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Biology, Impacts and Control of Invasive Reptiles in the Everglades

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By Fort Collins Science Center February 11, 2023

Invasive species are considered to be second only to habitat degradation in terms of negative impacts on the Earth’s ecosystems, and our scientists make up a significant proportion of the global expertise in the rapidly-growing problem of invasive reptiles.

Media
A Burmese python slithering in the grass in the Everglades.
Sources/Usage: Some content may have restrictions. View Media Details
A Burmese python slithering in the grass in the Everglades. Photo by Emma Hanslowe, USGS.

 

 

FORT's invasive reptile research in Florida focuses on understanding impacts and developing adaptive control opportunities for Burmese pythons and other recent invaders such as black and white tegus. Branch scientists combine extensive herpetological expertise with cutting-edge quantitative skills to inform and estimate detection probability, population size, and eradication prospects for a range of invasive reptiles. Projects and collaborators span across the United States mainland to Pacific islands.

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

four people hold a large Burmese python over their shoulders, ferns and large trees in the background

Invasive Burmese python research in the Greater Everglades

USGS leads federal research to control the highly invasive Burmese python ( Python bivittatus), which has become firmly established across the Greater Everglades Ecosystem and poses a serious threat to native wildlife. Capable of reaching over 17 feet long, this massive constrictor is believed to be a key factor in the sharp decline of mammal populations in the region. For over a decade...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , M3 Research Laboratory
Invasive Burmese python research in the Greater Everglades

Invasive Burmese python research in the Greater Everglades

USGS leads federal research to control the highly invasive Burmese python ( Python bivittatus), which has become firmly established across the Greater Everglades Ecosystem and poses a serious threat to native wildlife. Capable of reaching over 17 feet long, this massive constrictor is believed to be a key factor in the sharp decline of mammal populations in the region. For over a decade...
Learn More
two hands hold up a large black and white spotted lizard, with tables and lab equipment in the background

Early detection and rapid response tools for invasive tegu lizards

Scientists at USGS have shown that much of the US is suitable for invasion by tegu lizards, and suitability will likely increase in the future. While tegus can be removed via trapping, it is difficult to monitor every geographic area where tegus could invade. Thus, methods for quickly detecting and removing tegus in new areas are the best way to prevent spread and minimize damage from these...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Early detection and rapid response tools for invasive tegu lizards

Early detection and rapid response tools for invasive tegu lizards

Scientists at USGS have shown that much of the US is suitable for invasion by tegu lizards, and suitability will likely increase in the future. While tegus can be removed via trapping, it is difficult to monitor every geographic area where tegus could invade. Thus, methods for quickly detecting and removing tegus in new areas are the best way to prevent spread and minimize damage from these...
Learn More
Burmese python in Greater Everglades coiled up on some vegetation

Multi-year Burmese Python Vital Rate Research Collaborative in the Greater Everglades

USGS researchers will track juvenile Burmese python within Big Cypress National Preserve (BICY) and collect data on snake growth, habitat use, and causes of mortality. Known-fate models will be used to estimate survival and better understand factors that influence survival.
By
Fort Collins Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Multi-year Burmese Python Vital Rate Research Collaborative in the Greater Everglades

Multi-year Burmese Python Vital Rate Research Collaborative in the Greater Everglades

USGS researchers will track juvenile Burmese python within Big Cypress National Preserve (BICY) and collect data on snake growth, habitat use, and causes of mortality. Known-fate models will be used to estimate survival and better understand factors that influence survival.
Learn More
An approximately 14 foot female invasive Burmese python in the Everglades.

State Partnerships in South Florida

USGS-FORT in partnership with the University of Florida and two state agencies (South Florida Water Management District and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) have initiated a scout snake program to increase the ability to detect and remove Burmese pythons from the interior of the landscape.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
State Partnerships in South Florida

State Partnerships in South Florida

USGS-FORT in partnership with the University of Florida and two state agencies (South Florida Water Management District and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) have initiated a scout snake program to increase the ability to detect and remove Burmese pythons from the interior of the landscape.
Learn More
Student Intern Alejandro Grajal-Puche holds an Argentine black and white tegu lizard.

