Anu Sidhu

Professor McQuiad

BIOL 1040

28 March 2024

The Burmese Python and its Role as an Invasive Species in the Everglades

“There are no other Everglades in the world ”(Marjory Stoneman Douglas).

Internationally known and appreciated not only for its unique wildlife but also its ecological

benefits, the Everglades is a unique region of the United States. As the largest tropical ecosystem

in the United States the Everglades acts as a filtration system for water before it enters the Gulf

of Mexico, is home to hundreds of species native to Florida, including 36 threatened or

endangered species, provides drinking water for more than 8 million floridians, and so much

more (Wildlife in Everglades National Park). Although people have reaped the benefits of the

Everglades, due to human activity the Everglades has faced degradation as well as a host of other

problems. Efforts to protect the Everglades began starting in the mid-1900s and since then

legislation has been passed in order to protect. However, despite conservation efforts there have

been many barriers in the conservation of this delicate ecosystem. One that is particularly

formidable is the Burmese Python, an invasive species that has caused devastating loss of native

wildlife leading to detrimental changes in the ecosystem and threatening the biodiversity of the

region.

The Burmese Python is originally from the grassy wetlands of Southeast Asia. These

snakes can grow up to 23 feet long and weigh up to 200 pounds. In addition to being one of the

largest snake species in the world they are also excellent climbers and can remain underwater for

up to 30 minutes allowing them to have established populations in the similarly tropical

in the 1980’s, a time where exotic pet trade was booming in Miami. It is believed that their

introduction to the Everglades came due to negligent ownership and release into the wild or

escape into the wild. They were established as a breeding population in the year 2000. Many also

believe that the wreckage caused by Hurricane Andrew in 1992 most likely facilitated the

establishment of a reproducing population in the Everglades, as a python breeding facility was

destroyed (originally established because of the exotic pet trade), releasing countless snakes into

nearby swamps (How Burmese Pythons Took Over the Florida Everglades).

Since their introduction to the Everglades the species has caused immense ecological

damage. As an invasive species the burmese python competes with other native species, such as

the endangered indigo snake. Moreover Burmese pythons have no natural predators in the region

which has allowed them to proliferate at such a rapid rate. The ecological damage that is most

concerning is the loss of biodiversity in the everglades. Burmese pythons have caused severe

declines in native wildlife populations posing a threat to the biodiversity of the Everglades. The

Burmese python preys on a range of mammals. When they are younger their diet consists of

mice and rats but due to their size as they get older are able to attack much larger creatures such

as deer and in some instances even alligators (From an Unconventional Pet to an Invasive

Species). The Burmese Python has caused severe declines in mammal populations within

Everglades National Park. From 1997 to 2012 populations of raccoons had declined 99.3

percent, opossums 98.9 percent, and bobcats 87.5 percent since and marsh rabbits, cottontail

rabbits, and foxes effectively disappeared over that time (Severe Declines in Everglades

Mammals Linked to Invasive Species). This disruption of the food web has cascading effects on
the entire ecosystem, threatening predators that rely on these native species populations for

survival as well.

In order to conserve the vast biodiversity of the Everglades significant action needs to be

taken to fight the ever growing Burmese Python population. Current efforts to mitigate the

impact of Burmese pythons on the Everglades ecosystem face significant challenges mainly

stemming from the difficulty in research and tracking the pythons through the terrain of the

Everglades and lack of funding to the removal effort of the python. A proposal to try and curb

the problem would have to start with more funding for research of the issue, more educational

resources to help people learn about the environmental impact of invasive species , and more

funding for the physical removal of the Burmese python. Research must be done in order to have

a better understanding of how large the population has grown and how far it has spread to.

Secondly, in order to prevent the release of more animals similar to the burmese python, the

expansion of environmental education. Finally and most importantly, the state should make it a

priority to remove burmese pythons from the Everglades. Currently there are programs

implemented to incentivize the hunting of Burmese pythons. However, it is not enough. The

current “Python Patrol” , which consists of freelancers contracted by the state, is only paid $8.10

an hour with incentives for finding bigger pythons but the reward caps at $6000. The expansion

of this program with further funding would allow people (From an Unconventional Pet to an

Invasive Species).

The Everglades stands as a unique and invaluable ecosystem, playing a crucial role in

sustaining the biodiversity of Florida. Despite conservation efforts, challenges persist in

mitigating the python population's impact due to difficulties in research, tracking, and

insufficient funding for removal initiatives. Addressing this issue requires concerted action,
including increased funding for research, education on invasive species' environmental impact,

and enhanced removal efforts. By bolstering these endeavors, we can better understand and

combat the spread of invasive species like the Burmese Python, safeguarding the Everglades'

biodiversity for future generations. Ultimately, protecting the Everglades demands collective

commitment and action from policymakers, scientists, and the public alike. By working together,

we can preserve this invaluable natural treasure and ensure its continued ecological health and

resilience in the face of present and future challenges.

“From an Unconventional Pet to an Invasive Species: Burmese Pythons Move to Florida.”

Animal Law Section of The Florida Bar, 2 Jan. 2018,

flabaranimals.org/2018-01-02-from-an-unconventional-pet-to-an-invasive-species-burme

se-pythons-move-to-florida/.

“Burmese Python: National Geographic.” Animals,

www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/facts/burmese-python. Accessed 28 Mar.

2024.

“The Everglades.” National Wildlife Federation,

www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Wild-Places/Everglades. Accessed

28 Mar. 2024.

“How Burmese Pythons Took over the Florida Everglades.” History.Com, A&E Television

Networks, www.history.com/news/burmese-python-invasion-florida-everglades.

Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

“Wildlife in Everglades National Park.” Greater Miami & Miami Beach, 30 Dec. 2020,

www.miamiandbeaches.com/things-to-do/parks-recreation/wildlife-in-everglades-nationa

l-park#:~:text=Along%20with%20being%20a%20natural,wading%20birds%20in%20No
 rth%20America.

“Severe Declines in Everglades Mammals Linked to Invasive Pythons, Researchers Find.”

ScienceDaily, ScienceDaily, 31 Jan. 2012,

www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131135205.htm.