A Constricted Ecosystem

ABSTRACT

Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) have well established themselves in the Florida National Everglades. This invasive species has been very successful in its environment, increasing its population over the last 20 years. There has be declines in native mammal populations where the python is known to inhabit thus reducing the biodiversity and integrity of the Everglades. There is great concern that these pythons are destroying the delicate food web system and thus the ecosystem. This may lead to endangering some species, or quite possibly bring them to extinction. Many ways to combat the increasing python population have been developed. Traps, microsatellites, hunting excursions have been used to control the population. Researchers are still trying to find out how much destruction this invasive species has caused and will continue to cause. Conservation efforts need to be composed of a comprehensive plan that includes public education, adequate conservation funding, and effective tools to control the invasive population.

One of the biggest problems facing biodiversity is the subject of invasive species. An invasive species is a species that is not native to an ecosystem that either disrupts or replaces the natural or endemic species of that ecosystem. A drastic example of an invasive species is found in the Everglades National Park (ENP). Within the last 20 years, the Burmese Python has been introduced into this habitat and has resulted in a sharp decline in many mammals indigenous to this area. The everglades, due to relatively stable temperatures year round, that are closely compared to tropical environments to which this python originated from, has caused this species to flourish. The Burmese python has few natural predators, which has resulted in its increased population within the ENP. Additionally, because the python is not native to the ENP, the indigenous wildlife that inhabit it do not instinctively fear this predator because it is...