Ecology and Control of Invasive Reptiles in Florida

This project involves development of tools for the detection and control of invasive reptiles in Florida, with an emphasis on pythons and tegu lizards. The goals are to reduce the risk of reptile invasions, investigate early detection methods, maintain rapid response capacity, and understand invasive reptile population biology and ecology to inform management options.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Ecology and Control of Invasive Reptiles in Florida

Ecology and Control of Invasive Reptiles in Florida

This project involves development of tools for the detection and control of invasive reptiles in Florida, with an emphasis on pythons and tegu lizards. The goals are to reduce the risk of reptile invasions, investigate early detection methods, maintain rapid response capacity, and understand invasive reptile population biology and ecology to inform management options.
Learn More
USGS Biological Science Technician Michelle Collier holds an invasive Argentine Tegu lizard.

Mentoring the next generation: USGS, NPS, and University of Florida Cooperative Research Unit Invasive Reptile Intern Program

Invasive reptiles like the Burmese python ( Python bivittatus) and black and white tegu lizard ( Tupinambis merianae) are exerting tremendous harm on Everglades ecosystems, but these problematic species present an excellent opportunity to engage the next generation in science. Since entering into an agreement with Everglades National Park in late 2013, the Invasive Species Science Branch of the U...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Mentoring the next generation: USGS, NPS, and University of Florida Cooperative Research Unit Invasive Reptile Intern Program

Mentoring the next generation: USGS, NPS, and University of Florida Cooperative Research Unit Invasive Reptile Intern Program

Invasive reptiles like the Burmese python ( Python bivittatus) and black and white tegu lizard ( Tupinambis merianae) are exerting tremendous harm on Everglades ecosystems, but these problematic species present an excellent opportunity to engage the next generation in science. Since entering into an agreement with Everglades National Park in late 2013, the Invasive Species Science Branch of the U...
Learn More

Below are publications associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 40

Coelomic foreign bodies in wild-caught Python spp. in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, Florida, USA Coelomic foreign bodies in wild-caught Python spp. in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, Florida, USA

Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) and African rock pythons (Python sebae) have established invasive populations in southern Florida, severely disrupting local ecosystems. We analysed necropsy data from 2,179 pythons captured between 2006 and 2022, revealing nine cases of coelomic foreign bodies, primarily consisting of bird beaks, which presumably entered the coelom following
Authors
Gretchen E. Anderson, McKayla M. Spencer, Ray W. Snow, Andrea Currylow, Frank N. Ridgley, Bryan G. Falk, Amy A. Yackel Adams
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

An Eastern Ribbonsnake, Thamnophis sauritus (Linnaeus, 1766), scavenging on a roadkilled Cuban Treefrog, Osteopilus septentrionalis, (Duméril & Bibron, 1841), in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA An Eastern Ribbonsnake, Thamnophis sauritus (Linnaeus, 1766), scavenging on a roadkilled Cuban Treefrog, Osteopilus septentrionalis, (Duméril & Bibron, 1841), in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA

No abstract available.
Authors
Sarah Payne, Eleanor Lane, Faith Dunlap, Madison Vasquez, Matthew Fox Metcalf, Lisa Marie McBride, Sarah Rae Sherburne, Christina Romagosa, Amanda Marie Kissel, Amy A. Yackel Adams, Mark Robert Sandfoss
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Wild Burmese python nest site selection, thermogenesis, and brooding behaviors in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem Wild Burmese python nest site selection, thermogenesis, and brooding behaviors in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem

Invasive Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) are extremely cryptic animals. Although their conservation status in their native range is Vulnerable, in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem (Florida, USA) they have become a dominant destructive force and usually are immediately removed whenever found. This poses a paradox where removals are occurring, yet the study and understanding of python...
Authors
Andrea Faye Currylow, Lisa Marie McBride, Gretchen Erika Anderson, Jacquelyn C. Guzy, Matthew F. McCollister, Christina M. Romagosa, Kristen Hart, Amy A. Yackel Adams
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

An early detection rapid response case study of the Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae) and implications for a broader framework An early detection rapid response case study of the Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae) and implications for a broader framework

