Office of the Regional Executive for Biology - Central Region
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Office of Surface Mines Research Needs
TITLE: Southern Population of
the Copperbelly Water Snake: Population Trends and Identification
of Potential Threats to the Species or its Habitat
SUBMITTING BUREAU: Office of Surface Mining
Originating Office: Mid-Continent Regional Coordinating Center, Alton, IL
DATE SUBMITTED: March 1, 1998
BIN NUMBER: OSM01CR99
BRD REGION: Central
DESCRIPTION OF NEED: Detailed information is needed on the status of the southern population of the Copperbelly Water Snake in the conservation agreement area of Southern Indiana, South East Illinois, and Western Kentucky. Are the numbers of Copperbellys increase or decreasing? What human or environmental factors present specific threats to either the species or its remaining habitat? Can Copperbellys be reestablished in wetlands restored by surface mining?
Research is needed that would better define the existing habitat, population sizes and location, population dynamics, and identify environmental factors that may pose a potential threat to the continued existence of the species in its southern population.
MANAGEMENT PROBLEM WITH NEED: Surface coal mining continues to disturb some of the last remaining Copperbelly habitat. Although the Copperbelly is covered by a conservation agreement, the status of the remaining populations of Copperbellys is still unknown. The effectiveness of the conservation agreement to protect the Copperbelly and mitigate disturbances from surface mining is also unknown.
BUREAU CONTACT: Mid-Continent Region - Kimery Vories - (618) 463-6463 x 103; e-mail:kvories@osmre.gov
BRD PRIMARY CENTER: Columbia Environmental Research Center, Brazos Field Research Station; College Station, Texas
BRD PRIMARY CONTACT: Don Clark; 409-862-2366
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION: CERC has discussed this new BIN issue with OSM and has agreed to the following approach. CERC is compiling the scientific information available on this species including the current range, habitat requirements, and potential threats to existing populations. Based on the outcome of this assessment, specific research projects will be identified in cooperation with OSM. The current BRD contact is stationed in Texas and after completion of this life history synopsis, the lead for specific research on this species may best be accomplished through a BRD Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: December 18, 1998
PREPARED BY: Don Clark; 409-862-2366, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Brazos Field Research Station; College Station, Texas
U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://biology.usgs.gov/cro/99osm-1.htm
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