A report published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences on January 30, 2012 documents for the first time the devastating effects the growing population of Burmese pythons is having on the ecology of the Everglades National Park in Florida.
“Researchers found what they characterized as ‘severe declines’ in the population of small and mid-sized native mammals in the 1.5 million-acre national park and linked it to the growing presence of Burmese pythons.
The python's impact has been dramatic on the population of smaller mammals, including raccoons, opossums, marsh and cottontail rabbits, foxes and bobcats, which have dropped precipitously in recent years, researchers said.”[1]
The Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) is a large constricting snake native to Southeast Asia that can reach a length of more than 20 feet and weigh as much as 250 pounds. They are long-lived (15 – 35 years), capable of producing clutches of up to 100 eggs. It's also semi-aquatic, and is an excellent swimmer. The Burmese python is able to stay under water for up to 30 minutes before it needs to come up for air.[2]
Florida’s Everglades are one of the largest wetland systems in the world. Michael Dorcas, professor of biology at Davidson’s College, is one of the author of the study cited: Severe mammal declines coincide with proliferation of invasive Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park. "All of Florida and much of the coastal plain of the southeastern United States is suitable habitat [for the python]," Dorcas says. "Pythons have been reported to consume leopards in their native range, and thus even top predators, such as the Florida panther, may be at risk." And he adds, "Last October, we found a 15-foot snake with an 80-pound doe inside it."[3]
Even Florida’s top predator, its alligators are fighting for their survival as can be seen in this video where a python actually attacks and intimidates a large alligator.
In an attempt to solve the problem the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently made it illegal to import and/or transport across state lines Burmese pythons, yellow anacondas, and northern and southern African pythons. In addition Florida has licensed snake hunters to capture and kill pythons. One such individual is Greg Grazini who estimates the number of pythons in South Florida between 3,000 and 5,000. However estimates vary widely, from a few thousand to as many as 150,000.[4] No one knows but the number grows with time.
So what to do?
A simple and direct solution to the problem is to put a bounty on the snakes, say $10/ft., dead or alive. The capture of just one ten footer would make a nice days pay for anyone willing to go snake hunting. [Think History Channel’s reality show Swamp People]
Snakeskin products are in high demand. A cursory check on line came up with an outfit selling a tailor-made snakeskin blazer starting at $3950 dollars. There is also a demand for vests, boots, belts, wallets, purses, you name it. Given the beauty of these snake skins who knows what new products might come to the mind of some enterprising entrepreneur, snakeskin seat covers perhaps.
It is said that snake tastes somewhere between chicken and fish in both flavor and in texture. Here’s one snake recipe or if you prefer fried snake try this recipe A little olive oil, some Cajun spices and yummy!
Even PETA cannot have a problem with this solution as these nasty snakes are strangling and eating all the cute little bunny rabbits. Can’t have that.
For a more complete discussion of the python problem go to University of Florida report Burmese Pythons in South Florida: Scientific Support for Invasive Species Managementat: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw286
To report sightings of free-ranging pythons call the USNPS Python Line: 305-815-2080 or the Keys Python Line: 1-888-I've Got 1 (1-888-483-4681).
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