Documentation of successful early detection rapid response (EDRR) efforts is lacking from the scientific literature but is needed to inform invasive species response protocols. The Black and White tegu (Salvator merianae) has become established in several Florida counties and its spread is of significant conservation concern. It is of high priority for state and federal managers to...
Authors
Mark Robert Sandfoss, Amanda Marie Kissel, Lisa Marie McBride, Matthew Fox Metcalf, Sarah Rae Sherburne, Travis R. Mangione, Matthew McCollister, Amy A. Yackel Adams
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Using camera traps to estimate site occupancy of invasive Argentine Black and White Tegus (Salvator merianae) in South Florida Using camera traps to estimate site occupancy of invasive Argentine Black and White Tegus (Salvator merianae) in South Florida

The introduction of nonnative species is a leading cause of biodiversity loss. Many invasive species are cryptic or elusive in nature and therefore often evade detection, complicating their management. Occupancy modeling can reveal the presence and spread of invasive species over time and therefore has important management implications. Camera traps can be used to estimate occupancy, or...
Authors
Samantha N. Smith, Melissa A. Miller, Hardin Waddle, Sarah Cooke, Amy A. Yackel Adams, Andrea Currylow, Kevin Donmoyer, Frank J. Mazzotti
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Double take: Ingestion of two rats by a juvenile Burmese Python (Python bivittatus) in Big Cypress National Preserve, FL, USA Double take: Ingestion of two rats by a juvenile Burmese Python (Python bivittatus) in Big Cypress National Preserve, FL, USA

No abstract available.
Authors
Teah M. Evers, Andrea F. Currylow, Mark Robert Sandfoss, Lisa Marie McBride, Christina M. Romagosa, Wesley W. Boone, Jacquelyn C. Guzy, Gretchen Erika Anderson, Kristen Hart, Matthew McCollister, Amy A. Yackel Adams
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center
Fort Collins Science Center Ecologists Share Expertise on Invasive Species

Fort Collins Science Center Ecologists Share Expertise on Invasive Species

Research Ecologists Amy Yackel Adams and Andrea Currylow present “Invasive Reptiles: Lizards, Treesnakes, and Burmese Pythons, Oh My!” lecture

Read Article

Invasive species are considered to be second only to habitat degradation in terms of negative impacts on the Earth’s ecosystems, and our scientists make up a significant proportion of the global expertise in the rapidly-growing problem of invasive reptiles.

Media
A Burmese python slithering in the grass in the Everglades.
Sources/Usage: Some content may have restrictions. View Media Details
A Burmese python slithering in the grass in the Everglades. Photo by Emma Hanslowe, USGS.

 

 

FORT's invasive reptile research in Florida focuses on understanding impacts and developing adaptive control opportunities for Burmese pythons and other recent invaders such as black and white tegus. Branch scientists combine extensive herpetological expertise with cutting-edge quantitative skills to inform and estimate detection probability, population size, and eradication prospects for a range of invasive reptiles. Projects and collaborators span across the United States mainland to Pacific islands.

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

four people hold a large Burmese python over their shoulders, ferns and large trees in the background

Invasive Burmese python research in the Greater Everglades

USGS leads federal research to control the highly invasive Burmese python ( Python bivittatus), which has become firmly established across the Greater Everglades Ecosystem and poses a serious threat to native wildlife. Capable of reaching over 17 feet long, this massive constrictor is believed to be a key factor in the sharp decline of mammal populations in the region. For over a decade...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , M3 Research Laboratory
Invasive Burmese python research in the Greater Everglades

Invasive Burmese python research in the Greater Everglades

USGS leads federal research to control the highly invasive Burmese python ( Python bivittatus), which has become firmly established across the Greater Everglades Ecosystem and poses a serious threat to native wildlife. Capable of reaching over 17 feet long, this massive constrictor is believed to be a key factor in the sharp decline of mammal populations in the region. For over a decade...
Learn More
two hands hold up a large black and white spotted lizard, with tables and lab equipment in the background

Early detection and rapid response tools for invasive tegu lizards

Scientists at USGS have shown that much of the US is suitable for invasion by tegu lizards, and suitability will likely increase in the future. While tegus can be removed via trapping, it is difficult to monitor every geographic area where tegus could invade. Thus, methods for quickly detecting and removing tegus in new areas are the best way to prevent spread and minimize damage from these...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Early detection and rapid response tools for invasive tegu lizards

