Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

Management Information Preventative measures: Since the established population in Florida is the result of pet releases or escapes, biologists in charge of Brumese python management and removal in the Florida Everglades advocate increased pet owner education, recquiring a license to own imported snakes as in Australia, stircter standards for snake import, and harsher penalties for their release throughout the United States to prevent further establishement. State agencies in Florida (USA) are establishing regulations on the purchase and trade of invasive reptiles. The USFWS Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Report for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan recommends the removal or partial removal of canals and levees which serve as means of transportation for Burmese pythons and other invasives among wetlands (Ferriter et al. 2006). Additionally, biologists recommend recquiring a liscense to own potentially invasive reptiles, as in Australia, stricter standards on snake import, and harsher penalties for snake release in the United States to prevent new invasive populations of Burmese pythons (Weissmueller, 2007; Pitt and Witmer, 2007). Physcial: Removal of Burmese pythons have been performed in Florida (USA) by Florida Park Service, Fish and Wildlife, and Fire Rescue employees. The use of radio tracking, pheromone lures, traps, hand capture and locator dogs have been employed to manage and remove Burmese pythons. Detailed mapping and tracking tracking of Burmese pythons and even a "Python Hotline" to report sightings and request removal have also contributed to removal efforts in Florida (Beck et al. undated; Ferriter et al. 2006).          Location Specific Management Information Florida (USA) Removal of Burmese pythons is performed by Florida Park Service, Fish and Wildlife, and Fire Rescue employees. The use of radio tracking, pheromone lures, traps, hand capture and locator dogs have been employed to manage and remove Burmese pythons in Florida. Additionally, state agencies are establishing regulations on the purchase and trade of invasive reptiles (Beck et al. undated; Pitt and Witmer, 2007). A special management plan is being undertaken by National Park Service staff and specialized herpetologists to control pythons in Everglades National Park. Some efforts include detailed tracking of Burmese pythons and a "Python Hotline" to report sightings and request removal. The USFWS Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act Report for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan recommends the removal or partial removal of canals and levees which serve as means of transportation for Burmese pythons and other invasives among wetlands (Ferriter et al. 2006). Additionally, biologists recommend recquiring a liscense to own potentially invasive reptiles, as in Australia, stricter standards on snake import, and harsher penalties for snake release in the United States to prevent new invasive populations of Burmese pythons (Weissmueller, 2007).          Management Resources/Links 1. Beck, Sandy; Alice Clarke; Larry Perez, Denise Feiber., undated. Florida Invaders (Ed) Alice Clarke. A Joint publication of the National Park Service (NPS) & Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.         Summary: Available from: http://www.nps.gov/ever/naturescience/upload/2008%20Florida%20Invaders%20For%20Web.pdf [Accessed 1 April 2008] 2. Campbell, Todd. S., 2005a. Eradication of Introduced Carnivorous Lizards from the Cape Coral Area Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program FY 2003 Research and Restoration Partners Fund. Final Report         Summary: Available from: http://www.chnep.org/grants/r&r_reports/monitorlizarderadication_campbellunivtampa.pdf [Accessed 20 November 2007] 3. Environmental Law Institute (ELI), 2008. Cooperative Prevention of Invasive Wildlife Introduction in Florida. Technical Report. Copyright © 2008 Environmental Law Institute®, Washington, D.C. Cover art courtesy of Jessica Western. All rights reserved. ELI Project No. 070501.         Summary: ELI report, Cooperative Prevention of Invasive Wildlife Introduction in Florida, examines the complex issues faced in addressing the issue of wildlife invasions in Florida. The report analyzes state and federal laws and regulations that affect invasive wildlife species prevention efforts and makes recommendations intended to harmonize state and federal agency efforts in Florida under existing legal authorities. It also recommends changes to the existing laws and regulations that would enable agencies to proactively address the harms posed by nonnative wildlife. Available from: http://www.elistore.org/reports_detail.asp?ID=11282 [Accessed 7 May 2008] 4. Kroeger, Timm., 2007. White Paper: Economic Impacts of Live Wild Animal Imports in the United States         Summary: Available from: http://www.defenders.org/resources/publications/programs_and_policy/international_conservation/broken_screens/impacts_of_live_wild_animal_imports_to_the_united_states.pdf [Accessed 20 November 2007] 5. Lardner, Stuart and Keith Larner. 2007, Landcare Notes: A guide for the control over the possession, trade and movement of declared pest animals. State of Victoria Department of Primary Industries         Summary: Available from: http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/DPI/nreninf.nsf/9e58661e880ba9e44a256c640023eb2e/4c317cefcd441f60ca2572a4000a241e/$FILE/LC0303_Mar07.pdf [Accessed 20 November 2007] 6. Mauldin, Richard E. and Peter J. Savarie, 2010. Acetaminophen as an oral toxicant for Nile monitor lizards (Varanus niloticus) and Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) Wildlife Research 37(3) 2010 215–222 7. Reed, Robert, N., 2005. An Ecological Risk Assessment of Nonnative Boas and Pythons as Potentially Invasive Species in the United States. Risk Analysis, Vol. 25, No. 3, 2005 8. United States Geological Survey (USGS). 2008. Python molurus bivittatus. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL.         Summary: Available from: http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.asp?speciesID=2552 [Accessed 20 November 2007]          Results Page: 1