Title

The Spread of Invasive Burmese Pythons in the Florida Everglades

Authors

Val Phillips, Longwood UniversityFollow
Melanie Rowland, Longwood UniversityFollow
Isabella Riccoboni, Longwood UniversityFollow
Em Edwards, Longwood UniversityFollow

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

Fall 11-18-2020

Abstract

Florida is the host to the largest number of invasive species in the United States, one of the largest being the Burmese Python. Burmese Python were first observed in Florida in the 1990s and have since expanded throughout the state. It has been shown that Burmese Pythons are outcompeting native species in an environment with virtually no natural predators to pythons. We used citizen science resources to monitor and track Burmese Python spread and determine possible new areas of colonization. Our research showed a steady population increase in Burmese Pythons as well as a gradual geographic expansion originating from Miami-Dade county. Our results also show fluctuations that may be explained by control efforts by the National Park Service and NPS funded Python Elimination Program.

Comments

BIOL 251

Recommended Citation

Phillips, Val; Rowland, Melanie; Riccoboni, Isabella; and Edwards, Em, "The Spread of Invasive Burmese Pythons in the Florida Everglades" (2020). Fall Showcase for Research and Creative Inquiry. 78.
https://digitalcommons.longwood.edu/rci_fall/78

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