Early detection and rapid response tools for invasive tegu lizards

Scientists at USGS have shown that much of the US is suitable for invasion by tegu lizards, and suitability will likely increase in the future. While tegus can be removed via trapping, it is difficult to monitor every geographic area where tegus could invade. Thus, methods for quickly detecting and removing tegus in new areas are the best way to prevent spread and minimize damage from these...
Learn More
Burmese python in Greater Everglades coiled up on some vegetation

Multi-year Burmese Python Vital Rate Research Collaborative in the Greater Everglades

USGS researchers will track juvenile Burmese python within Big Cypress National Preserve (BICY) and collect data on snake growth, habitat use, and causes of mortality. Known-fate models will be used to estimate survival and better understand factors that influence survival.
By
Fort Collins Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
Multi-year Burmese Python Vital Rate Research Collaborative in the Greater Everglades

Multi-year Burmese Python Vital Rate Research Collaborative in the Greater Everglades

USGS researchers will track juvenile Burmese python within Big Cypress National Preserve (BICY) and collect data on snake growth, habitat use, and causes of mortality. Known-fate models will be used to estimate survival and better understand factors that influence survival.
Learn More
An approximately 14 foot female invasive Burmese python in the Everglades.

State Partnerships in South Florida

USGS-FORT in partnership with the University of Florida and two state agencies (South Florida Water Management District and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) have initiated a scout snake program to increase the ability to detect and remove Burmese pythons from the interior of the landscape.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
State Partnerships in South Florida

State Partnerships in South Florida

USGS-FORT in partnership with the University of Florida and two state agencies (South Florida Water Management District and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) have initiated a scout snake program to increase the ability to detect and remove Burmese pythons from the interior of the landscape.
Learn More
Student Intern Alejandro Grajal-Puche holds an Argentine black and white tegu lizard.

Ecology and Control of Invasive Reptiles in Florida

This project involves development of tools for the detection and control of invasive reptiles in Florida, with an emphasis on pythons and tegu lizards. The goals are to reduce the risk of reptile invasions, investigate early detection methods, maintain rapid response capacity, and understand invasive reptile population biology and ecology to inform management options.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Ecology and Control of Invasive Reptiles in Florida

Ecology and Control of Invasive Reptiles in Florida

This project involves development of tools for the detection and control of invasive reptiles in Florida, with an emphasis on pythons and tegu lizards. The goals are to reduce the risk of reptile invasions, investigate early detection methods, maintain rapid response capacity, and understand invasive reptile population biology and ecology to inform management options.
Learn More
USGS Biological Science Technician Michelle Collier holds an invasive Argentine Tegu lizard.

Mentoring the next generation: USGS, NPS, and University of Florida Cooperative Research Unit Invasive Reptile Intern Program

Invasive reptiles like the Burmese python ( Python bivittatus) and black and white tegu lizard ( Tupinambis merianae) are exerting tremendous harm on Everglades ecosystems, but these problematic species present an excellent opportunity to engage the next generation in science. Since entering into an agreement with Everglades National Park in late 2013, the Invasive Species Science Branch of the U...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Mentoring the next generation: USGS, NPS, and University of Florida Cooperative Research Unit Invasive Reptile Intern Program

Mentoring the next generation: USGS, NPS, and University of Florida Cooperative Research Unit Invasive Reptile Intern Program

Invasive reptiles like the Burmese python ( Python bivittatus) and black and white tegu lizard ( Tupinambis merianae) are exerting tremendous harm on Everglades ecosystems, but these problematic species present an excellent opportunity to engage the next generation in science. Since entering into an agreement with Everglades National Park in late 2013, the Invasive Species Science Branch of the U...
Learn More

Below are publications associated with this project.

