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Record-Breaking Ball of Mating Burmese Pythons Discovered Florida Everglades

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Author Linnea H, BSc Sociology

Mating Burmese Pythons
Right image: A large Burmese python mating ball discovered in the Everglades containing one female and five males. (Image credit: Conservancy of Southwest Florida) Left image: Ian Bartoszek, a wildlife biologist from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, holds a 16-foot-long Burmese python. (Image credit: Conservancy of Southwest Florida)

In a record-setting expedition, conservationists in the Everglades captured and removed 8 mating invasive Burmese pythons. This remarkable catch took place in February during the peak of the breeding season.

Enormous Burmese Python Mating Ball Found

Mating Burmese Pythons
Ian Bartoszek, a wildlife biologist from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, holds a 16-foot-long Burmese python. (Image credit: Conservancy of Southwest Florida)

A large mating ball of Burmese pythons was discovered in the Everglades. The ball contained one 14-foot-long female and five males. Two additional males were found nearby. This sight was a first for the conservationists.

Tracking and Capturing Invasive Pythons

Mating Burmese Pythons
One of the female Burmese pythons caught was so large it could not be fit in a bag, so had to be transported in a kayak. (Image credit: Conservancy of Southwest Florida)

Conservationists tracked tagged male pythons to find the mating ball. The tracking program uses radio transmitters to monitor male pythons. This program has been running since 2013. It aims to locate and remove breeding females.

Purpose of the Python Tracking Program

Mating Burmese Pythons
Wildlife biologist Bartoszek with the large aggregation of pythons. The mating ball was located through ‘scout snakes’ — adult male Burmese pythons fitted with radio transmitters that are then re-released so they can be tracked. (Image credit: Conservancy of Southwest Florida)

The program’s primary goal is to prevent breeding. Captured pythons are humanely euthanized. Researchers collect data on their condition and breeding potential. The scout snakes are left in the wild to lead to more pythons.

Record Number of Pythons Removed

carpet python
Carpet python – Morelia spilota variegata. Image via Depositphotos

The team captured 11 pythons in a single day. These pythons had a combined weight of over 500 pounds. This was a record for the program. The scout snakes were left to continue tracking other pythons.

Python Mating Balls

Mating Burmese Pythons
A large Burmese python mating ball discovered in the Everglades containing one female and five males. (Image credit: Conservancy of Southwest Florida)

The conservationists discovered three mating aggregations. The largest contained a 16-foot-long female and two males. Transporting the female required a kayak due to her size. This sight was both impressive and concerning.

Impact of Burmese Pythons on the Ecosystem

Python. Via Depositphotos.

Burmese pythons were introduced to the Everglades before 1985. They have decimated populations of native species. Their presence has disrupted the fragile ecosystem. Consequently, this makes their removal critical for conservation efforts.

Challenges in Managing Python Populations

carpet python
Murray Darling Carpet Python curled up on rock. Image via Depositphotos

Further, the pythons are generalist predators. They prey on a wide range of native wildlife. Managing their population is challenging. The tracking program helps mitigate their impact.

The Role of Scout Snakes

Python
Python. Image via Depositphotos

Scout snakes are key to the tracking program. They lead researchers to other pythons. This method has led to the removal of over 1,300 pythons. These efforts help protect the native wildlife.

The Future of Python Conservation Efforts

Colorado State University Libraries, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Lastly, the program will continue to track and remove pythons. Ongoing efforts are needed to control their population. The goal is to restore balance to the Everglades ecosystem. Conservationists remain dedicated to this mission.

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