Burmese pythons in Florida: A synthesis of biology, impacts, and management tools

Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) are native to southeastern Asia, however, there is an es-tablished invasive population inhabiting much of southern Florida throughout the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. Pythons have severely impacted native species and ecosystems in Florida and represent one of the most intractable invasive-species management issues across the globe. The difficulty stems from a unique combination of inaccessible habitat and the cryptic and resilient nature of pythons that thrive in the subtropical environment of southern Florida, rendering them extremely challenging to detect. Here we provide a comprehensive review and synthesis of the science relevant to managing invasive Burmese pythons. We describe existing control tools and review challenges to productive research, identifying key knowledge gaps that would improve future research and decision making for python control.

Automated summary

Burmese pythons, originally from Southeast Asia, have become an established invasive species in southern Florida, particularly in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. Their impact on native species and ecosystems is significant, making python control a global challenge. The difficulty lies in their ability to thrive in the inaccessible subtropical environment of southern Florida, making detection and management efforts extremely challenging. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current science and control methods for managing invasive Burmese pythons, highlighting the need for further research and knowledge to improve future control strategies.