The state known for its alligators, theme parks and tourists seeking sun in all sorts of striped Pison (Burma)Python bivittatus) One of the unwelcome visitors. These approximately 13 feet long snakes, usually found in Southeast Asia, have been sliding around parts of Florida for the past 40 years, wreaking havoc on native species and damaging ecosystems. The exact number is unknown, but some scientists estimate that it may be Pisons up to 100,000-300,000 In the sun’s light.
To combat this invasive species, the state sponsors popular annual hunting contests to ullu cull the population and collaborates with various groups to catch snakes. Scientists also Environmental DNA they leave behind. Currently, scientists at the University of Florida are statistically analyzing data collected by Burmese Python contractors to figure out the most efficient way to remove reptiles. For more information about the survey results, please see Recently published in journals Scientific Report.
Burma Pison is considered Generalist predators. They could eat almost anything, and numerous species (including large deer) were found in the intestines during necrosis. They also include protected and threatened Florida species. Wood Stork and Keylor God Lut. They can consume comparable meals 100% of weight. But there is something No human deaths have been reported From Pison, Burma, where wild life in Florida.
“Pythons destroys food networks, changes the dynamics of predators and upbringing, and reduces populations of major native species,” says research co-author and quantitative ecologist at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. Alex Romer is said in a statement. “By improving our removal strategies, we are working to provide an opportunity to continue to adapt to wildlife.”
Data was collected between May 2020 and April 2022, and the team analyzed it in total. 4,092 surveys from Python contractors with a total of over 16,000 hours of effort Find and contain snakes. They looked at the data to see if factors such as time and temperature had an impact on the likelihood that Python would be successfully removed. The team also analyzed whether the most surveyed regions in the state matched the best Python removes. Thus, state officials can identify areas where contractors are few and far between catching many pythons, and more contractors work at these locations to remove more snakes. It indicates that you need to do so.
Analysis was shown Two Regions If efforts to remove pythons could be strengthened with more surveys. The western edge of Big Cypress National Reserve Rainwater treatment area in Palm Beach County, south-central and east of the state.
The team also identified optimal conditions that appeared to improve the results of the survey.
Python research is the most successful and efficient from the rainy season from May to October. A drop in atmospheric pressure the previous day also increases the chances of a successful Python investigation.
The most efficient time to search for Python was generally better between 8pm and 2am, except for periods of extreme cold. In Florida, this occurs when daily temperatures reach below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
[ Related: Burmese pythons stretch their mouths even wider than we thought possible. ]
Boats, canoes, kayaks and air boats can also increase the effectiveness of your survey.
According to the team,This data can inform new state and local government guidelines for successful detection and removal efforts. It also emphasizes the importance of citizen science. The data is SFWMD Python Elimination Program. This project trains individuals from any background to safely find and contain pythons.
“Managing Pythons is a huge effort made by Floridians who have invested heavily in restoring the complex ecological processes that define the Everglades,” says Romer. “This work is to protect one of the world’s most unique ecosystems. It’s coming not only today, but for generations.”