Exotic predators may threaten another island ecosystem: A comprehensive assessment of python and boa reports from the Florida Keys

Abstract

Management of invasive species, whether prevention, population reduction, or eradication, requires assessment of the invasive species' population status and an assessment of the probability of success of management options. Perceptions of a species' permanence in an environment or lack thereof frequently drives how limited time, financial, and personnel resources are allocated to such efforts. Language we use to describe a non-native species' status largely defines these perceptions and sets boundaries, real or perceived, to potential management actions. Here we discuss the use of a particular term-"established"when confronting management decisions for invasive species. Our objective is to contribute to bridging the gap between the realms of conceptual development and management with respect to use of the term "established". We find that although there are benefits of polysemy and synonymy to conceptual development they present an additional challenge to managers who must weigh the costs, benefits, and potential for success of particular management actions. We also examine how existing conceptual frameworks might be augmented to bridge the theoretical-practical gap, such as more precisely defining potential management actions and explicitly including assessment of risk.

Individual heterogeneity influences the effects of translocation on urban dispersal of an invasive reptile

“…Our approach to modeling movement has broad applications for invasive species ecology and management. For example, Burmese pythons have been spreading through the Florida Keys, USA since 2002, but as of 2018 have not spread to the southernmost keys [ 72 ]. Our model could be fit to existing python movement data in Florida and the resulting movement parameters could be used to determine how quickly the invasion front is likely to expand.…”

Burmese pythons in Florida: A synthesis of biology, impacts, and management tools

“…High salinity has been suggested as a limiting factor affecting reptile distribution in coastal habitats because very few species have adaptations (e.g., salt glands) to regulate salt uptake (Dunson and Mazzotti 1989). Nonetheless, Burmese pythons have established in the Florida Keys (Hanslowe et al 2018), likely through overwater dispersal from the nearby mainland. Indeed, there have been many observations of pythons swimming up to 25 km from the mainland in Florida Bay and Biscayne Bay, indicating marine dispersal is possible (Bartoszek et al 2018c;Hanslowe et al 2018).…”

“…Nonetheless, Burmese pythons have established in the Florida Keys (Hanslowe et al 2018), likely through overwater dispersal from the nearby mainland. Indeed, there have been many observations of pythons swimming up to 25 km from the mainland in Florida Bay and Biscayne Bay, indicating marine dispersal is possible (Bartoszek et al 2018c;Hanslowe et al 2018).…”

Coexistence conservation: Reconciling threatened species and invasive predators through adaptive ecological and evolutionary approaches

“…Our thinking applies to any situation where conservation scientists and practitioners are addressing the challenge of recovering native animals in the presence of invasive predators that are currently impossible to eradicate. Examples include invasive predators such as Burmese pythons ( Python bivittatus ) in Florida (Hanslowe et al, 2018), feral pigs ( Sus scrofa ) in South Africa (Fincham & Hobbs, 2013) and New Zealand (Coleman et al, 2001), house mice ( Mus musculus ) in New Zealand (Norbury et al, 2014), mongoose ( Herpestes javanicus ) in Okinawa, Japan (Watari et al, 2008), and American mink ( Neovison vison ) in the United Kingdom (Martin & Lea, 2020). Our conceptual approach is also relevant when considering coexistence of native species with exotic pathogens, such as chytrid fungus in eastern Australia and the Neotropics (Scheele et al, 2019).…”