The Croc Docs

The recent colonization of Everglades National Park (ENP) and adjacent areas by Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) has created significant new challenges for restoration of this world renowned ecosystem. Not only are the hydrologic techniques traditionally applied to restoration of the Everglades insufficient for controlling this new threat, but snake management is an underdeveloped specialty that has been elaborated only for two comparatively-small terrestrial/arboreal snakes, the Brown Treesnake on Guam and the Habu in the Ryukyu Islands. Like the python, these snakes not only threaten human health but also seriously disrupt natural ecological processes. In the case of Guam, the snake’s introduction resulted in a catastrophic loss of biodiversity. The control techniques developed for those island snakes (traps, searches, dog-aided searches, habitat modifications, prey base control, and toxicants) may be applied to P. m. bivittatus in the Everglades. However, modifications to accommodate the unique wetland character of the Everglades and the suite of non-target species present in South Florida’s reptile-rich continental environment will be necessary. Other modifications are needed to optimize control effectiveness by matching control tool application to behavior, morphology, and ecology of Python molurus. For example, effective sighting and spacing of traps must accommodate habitat use, size, and movement rates of the python. We propose to initiate the highest priority task outlined in a workshop of invasive snake management experts (July 2005 - Invasive Snake/Reptiles Management and Response Workshop, West Palm Beach, FL) and follow-up workshops in March 2007: Conduct strategic field studies of python life history and another December 2008. This is critical for restoration of Everglades’ pre-python conditions. If successful, this activity will benefit not only ENP, but also vulnerable conservation areas throughout southern Florida (Big Cypress National Preserve, water conservation areas, Florida Keys), the remainder of the peninsula, and coastal southeastern US.

Frank J. Mazzotti, Michael Rochford, Theresa Walters, and Alex Wolf