The Louisiana Pinesnake (Pituophis ruthveni) displays distinctive morphological adaptations, including a laterally compressed cranium and an enlarged rostral scale that facilitate its burrowing capabilities. These features underscore its specialization for a subterranean lifestyle, rendering it one of North America’s rarest snakes. It inhabits the longleaf pine savanna, a fire-dependent ecosystem sustained by periodic, low-intensity burns. Louisiana Pinesnakes maintain a close ecological association with Baird’s pocket gophers (Geomys breviceps), which serve as their primary prey and provide extensive burrow systems that function as refugia and hibernacula. Widespread habitat loss during the 20th century led to the near-extirpation of the Louisiana Pinesnake across its historical range, necessitating targeted conservation efforts. The release of captive-bred yearlings into restored longleaf pine forests has been a significant milestone in recovering this critically endangered species. My research supports these initiatives by generating critical genomic data, including estimates of gene flow, inbreeding, effective population size, and genetic diversity. These metrics guide captive breeding programs and inform reintroduction strategies. Additionally, environmental DNA sampling provides a non-invasive tool to monitor P. ruthveni across its fragmented range, leveraging soil analysis to advance data-driven conservation efforts.