It’s no secret that Burmese pythons are a huge ecological issue in Florida. They are part of many invasive species that are damaging the ecosystem in the Everglades. Burmese pythons were most likely introduced into the Everglades through the exotic pet trade and have been spotted in the environment since 2000.
The Problem
The reason why invasive species like the Burmese python are such a problem in the Everglades is because they disrupt the natural balance of the food chain by hunting animals that native predators rely on to survive. These pythons are much harder to uproot than on paper, with how big the Everglades are.
Amazing Discoveries
A study from the University of Florida has made amazing discoveries concerning the python problem. These snakes are usually quite elusive and very hard to find, which makes it difficult to take them out of the environment, but the study has taken huge steps towards finding out exactly where they roam.
Analyzing Data
Researchers from the study looked at python removal programs and analyzed where they had been found. They used this data to create a model to better understand python behavior and where they might be found depending on the season.
Python Contractors
The research data that was used would not have been possible without python contractors who logged the information. They are people essentially paid for python bounties. They find and remove the pythons from the environment.
Hot Spots
The study concluded that there were two spots in Florida that had a large amount of python activity. One of these hot spots is the near the Tamiami Trail, on the western edge of Big Cypress National Preserve. The other hotspot is in Palm Beach County near a stormwater treatment area.
When To Strike
The research also found out when the snakes were being caught, which also gave them an idea of when the snakes inhabited certain regions. This meant that the researchers at the University of Florida know when the best time to strike is.
The Wet Season
The researchers concluded that the best time to try to capture these invasive pythons is from May to October, during the wet season. The hours between dusk and dawn is when they come out and can most easily be found.
Equipment For Surveys
Future surveys may have much more success if the right equipment is used. Vehicles that can traverse the Everglades more easily like kayaks and boats could make cataloging and finding these pythons much easier. Surveys during the night would be much more productive, meaning that the proper clothing in the 50 degree Fahrenheit climate would be required.
Why Removing The Pythons Are Necessary
The pythons need to be removed in order to restore the balance of the local ecosystem. Is the python population could be controlled, then native species would have a better chance of surviving. The environment will not be sustainable if the python population keeps growing.
Incentives
Recently, a new incentive program has been put in place that will reward the python contractor that managed to remove the most pythons in per month. This bonus will be $1000. If there is a tie, the size of the pythons will also be taken into consideration.
The Future
The Everglades is an important ecosystem with a lot of biodiversity. Although the future is uncertain with the growing Burmese python problem, future research could find out more important details that will aid in the removal and population control of these animals.
A Chance To Recover
The University of Florida pinpointing the python hot spots is one of many studies aimed towards the safety and restoration of Florida’s ecosystem. With the continued effort between researchers and python contractors may give the native wildlife a chance to recover.
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