Researchers will determine movement rates and habitat-use patterns of pythons across the South Florida landscape by conducting a telemetry study tracking pythons simultaneously in several locations
The Science Issue and Relevance: In 2012, multiple adult Burmese pythons including several gravid females were found in the mangrove habitat of Southwest Florida’s Rookery Bay. These snakes offered an opportunity to study pythons in a new habitat outside of Everglades National Park. Pythons are also being observed closer to Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, in the northern part of the Greater Everglades. Understanding how pythons move and use habitat throughout the Everglades is critical for effective management and control of these invasive species.
The introduction of GPS tracking to wildlife studies in the 1990s revolutionized the way we think about animal movement and resource use. Technology has continued to progress and GPS tags are now miniaturized enough to surgically implant into Burmese pythons, offering us the opportunity to similarly transform our understanding of this invasive species. Currently, GPS tags can provide us 15 times more locations a week than VHF (radio) technology.
Methodology for Addressing the Issue: We will determine movement rates and habitat-use patterns of pythons across the South Florida landscape by conducting a telemetry study tracking pythons simultaneously in several locations, which could include the Everglades, Big Cypress, lands belonging to the Miccosukee Tribe, Rookery Bay, and Loxahatchee NWR. Pythons will be captured and implanted with GPS tags. Data analysis will reveal patterns in home range size and location, patterns of movement across the seasons and throughout the ecosystem, and patterns of habitat selection and avoidance. Fine-scale habitat-use data will also nicely complement ongoing efforts to develop a habitat suitability model for pythons in the Everglades. A modeling component will use a combination of individual-based modeling and field research to estimate the effects of movement behavior and navigational abilities on the rate of spread and invasion routes. We will 1) assess how python movements differ during two biologically-relevant seasons: the python breeding season (our dry season, December – April) and the python non-breeding season (our wet season, May – November); 2) determine habitat use by pythons across the landscape throughout the year; and 3) test for habitat selection and avoidance by individual pythons and compare these patterns of selection in our different study sites and in the different seasons.
Future Steps: We will continue the use of telemetry to track pythons and will work with collaborators to expand our python tracking in Southwest Florida and the northern periphery of the python invasion. GPS technology will continue to play an increasing role, allowing us to refine our understanding of python spatial distributions. Gut, isotopic, and genetic samples will continue to be inventoried and analyzed with respect to environmental parameters. We will continue developing the cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) tool for practical field use to inform land managers. These efforts will provide a better understanding of the biology and ecological impact of invasive pythons and provide insight into ways to take advantage of their biology to control their population.
Related Project(s) or Products:
Use of stable isotopes to examine whether Burmese pythons are prey-switching in the core area of their range in the Everglades (Collaboration with USGS PI Amanda Demopoulos, funded from USGS Ecosystems Program);
How do Burmese pythons alter mammalian communities and their ecological functions throughout the Greater Everglades ecosystem? (Collaborations with University of Florida PI Robert McCleery and USGS PI Stephanie Romanach, funded from USGS Ecosystems Program);
Burmese python population genetics (Collaboration with USGS PI Margaret Hunter, funded from USGS Ecosystems Program);
Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection of the five giant constrictor snakes in Florida (Collaboration with USGS PI’s Margaret Hunter, Robert Reed, Sara Oyler-McCance, funded from USGS PES, Ecosystems, and Invasives Programs).
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Habitat Selection of the Burmese Python in the Florida Everglades
Cruising to Improve the Detection of Burmese Pythons in Everglades National Park
Efficacy of eDNA as an Early Detection and Rapid Response Indicator for Burmese Pythons in the Northern Greater Everglades Ecosystem
Genetic Analysis of the Invasive Burmese Python to Aid Management and Population-Control Decision-Making
Using Environmental DNA for Burmese Python Detection Probabilities and Range-Delimitation in Southern Florida
Ecology of and Control Strategies for Invasive Burmese Pythons (Python molurus bivitattus) in the Greater Everglades
Below are publications associated with this project.
Novel ecological and climatic conditions drive rapid adaptation in invasive Florida Burmese pythons
Supersize me: Remains of three white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in an invasive Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) in Florida
Prospects and limitations of citizen science in invasive species management: A case study with Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park
Home range, habitat use, and movement patterns of non-native Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
Homing of invasive Burmese pythons in South Florida: evidence for map and compass senses in snakes
Python molurus bivittatus (Burmese python). Minimum size at maturity
Rapid microsatellite marker development using next generation pyrosequencing to inform invasive Burmese python -- Python molurus bivittatus -- management
Record length, mass, and clutch size in the nonindigenous Burmese Python, Python bivittatus Kuhl 1820 (Squamata: Pythonidae), in Florida
Severe mammal declines coincide with proliferation of invasive Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park
- Overview
Researchers will determine movement rates and habitat-use patterns of pythons across the South Florida landscape by conducting a telemetry study tracking pythons simultaneously in several locations
The Science Issue and Relevance: In 2012, multiple adult Burmese pythons including several gravid females were found in the mangrove habitat of Southwest Florida’s Rookery Bay. These snakes offered an opportunity to study pythons in a new habitat outside of Everglades National Park. Pythons are also being observed closer to Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, in the northern part of the Greater Everglades. Understanding how pythons move and use habitat throughout the Everglades is critical for effective management and control of these invasive species.
