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Opossums Help Track Invasive Pythons in Everglades
28 Apr
Summary
- Researchers use GPS-collared opossums to track invasive pythons.
- Pythons consume prey, allowing their location to be detected.
- This method aids in controlling python populations in Florida.
Invasive Burmese pythons in Florida's Everglades are being combated with an unconventional tracking method involving their prey. Researchers are equipping opossums with GPS collars, which can then be tracked after the pythons consume them. This technique helps researchers locate and subsequently euthanize the destructive snakes.
This innovative approach emerged accidentally in 2022 when researchers studying mammal movements noticed they could track pythons that had swallowed collared animals. The effort has since expanded to actively remove as many pythons as possible, as these predators have caused a significant ecological collapse, decimating native mammal populations.
Burmese pythons, native to Southeast Asia, were introduced to South Florida through escapes or releases of captive animals. Since their establishment, they have drastically reduced populations of raccoons, opossums, and bobcats, while also introducing harmful non-native parasites. The longest Burmese python ever captured in Florida measured over 19 feet, highlighting the scale of the problem.
