The Daniel Beard Center in Everglades National Park provides the base for most of the field work done on the control of invasive reptiles by USGS Fort Collins Science Center staff. The team works in Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and other parts of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem focusing on, among other species of concern, control and containment of the Burmese python and Argentine tegu.
The USGS Everglades Research Offices is a station for USGS scientists, affiliated personnel, and cooperators interested in research topics related to established or emerging invasive reptiles in the Everglades. Invasive reptiles in the Everglades represent a significant threat to restoration and preservation of the unique Everglades ecosystem. Among the best- known invaders is the Burmese python, which is a large snake that is associated with drastic declines of several mammals. The Argentine Black and White Tegu and other large-bodied reptiles established in southern Florida are also likely to pose future threats to native species. The potential impacts of these species are, however, poorly understood.
USGS scientists conduct research into detection and control of Burmese pythons, Argentine Black and White tegus, and other species in Florida. Research includes enhancing a basic understanding of their life history, ecology, and behaviors that can lead to the identification of potential avenues for management, as well as facilitate much needed population estimates. Additionally, research seeks to identify vital rate characteristics that will aid in the integration of novel methods for detection, as many of these species are cryptic and difficult to detect in the wild. Efforts also include research into native species that may be vulnerable to populations of invasive reptiles through examination of seasonal and demographic dietary trends, reproductive timing and tempo, and other relevant topics.
Read the Invasive Species Science Branch Fact
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Ecology and Control of Invasive Reptiles in Florida
Cruising to Improve the Detection of Burmese Pythons in Everglades National Park
Giant Constrictor Snakes in Florida: A Sizeable Research Challenge
Invasive Species in the Everglades – An Opportunity to Engage Youth in Science
Below are partners associated with this project.
- Overview
The Daniel Beard Center in Everglades National Park provides the base for most of the field work done on the control of invasive reptiles by USGS Fort Collins Science Center staff. The team works in Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and other parts of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem focusing on, among other species of concern, control and containment of the Burmese python and Argentine tegu.
The USGS Everglades Research Offices is a station for USGS scientists, affiliated personnel, and cooperators interested in research topics related to established or emerging invasive reptiles in the Everglades. Invasive reptiles in the Everglades represent a significant threat to restoration and preservation of the unique Everglades ecosystem. Among the best- known invaders is the Burmese python, which is a large snake that is associated with drastic declines of several mammals. The Argentine Black and White Tegu and other large-bodied reptiles established in southern Florida are also likely to pose future threats to native species. The potential impacts of these species are, however, poorly understood.
USGS scientists conduct research into detection and control of Burmese pythons, Argentine Black and White tegus, and other species in Florida. Research includes enhancing a basic understanding of their life history, ecology, and behaviors that can lead to the identification of potential avenues for management, as well as facilitate much needed population estimates. Additionally, research seeks to identify vital rate characteristics that will aid in the integration of novel methods for detection, as many of these species are cryptic and difficult to detect in the wild. Efforts also include research into native species that may be vulnerable to populations of invasive reptiles through examination of seasonal and demographic dietary trends, reproductive timing and tempo, and other relevant topics.
Read the Invasive Species Science Branch Fact
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Ecology and Control of Invasive Reptiles in Florida
This project involves ongoing development of tools for the detection and capture of invasive reptiles in Florida, with an emphasis on Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) and Black and white tegu lizards (Salvator merianae). The goals are to reduce the risk of reptile invasions in high-value resources such as Everglades National Park and the Florida Keys, to access early detection methods of new...Cruising to Improve the Detection of Burmese Pythons in Everglades National Park
It is not uncommon to see researchers cruising around Everglades National Park (ENP) on what has been a routine basis for the past ten months. Every evening, interns pack into a Chevy Volt for their shift assisting the U.S. Geological Survey in conducting Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus) nighttime surveillance through observational surveys. This effort to detect non-native snakes, namely...Giant Constrictor Snakes in Florida: A Sizeable Research Challenge
Since the mid-1990s, several species of non-native, giant constrictor snakes, such as Burmese pythons and boa constrictors, have surfaced in localities throughout southern Florida. Several are known or suspected to be breeding and appear to be spreading northward. Increasingly, media and other reports of sightings or encounters with these animals have emphasized the dangers they could impose on...Invasive Species in the Everglades – An Opportunity to Engage Youth in Science
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.S... - Partners
Below are partners associated with this project.