Alison Higgins
Friday, October 17, 2008 - 4:30-5:00
The world was alerted to the presence of Burmese Pythons in south Florida when the epic battle between an alligator and a python was publicized in January of 2003. Florida Keys land managers were alerted to the spread of Burmese pythons to their islands on Friday the 13th of April 2007, when the invasive reptile ate a radio collared Key Largo woodrat. More woodrats (an endemic endangered species on a captive breeding program) were found in the stomachs of 6 more pythons found between Halloween and New Year’s Day of that same year. The problem was at our doorstep. The Nature Conservancy is leading a Keyswide Python Patrol task force in an early-detection, rapid-response effort to eradicate the invaders before they gain a permanent foothold. By rallying local ―road warriors such as US Postal Service, FedEx, Law Enforcement, Mosquito Control, and Utility Meter Readers to phone in sightings to a local toll free line: 1-888-IVE-GOT1. Calls are routed to the Sheriffs office which mobilizes geographically trained and deputized ―dispatchers to the scene with a response time goal of 20 minutes or less. This framework ensures a coordinated, collaborative, and ultimately successful effort at meeting the Python Coalitions goals of removing, reducing, restricting, and preventing large-bodied snake populations in the Keys. Better yet, it also creates an infrastructure to address future invasive animal issues via better communication and prevention with the pet trade, pet owners, veterinarians and animal rescue.
Keywords: PYTHON, INVASIVE EXOTIC, EARLY DETECTION, RAPID RESPONSE