Limpkin eggs. (Credit: Don Hurlbert, Smithsonian)
Burmese pythons seem to be causing a lot of trouble lately for the Florida Everglades They are native to southern Asia, but they have made their way into the everglades. They were first recorded in 1979. People believe they either escaped, or were brought over as pets. These Burmese pythons have rapidly grown.Studies estimate there are tens of thousands of them. Previous studies have been conducted that shows the pythons out competing native species for habitats and resources. However, this most recent study shows that they are also eating native wildlife. Smithsonian scientists uncovered this new threat. The snakes have been known to eat over 25 species of birds in the everglades. However, until these finding they were never recorded to be eating actual bird eggs. Smithsonian institution is working with the national park to observe the digestive tracks of the pythons. The above picture compares a normal egg, to two eggs that have been eaten by the pythons. These findings pose a new challenge for the Everglades. The pythons are extremely hard to control.
Why is this a problem? This shows that the pythons do not sit and wait for prey. They take advantage of any opportunities and have the ability to go after any native species at any time they desire. According to Carla Dove, lead author of the study, the snakes could potentially affect the native birds breeding. Scientists collected a 14 pound male python to study its eating patterns. Shortly after it was caught, it regurgitated 10 eggs, which were later found out to be Limpkin eggs (shown above). It seems to be fascinating that the Burmese pythons eat eggs because their bodies do not seem to be quite adapted to it. Other species of snakes eat birds, but these snakes have blade-like extensions in their esophogas so they can easily crush the egg. Burmese pythons do not have these extensions. Carla Dove says they do not know how frequently pythons are consuming bird eggs, more research will need to be done.
Invasive species is a very prevalent topic in ecology. They pose as a huge threat to ecosystems. Especially in this case. This invasive species, the Burmese python, is dominating native species in many different aspects. They are taking over the land, the resources, and causing negative affects to breeding. They embody all the aspects of an invasive species. They have spread rapidly, and lack any real competition.I think it is interesting how dominant they have become. I believe the Florida Everglades are in a state of crisis. They cannot control the growing population of the pythons and new threats are frequently occurring. It is very dangerous the pythons are now eating eggs because this can potentially lead to extinction of native species.
Written by Antonia Edwards
Source : http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405224845.htm
Why is this a problem? This shows that the pythons do not sit and wait for prey. They take advantage of any opportunities and have the ability to go after any native species at any time they desire. According to Carla Dove, lead author of the study, the snakes could potentially affect the native birds breeding. Scientists collected a 14 pound male python to study its eating patterns. Shortly after it was caught, it regurgitated 10 eggs, which were later found out to be Limpkin eggs (shown above). It seems to be fascinating that the Burmese pythons eat eggs because their bodies do not seem to be quite adapted to it. Other species of snakes eat birds, but these snakes have blade-like extensions in their esophogas so they can easily crush the egg. Burmese pythons do not have these extensions. Carla Dove says they do not know how frequently pythons are consuming bird eggs, more research will need to be done.
Invasive species is a very prevalent topic in ecology. They pose as a huge threat to ecosystems. Especially in this case. This invasive species, the Burmese python, is dominating native species in many different aspects. They are taking over the land, the resources, and causing negative affects to breeding. They embody all the aspects of an invasive species. They have spread rapidly, and lack any real competition.I think it is interesting how dominant they have become. I believe the Florida Everglades are in a state of crisis. They cannot control the growing population of the pythons and new threats are frequently occurring. It is very dangerous the pythons are now eating eggs because this can potentially lead to extinction of native species.
Written by Antonia Edwards
Source : http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120405224845.htm
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