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Sarah Funck
February 22, 2018
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s
Python Programs
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Nonnative Wildlife in Florida
Over 500 nonnative wildlife
species observed in Florida
More than 150 species are
thought to have reproducing
populations
1924-current
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Containment
Eradication
Asset Based Protection
& Long-term Management
Prevention
CO
NTR
OL C
OS
TS
→
TIME →IntroductionAdapted from Department of Environment and Primary Industries,
Victoria, Australia
AR
EA
IN
FE
STE
D →
THE INVASION CURVE
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Nonnative Species Management Activities
Prevention
Early Detection
Rapid Response (EDRR)
Control and Management
1-888-IVE-GOT-1
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Presentation Overview
Burmese python biology
Potential impacts of pythons
Pythons in Florida
Current efforts
Development of an
interagency plan
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Burmese Python Biology
Large constrictor snake native to
southeast Asia
Semi-aquatic and generally found in or
near water
Cryptic species, hard to detect
Potentially high reproductive rate
Considered “invasive” species
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Potential Impacts of Pythons
Hypothetical diet necessary for a hatchling Burmese python to reach 13 feet in the
Florida Everglades (5-7 years)
Source: Dr. Stephen Secor, Univ. of Alabama and Skip Snow, Everglades National Park
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Pythons in Florida
First reported in south Florida in 1979
Impacted areas include state, federal,
tribal, local government and private
lands
No reliable population estimates
Pythons are regulated both at state
and federal level
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Working Together
Interagency Coordination
Increased efficiency
Leverage resources
Increased
communication
Cooperative Invasive
Species Management Areas
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Research Support
Efficiency of human search efforts
Detection dogs
Trap refinement
Pheromone attractant development
eDNA
Diet analysis
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FWC’s Python Removal Contractor Program
70 pythons removed
21 active contractors
Survey Wildlife Management
Areas
Everglades Francis S Taylor
Holey Land
Rotenberger
Big Cypress
Picayune
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FWC’s Python Removal Contractor Program
Compensated for their efforts
Survey hours
Pythons removed
Python nests removed
Deployed for rapid response to
reports received through Exotic
Species Hotline
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Citizen Participation Efforts
FWC Python Pickup Program
Launched April 2017
72 pythons submitted
Python Patrol Training
144 trainings
Over 2,000 people trained
Nonnative Volunteer Responder
Network
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Citizen Participation Efforts
Python ChallengeTM events in
2013 and 2016
Exotic Pet Amnesty Program
accepted 113 surrendered
Burmese pythons
Exotic Species Hotline
(888–Ive-Got1)
Vet inspection of surrendered
Burmese python, Miami, 2008
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Interagency Plan Development
Comprehensive, statewide python
management plan
Land management partners in south
Florida invited to participate
Develop unified goals and strategies
Incorporate public feedback
Image courtesy of Edward Mercer
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Goals and Benefits of an Interagency Plan
Provides a guide to resource
managers
Provides ownership to participating
partners
Adaptable “living” document
Prioritize agency resources
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http://myfwc.com/python
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Thank You