Salt may not prevent invasion of Burmese pythons in Florida

Ever wondered what happened to the Burmese python you released a couple years back when it grew as long a small car?  Florida recently discovered dumped Burmese pythons are able to thrive in the Everglades and have become an invasive species.  Since their arrival native reptile species such as the American alligator are competing with pythons for resources, scientists are worried about the magnitude of disturbance the Burmese python will have on Florida’s ecosystem.  In hopes of finding a method of removal scientists experimented if Everglade born Burmese python hatchlings can survive the salinity of Florida’s water and possibility expand their range through estuarine and ocean environments.

               Reptiles in general have a low tolerance for salinity, however research on the hatchlings has revealed the Everglade born Burmese python is an exception. The experiment was designed to see if Burmese python hatchlings can survive with only salt water as a source of water.  The results show hatchlings who had water with the salinity of the ocean could only survive for about a month, and pythons with water matching the salinity of Florida’s estuaries were able to survive 5 months.  The vital stage for survival in Burmese pythons is the hatchling stage and scientists were hoping the salinity of Florida’s waters would be a physical barrier for the snake.  The ability to survive during the snake’s vulnerable stage tells scientist adult Burmese pythons are more tolerant to salinity and better to survive if they migrate.  The ecological impact of invasive species cannot be predicted and can be potentially be very dangerous to native species populations and habitats. 

               Invasive species highlight the potential dangers of people owning illegal pets; when the pet becomes too difficult to care and are released into the wild without any precaution.  The release of a several pets can be catastrophic as seen in the case of the Burmese python in Florida.  So the next time you go to the pet store and see a cute little python make sure you know the life history of your future pet before your backyard becomes its new basking spot.

Source: Here

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