Burmese Pythons Are Destroying Florida Everglades

Wildlife experts are concerned about the destruction of the Florida Everglades. This subtropical wetland is a National Park area in US. It is characterised by its unique mini climate. It is wet and warm which provides a perfect environment for its marshland eco system.

This is one of the largest wetlands in the world and has its own flora and fauna. The trouble here is that non-native species are invading these wetlands and decimating the native wildlife. Many of these invaders are household pets which have become troublesome to their owners.

A prime example of this is Burmese pythons whose numbers have grown to an estimate 150,000 within the National Park area. The numbers of native animals like the Key Largo wood rat and the wood stalk are threatened by these creatures.

The trouble is that these snakes live a long time and once they are 30 years old they need to be fed small animals like rabbits and can often swallow small deer. When they get to this stage, the owners can no longer cope. So they dump them in what seems an ideal area for these tropical snakes. It is ideal, too ideal, and the creatures thrive, becoming a risk to whole fragile ecosystem.

Many of the pythons have been hunted and killed but the problem remains.

More information.