The Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) is a large constricting snake native to Southeast Asia that can reach a length of more than 20 feet. They are long-lived (15 – 35 years), a behavioral, habitat, and dietary generalist, capable of producing clutches of up to 100 eggs. This invasive exotic species is popular in the pet trade and is now firmly established in Everglades National Park and other parts of south Florida. Wild pythons pose a significant threat to many species of native wildlife. Currently, estimates of population sizes range from 30,000 to over 100,000 snakes. The semi-aquatic python’s diet in southern Florida includes raccoons, bobcats, white-tailed deer, wading birds, and alligators. Such predation has the potential to cause significant ecosystem disruption. The potential for these large snakes to kill humans is real, but predation on humans by large constricting snakes is extremely rare.

Because of the danger invasive pythons pose for many species of native wildlife, including numerous endangered species, and their potential to disrupt ecosystems, scientists are studying these invasive snakes to better understand the impacts they have on native wildlife and to develop methods for controlling their populations. Davidson College Associate Professor Mike Dorcas is collaborating with other researchers on several of these studies, which are listed below:

• Investigations of the movement patterns and habitat use of free-ranging pythons.
• Studies of the diet of free ranging pythons.
• Thermal biology and energetics of free-ranging pythons.
• Studies of the risk invasive pythons pose to native species and ecosystems.
• Climate modeling to determine potential spread of pythons in the United States.
• Development of trapping methods for pythons.
• Tests of the ability of pythons to invade other regions of the southeastern United States - PDF describing study at Savannah River Ecology Laboratory
• Genetics studies to evaluate the origin and genetic diversity of invasive pythons.

COLLABORATORS:
National Park Service: Skip Snow
University of Florida: Frank Mazzotti, Mike Cherkiss, Mike Rochford, Theresa Walters, Alex Wolf
USGS: Kristen Hart, Gordon Rodda, Bob Reed
UGA-SREL: J.D. Willson, Whit Gibbons
South FL Water Management: LeRoy Rogers

A 16.5 foot long Burmese python captured in Everglades National Park.

Davidson College Students assisting with a surgery to implant a radiotransmitter into a python.