Filter Total Items: 40

Coelomic foreign bodies in wild-caught Python spp. in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, Florida, USA Coelomic foreign bodies in wild-caught Python spp. in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, Florida, USA

Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) and African rock pythons (Python sebae) have established invasive populations in southern Florida, severely disrupting local ecosystems. We analysed necropsy data from 2,179 pythons captured between 2006 and 2022, revealing nine cases of coelomic foreign bodies, primarily consisting of bird beaks, which presumably entered the coelom following
Authors
Gretchen E. Anderson, McKayla M. Spencer, Ray W. Snow, Andrea Currylow, Frank N. Ridgley, Bryan G. Falk, Amy A. Yackel Adams
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

An Eastern Ribbonsnake, Thamnophis sauritus (Linnaeus, 1766), scavenging on a roadkilled Cuban Treefrog, Osteopilus septentrionalis, (Duméril & Bibron, 1841), in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA An Eastern Ribbonsnake, Thamnophis sauritus (Linnaeus, 1766), scavenging on a roadkilled Cuban Treefrog, Osteopilus septentrionalis, (Duméril & Bibron, 1841), in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA

No abstract available.
Authors
Sarah Payne, Eleanor Lane, Faith Dunlap, Madison Vasquez, Matthew Fox Metcalf, Lisa Marie McBride, Sarah Rae Sherburne, Christina Romagosa, Amanda Marie Kissel, Amy A. Yackel Adams, Mark Robert Sandfoss
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Wild Burmese python nest site selection, thermogenesis, and brooding behaviors in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem Wild Burmese python nest site selection, thermogenesis, and brooding behaviors in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem

Invasive Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) are extremely cryptic animals. Although their conservation status in their native range is Vulnerable, in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem (Florida, USA) they have become a dominant destructive force and usually are immediately removed whenever found. This poses a paradox where removals are occurring, yet the study and understanding of python...
Authors
Andrea Faye Currylow, Lisa Marie McBride, Gretchen Erika Anderson, Jacquelyn C. Guzy, Matthew F. McCollister, Christina M. Romagosa, Kristen Hart, Amy A. Yackel Adams
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

An early detection rapid response case study of the Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae) and implications for a broader framework An early detection rapid response case study of the Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae) and implications for a broader framework

Documentation of successful early detection rapid response (EDRR) efforts is lacking from the scientific literature but is needed to inform invasive species response protocols. The Black and White tegu (Salvator merianae) has become established in several Florida counties and its spread is of significant conservation concern. It is of high priority for state and federal managers to...
Authors
Mark Robert Sandfoss, Amanda Marie Kissel, Lisa Marie McBride, Matthew Fox Metcalf, Sarah Rae Sherburne, Travis R. Mangione, Matthew McCollister, Amy A. Yackel Adams
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Using camera traps to estimate site occupancy of invasive Argentine Black and White Tegus (Salvator merianae) in South Florida Using camera traps to estimate site occupancy of invasive Argentine Black and White Tegus (Salvator merianae) in South Florida

The introduction of nonnative species is a leading cause of biodiversity loss. Many invasive species are cryptic or elusive in nature and therefore often evade detection, complicating their management. Occupancy modeling can reveal the presence and spread of invasive species over time and therefore has important management implications. Camera traps can be used to estimate occupancy, or...
Authors
Samantha N. Smith, Melissa A. Miller, Hardin Waddle, Sarah Cooke, Amy A. Yackel Adams, Andrea Currylow, Kevin Donmoyer, Frank J. Mazzotti
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Double take: Ingestion of two rats by a juvenile Burmese Python (Python bivittatus) in Big Cypress National Preserve, FL, USA Double take: Ingestion of two rats by a juvenile Burmese Python (Python bivittatus) in Big Cypress National Preserve, FL, USA

No abstract available.
Authors
Teah M. Evers, Andrea F. Currylow, Mark Robert Sandfoss, Lisa Marie McBride, Christina M. Romagosa, Wesley W. Boone, Jacquelyn C. Guzy, Gretchen Erika Anderson, Kristen Hart, Matthew McCollister, Amy A. Yackel Adams
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center
Fort Collins Science Center Ecologists Share Expertise on Invasive Species

Fort Collins Science Center Ecologists Share Expertise on Invasive Species

Research Ecologists Amy Yackel Adams and Andrea Currylow present “Invasive Reptiles: Lizards, Treesnakes, and Burmese Pythons, Oh My!” lecture

Read Article
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