The introduction of GPS tracking to wildlife studies in the 1990s revolutionized the way we think about animal movement and resource use. Technology has continued to progress and GPS tags are now miniaturized enough to surgically implant into Burmese pythons, offering us the opportunity to similarly transform our understanding of this invasive species. Currently, GPS tags can provide us 15 times more locations a week than VHF (radio) technology.
Invasive Burmese python in the Greater Everglades Photograph credit: Brian Smith, USGS Methodology for Addressing the Issue: We will determine movement rates and habitat-use patterns of pythons across the South Florida landscape by conducting a telemetry study tracking pythons simultaneously in several locations, which could include the Everglades, Big Cypress, lands belonging to the Miccosukee Tribe, Rookery Bay, and Loxahatchee NWR. Pythons will be captured and implanted with GPS tags. Data analysis will reveal patterns in home range size and location, patterns of movement across the seasons and throughout the ecosystem, and patterns of habitat selection and avoidance. Fine-scale habitat-use data will also nicely complement ongoing efforts to develop a habitat suitability model for pythons in the Everglades. A modeling component will use a combination of individual-based modeling and field research to estimate the effects of movement behavior and navigational abilities on the rate of spread and invasion routes. We will 1) assess how python movements differ during two biologically-relevant seasons: the python breeding season (our dry season, December – April) and the python non-breeding season (our wet season, May – November); 2) determine habitat use by pythons across the landscape throughout the year; and 3) test for habitat selection and avoidance by individual pythons and compare these patterns of selection in our different study sites and in the different seasons.
Future Steps: We will continue the use of telemetry to track pythons and will work with collaborators to expand our python tracking in Southwest Florida and the northern periphery of the python invasion. GPS technology will continue to play an increasing role, allowing us to refine our understanding of python spatial distributions. Gut, isotopic, and genetic samples will continue to be inventoried and analyzed with respect to environmental parameters. We will continue developing the cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) tool for practical field use to inform land managers. These efforts will provide a better understanding of the biology and ecological impact of invasive pythons and provide insight into ways to take advantage of their biology to control their population.
Related Project(s) or Products:
Use of stable isotopes to examine whether Burmese pythons are prey-switching in the core area of their range in the Everglades (Collaboration with USGS PI Amanda Demopoulos, funded from USGS Ecosystems Program);
How do Burmese pythons alter mammalian communities and their ecological functions throughout the Greater Everglades ecosystem? (Collaborations with University of Florida PI Robert McCleery and USGS PI Stephanie Romanach, funded from USGS Ecosystems Program);
Burmese python population genetics (Collaboration with USGS PI Margaret Hunter, funded from USGS Ecosystems Program);
Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection of the five giant constrictor snakes in Florida (Collaboration with USGS PI’s Margaret Hunter, Robert Reed, Sara Oyler-McCance, funded from USGS PES, Ecosystems, and Invasives Programs).
- Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Habitat Selection of the Burmese Python in the Florida Everglades
Researchers plotted locations of radio-tagged pythons to create a habitat suitability model.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...Efficacy of eDNA as an Early Detection and Rapid Response Indicator for Burmese Pythons in the Northern Greater Everglades Ecosystem
Traditional approaches to locating Burmese pythons - including visual searches and trapping - have resulted in low detection. Environmental DNA - or eDNA - is increasingly being used to detect the presence of non-native species, particularly when traditional methods may not be adequate.Genetic Analysis of the Invasive Burmese Python to Aid Management and Population-Control Decision-Making
Invasive Burmese pythons threaten the success of Everglades restoration efforts. To assist with management and population control decision making, USGS scientists are implementing genetic studies to identify potential new entry pathways and to help quantify the size of the breeding population.Using Environmental DNA for Burmese Python Detection Probabilities and Range-Delimitation in Southern Florida
Current tools for detection of Burmese pythons in South Florida have resulted in low detection rates. Environmental DNA - eDNA - has shown to be effective at detecting these invasive snakes, and can help to determine range limits for the species, information that is critical for management and control efforts.Ecology of and Control Strategies for Invasive Burmese Pythons (Python molurus bivitattus) in the Greater Everglades
Telemetry tracking of captured pythons reveals movement patterns of the invasive Burmese python in the Greater Everglades, information that managers can use to prioritize python control efforts. - Publications
Below are publications associated with this project.
