1 to 10 eggs at one time each year in covered, moist locations.
Little life history information is available on the Key ring-necked snake about its habitat, feeding, and reproduction.
Geography
This snake is found on seven lower Florida Keys: Key West, Big Pine Key, Little Torch Key, Middle Torch Key, No Name Key, Cudjoe Key, and Stock Island.
Timeline
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