Burmese Python Research Paper

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Pages: 3

Burmese Python

The Burmese Python is a reptile that many have heard of but few know about. Over the years this massive snake has managed to slither its way into America, and began its takeover of Florida. The Burmese Python can usually be spotted in several setting such as mountainous regions, swamps, and woodlands. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission states that, “Typical Burmese Pythons are tan in color with dark splotches along their back and sides.” (“Identification of Burmese”, 2016). Although originally found in Southeastern Asia, once the python was relocated to the U.S. for personal use, chaos struck. The pythons that were held in captivity were set free from amongst the disaster of Hurricane Andrew. As this took place in 1992, the pythons have had several years to reproduce and grow in numbers.
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Although the snake is exotic and beautiful to many, once fully grown the can reach roughly around twenty feet. Once fully grown, several owners decide to let their pets go in the wild, thus beginning the pythons’ takeover. This takeover has affected the Everglade Ecosystem vastly. With an increase of Burmese Pythons appearing in the ecosystem, the amount of various mammals and birds decreased. National Geographic stated that, “From rabbits to deer to even bobcats, invasive Burmese pythons appear to be eating through the Everglades' supply of mammals” (Dell’Amore, 2012)
Due to the fact that Burmese Pythons are located on the upper level of the food chain, the Burmese Python lacks in their number of predators. Since they have few predators and prey on many, this imbalance in the food pyramid could only be corrected with the addition of a new predator or increase in number of current predators. These pythons have not only ecologically affected the environment but they have also had influence on the