Effects of invasive Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park

Article By:

Willson, John D. Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Dorcas, Michael E. Department of Biology, Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina.

Last reviewed:2014

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.YB140237

Although usually not as obvious as pollution, deforestation, or urban sprawl, the introduction of invasive alien species represents one of the foremost threats to global biodiversity. Billions of dollars are spent annually to prevent, manage, and mitigate the damage done by various invaders, including weeds, disease vectors, and feral pets. Invasive species come in many shapes and sizes, and they may alter native ecosystems in a multitude of ways. Few, though, have captured the attention of biologists, the media, and the public like the pythons that have recently invaded South Florida. Since the recognition of their establishment in the early 2000s, these snakes have exploded across the Everglades and have recently been linked to severe declines of several once-common mammal species, raising concerns that they are causing fundamental damage to one of North America's most treasured ecosystems.

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