Novel ecological and climatic conditions drive rapid adaptation in invasive Florida Burmese pythons
Invasive species provide powerful in situ experimental systems for studying evolution in response to selective pressures in novel habitats. While research has shown that phenotypic evolution can occur rapidly in nature, few examples exist of genome‐wide adaptation on short ‘ecological’ timescales. Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) have become a successful and impactful invasive species iAuthorsDaren C. Card, Blair W. Perry, Richard H. Adams, Drew R. Schield, Acacia S. Young, Audra L. Andrew, Tereza Jezkova, Giulia I.M. Pasquesi, Nicole R. Hales, Matthew R. Walsh, Michael R. Rochford, Frank J. Mazzotti, Kristen M. Hart, Margaret Hunter, Todd A. CastoeSupersize me: Remains of three white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in an invasive Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) in Florida
Snakes have become successful invaders in a wide variety of ecosystems worldwide. In southern Florida, USA, the Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) has become established across thousands of square kilometers including all of Everglades National Park (ENP). Both experimental and correlative data have supported a relationship between Burmese python predation and declines or extirpations of mAuthorsScott M. Boback, Ray W. Snow, Teresa Hsu, Suzanne C. Peurach, Carla J. Dove, Robert N. ReedProspects and limitations of citizen science in invasive species management: A case study with Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park
Citizen-science programs have the potential to contribute to the management of invasive species, including Python molurus bivittatus (Burmese Python) in Florida. We characterized citizen-science–generated Burmese Python information from Everglades National Park (ENP) to explore how citizen science may be useful in this effort. As an initial step, we compiled and summarized records of Burmese PythoAuthorsBryan Falk, Raymond W. Snow, Robert ReedHome range, habitat use, and movement patterns of non-native Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
Background Studies on the spatial ecology of invasive species provide critical information for conservation managers such as habitat preferences and identification of native species at risk of predation. To understand the spatial ecology of non-native Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus), now well-established in Everglades National Park and much of South Florida USA, we radio-tracked 19 wilAuthorsKristen M. Hart, Michael S. Cherkiss, Brian J. Smith, Frank J. Mazzotti, Ikuko Fujisaki, Ray W. Snow, Michael E. DorcasHoming of invasive Burmese pythons in South Florida: evidence for map and compass senses in snakes
Navigational ability is a critical component of an animal's spatial ecology and may influence the invasive potential of species. Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) are apex predators invasive to South Florida. We tracked the movements of 12 adult Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park, six of which were translocated 21–36 km from their capture locations. Translocated snakes orientedAuthorsShannon E. Pittman, Kristen M. Hart, Michael S. Cherkiss, Ray W. Snow, Ikuko Fujisaki, Frank J. Mazzotti, Michael E. DorcasPython molurus bivittatus (Burmese python). Minimum size at maturity
No abstract available.AuthorsJohn D Willson, Ray W Snow, Robert N. Reed, Michael E DorcasRapid microsatellite marker development using next generation pyrosequencing to inform invasive Burmese python -- Python molurus bivittatus -- management
Invasive species represent an increasing threat to native ecosystems, harming indigenous taxa through predation, habitat modification, cross-species hybridization and alteration of ecosystem processes. Additionally, high economic costs are associated with environmental damage, restoration and control measures. The Burmese python, Python molurus bivittatus, is one of the most notable invasive speciAuthorsMargaret E. Hunter, Kristen M. HartRecord length, mass, and clutch size in the nonindigenous Burmese Python, Python bivittatus Kuhl 1820 (Squamata: Pythonidae), in Florida
The Burmese Python, Python bivittatus Kuhl 1820 (Squamata: Pythonidae), is indigenous to northern India,east to southern China, and south to Vietnam and a few islands in Indonesia (Barker and Barker 2008, Reed and Rodda 2009). This species has been introduced since at least 1979 in southern Florida, USA, where it likely began reproducing and became established during the 1980s (Meshaka et al. 2000AuthorsKenneth L. Krysko, Kristen M. Hart, Brian J. Smith, Thomas H. Selby, Michael S. Cherkiss, Nicholas T. Coutu, Rebecca M. Reichart, Leroy P. Nuñez, Frank J. Mazzotti, Ray W. SnowSevere mammal declines coincide with proliferation of invasive Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park
Invasive species represent a significant threat to global biodiversity and a substantial economic burden. Burmese pythons, giant constricting snakes native to Asia, now are found throughout much of southern Florida, including all of Everglades National Park (ENP). Pythons have increased dramatically in both abundance and geographic range since 2000 and consume a wide variety of mammals and birds.AuthorsMichael E. Dorcas, John D. Wilson, Robert N. Reed, Ray W. Snow, Michael R. Rochford, Melissa A. Miller, Walter E. Meshaka, Paul T. Andreadis, Frank J. Mazzotti, Christina M. Romagosa, Kristen M. Hart