209 giant invasive pythons taken in Florida but cannot be eradicated
The snakes were removed during the annual Florida Python of the State.
Invasive species are a major problem for our ecosystems: non -native plants and animals generally do not have predators, allowing them to prosper and surpass native species. One of these persistent invaders is the Burmese Python, which is currently overwhelming in southern Florida, in particular in the Everglades National Park. The state holds its annual challenge Florida Python to help fight this problem, with 209 invasive pythons captured during this year's competition. But while these elimination efforts aim to keep the population under control, the Burmese python will probably never be eradicated. Read the rest to find out more about these giant creatures, we will have to learn to live.
In relation: 15 -foot invasive pythons move north of Florida and cannot be arrested .
Florida is organizing a competition to see who can capture the most Burmese pythons.
The Florida Python Challenge of 10 days was created by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to increase awareness of invasive pythons and their negative impacts On the ecology of Florida, by press release of September 15.
"The removal of these invasive pythons is an important part of our efforts to protect the Everglades, and this competition allows people to get involved in Florida's conservation efforts for one of the most precious natural resources in the world" said Florida Lieutenant-Governor Jeanette Nuñez said in the press release. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
About 1,050 people from 35 states and Belgium participated in the 2023 event, the winners announced a award ceremony in Davie, Florida.
The winner of this year, Paul Hobbs , eliminated 20 Burmese pythons from southern Florida, demanding the ultimate Grand Prix of $ 10,000, according to the press release. The finalist, Ronald Kiger , removed 14 pythons and won $ 7,500. In the distinct military category, Justin Morgan claimed first place, withdrawing seven pythons and winning $ 2,500 as a price.
However, these 41 pythons collected by the winners are only part of the 209 which have been deleted.
"I thank all the people involved in Florida Python Challenge® a successful event year after year, and I congratulate the winners of this year competition," said Nuñez.
In relation: Border of 2 years of 17 years in his home - where he was hiding .
Burmese pythons directly threaten ecosystems and human security.
According to Florida FWC, the Burmese Python is one of the The biggest snakes On Earth, and the adult pythons captured in Florida on average between six and nine feet long. Previously, the longest ever found was a huge 18 feet, but this summer, the local hunters of the Big Cypress National Reserve establish a new record When they caught a 19 -foot Burmese python.
Snakes, which are Originally from Southeast Asia , prey of mammals, birds and reptiles (including alligators) - and they can also constitute a threat to human security and pet prey, in particular cats and dogs, according to the FWC.
Due to these concerns, control of these animals is a "high priority". The FWC notes specific initiatives to remove snakes, including entrepreneurs surveys and python eliminations, Python patrol formation, Florida Python Challenge and FWC support for innovative research to improve our ability to detect and to delete pythons ".
But although there are control methods in place, Florida is unlikely to get rid of these Apex predators.
In relation: 24 invasive pythons found in the United States in a month .
It is probably not possible to completely get rid of Burmese pythons.
According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), " chances of eradicating A population of reptiles introduced once it has spread to a large area is very low. "According to the agency's estimates, the Burmese Python has infiltrated more than 1000 square miles from the Southern Florida, which means that" the chances of completely eliminating the region's snake are low. ""
In fact, in a USGS report From February, the agency said that these snakes present "one of the most difficult species management problems in the world".
The agency adds that this is why prevention, early detection and the rapid response are so vital. But making things even more complicated, Burmese pythons are now making their way to the north.
In relation: Python the size of the giraffe found in the United States - why they are unstoppable .
They are already in motion.
Speak with insider, Ian Bartoszek , a conservation biologist in southwest Florida stay in southern Florida .
"We just see them appearing in the counties increasingly north," said Bartoszek at the point of sale.
In fact, when a snake was marked with a radio transmitter, the researchers discovered that he could travel to a mile every day; Since the 1990s, these pythons have spread to more than 100 miles from the southern area of the State.
It is not clear if Burmese pythons spread due to people who release their pets in nature (they first arrived in the United States as part of pet trade) or if the populations Savages migrate, reported Insider. We don't know how far they have done, but current research notes that they have at least arrived at Lake Okeechobee, near West Palm Beach on the eastern coast of Florida.
However, the models predict that they will not stop there - and the Burmese pythons could go to the northwest of the Pacific, infiltrating Oregon, Washington and Idaho. It would take decades, but the canals and dikes in deep water "could act like a little a Python motorway", " Melissa Miller , PHD, a scientist specializing in research on invasive species, said to Insider. In addition, the pythons that survived a cold spell in Florida in 2010 can have adapted to more surviving cold temperatures in the North.
In relation: For more information, register for our daily newsletter .
