Saturday, June 18, 2011
Identifying plausible scenarios for the establishment of invasive Burmese pythons (Python molurus) in Southern Florida (Via Herp Digest)
Identifying plausible scenarios for the establishment of invasive Burmese pythons (Python molurus) in Southern Florida
Biological Invasions-Volume 13, Number 7, John D. Willson, Michael E. Dorcas and Raymond W. Snow
Contact: John Wilson, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Science, Virginia Polytechni Institute and State University, 100 Cheatham Hall, Nlacksburg, VA 2406, email wilsonj@vt.edu
Abstract
Successful invasions of secretive alien species often go unrecognized until spread has exceeded the point where control or eradication is feasible. In such situations, understanding factors that contributed to establishment can be critical to preventing subsequent introductions of previously-successful invaders or ecologically similar species. The Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus), a native to Southeast Asia, is abundant in the pet trade and is now well-established in southern Florida.
Although there can be little argument that the ultimate source of Florida pythons was the pet industry, there has been limited consideration of biological support for scenarios that may have lead to their establishment. In this study we use information on python capture rates and biologically-derived population growth models to evaluate the plausibility of various scenarios for python establishment. Our results indicate that scenarios involving relatively recent establishment (post-1990) require large numbers (100-1,000) of founders or unrealistically high juvenile survivorship. Intentional simultaneous release of large numbers of pythons is unlikely and accidental release of large numbers of founders is inconsistent with the spatial and temporal pattern of pythons captures in the region. We conclude that the most parsimonious scenario for establishment of pythons in Florida involves the release of a relatively small number of founders prior to 1985. Our results demonstrate that for pythons and other species with low inherent detection probabilities, early action during incipient phases of an invasion is critical and understanding likely introduction scenarios is important for preventing similar situations from occurring elsewhere or with other species.
Biological Invasions-Volume 13, Number 7, John D. Willson, Michael E. Dorcas and Raymond W. Snow
Contact: John Wilson, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Science, Virginia Polytechni Institute and State University, 100 Cheatham Hall, Nlacksburg, VA 2406, email wilsonj@vt.edu
Abstract
Successful invasions of secretive alien species often go unrecognized until spread has exceeded the point where control or eradication is feasible. In such situations, understanding factors that contributed to establishment can be critical to preventing subsequent introductions of previously-successful invaders or ecologically similar species. The Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus), a native to Southeast Asia, is abundant in the pet trade and is now well-established in southern Florida.
Although there can be little argument that the ultimate source of Florida pythons was the pet industry, there has been limited consideration of biological support for scenarios that may have lead to their establishment. In this study we use information on python capture rates and biologically-derived population growth models to evaluate the plausibility of various scenarios for python establishment. Our results indicate that scenarios involving relatively recent establishment (post-1990) require large numbers (100-1,000) of founders or unrealistically high juvenile survivorship. Intentional simultaneous release of large numbers of pythons is unlikely and accidental release of large numbers of founders is inconsistent with the spatial and temporal pattern of pythons captures in the region. We conclude that the most parsimonious scenario for establishment of pythons in Florida involves the release of a relatively small number of founders prior to 1985. Our results demonstrate that for pythons and other species with low inherent detection probabilities, early action during incipient phases of an invasion is critical and understanding likely introduction scenarios is important for preventing similar situations from occurring elsewhere or with other species.
HELP STILL WANTED
Gavin L-W has too much on his plate at the moment, and so we are looking for one or more people to joing the CFZ News Team. C'mon guys; now is the time for all good folk to come to the aid of the party...
OLL LEWIS: Yesterday's News Today
http://cryptozoologynews.blogspot.com/
You'll remember Roanoke Island (or not) from a few weeks ago when I mentioned Lord Grenville; well, on this day in 1586 the British colonists left/died/got abducted by aliens.
And now the news:
Two More Mountain Lion Sightings Reported
DEP: Dead Mountain Lion Was Held In Captivity
Claims of Mountain Lions Roaming in Connecticut Dr...
NEW FOSSIL LAND-CRAB FROM HAWAII
Captive Male Darwin's Frog Coughs up Babies (Via H...
Shelling out help for Kingdom's Turtles (Via Herp ...
Daniel Hamilton, Student dies while pursuing passi...
Another random video with nothing to do with today's news but seriously; you HAVE to watch this penguin version of Professor Layton. Turn the sound up for this too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H2FLRUtdmU
You'll remember Roanoke Island (or not) from a few weeks ago when I mentioned Lord Grenville; well, on this day in 1586 the British colonists left/died/got abducted by aliens.
And now the news:
Two More Mountain Lion Sightings Reported
DEP: Dead Mountain Lion Was Held In Captivity
Claims of Mountain Lions Roaming in Connecticut Dr...
NEW FOSSIL LAND-CRAB FROM HAWAII
Captive Male Darwin's Frog Coughs up Babies (Via H...
Shelling out help for Kingdom's Turtles (Via Herp ...
Daniel Hamilton, Student dies while pursuing passi...
Another random video with nothing to do with today's news but seriously; you HAVE to watch this penguin version of Professor Layton. Turn the sound up for this too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3H2FLRUtdmU
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
