Scientific support for Burmese python
management in Florida:
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Figure 2 below illustrates the number of pythons removed from the Everglades National Park through 2007; indicating expanding populations.
The natural
history of the species directs the potential for triggering large, adverse
impacts on the ecological make-up of the Greater Everglades and surrounding
areas. The Burmese python is known as generalist predator; which means their
diet is widely varied (e.g. mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish
species). This species is long lived (up to 25 years), have a high fecundity
(high rates of reproduction), tolerate diverse habitat and can travel long
distances.
The average
clutch size (number or eggs) of the Burmese populations in South Florida is
found to be approximately 36; however can be as high as 100. The hatchlings are
larger than native species, making them less vulnerable to prey. The largest
Florida snake (Indigo Snake) reaches 8.5 feet in length. The average Burmese
python is 23 feet long.
Being exceptional
swimmers, the Burmese python poses a significant risk to surrounding ecologically
vulnerable areas such as the Florida Keys. The endangered Key Largo wood rat (Neotoma floridana smalli ); wading bird
colonies and the federally endangered Indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) are all at a higher risk due to the python
invasion (Harvey, et.al, 2013).
According to
the United States Geological Service, once an invasive species becomes
established, it is very hard to eradicate. With increasing populations and
rising climate temperatures, these invasive pythons could move into several
other areas of the United States. Prior evaluations of saltwater tolerance of
the Burmese python have been underestimated. Accordingly, previous habitat predictions
based on salt water barriers need to be re-evaluated (Hart, et. al., 2012).
Figure 3 below
demonstrates modeled projections of habitat expansion of the Burmese python;
supporting the development of aggressive management programs (USGS, 2013).
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Harvey, R., Brien, M., Cherkiss, M., Dorcas, M., Rochgord, M., Snow, R.,
Mazzotti, F., 2013. Burmese Pythons in
South Florida: Scientific Support for Invasive Species Management. IFAS
Extension, University of Florida. Online. Available at: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw286 [Accessed on
18/04/2013].
Hart, K.,
Schofiled, P., Gregiore, D., 2012. Experimentally
derived salinity tolerance of hatchling Burmese pythons (python molurus
bivittatus) from the Everglades, FL (USA). Journal of Experimental Biology
and Ecology. 413.pp.56-59.
USGS, Unites
States Geological Service, 2013. Everglades
Python Prey Study: Frequently Asked Questions. Online. Available at: http://www.fort.usgs.gov/FLConstrictors/FAQPrey.asp [Accessed on 18/04/2013].
USGS, Unites
States Geological Service, 2013. Illustration. Projected range expansion of
python. http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=1875
