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You can learn about the many invasive species Florida by visiting
the sites in our links section. Check out
four species spotlighted below.
BURMESE PYTHON
Origin: Found in
India, lower China, Malay Peninsula and islands of the East Indies.
Biology:
This snake may reach
up to 26ft in length. It preys upon mammals, birds, reptiles,
amphibians, and even fish.
It spends a good amount of time in the
water but is a good climber.
How it got here: The
Burmese Python is a very popular snake in the pet trade because
of its calm personality. Escaped pets or intentional releasing
of pet pythons has contributed to the increase of this species.
Location: Burmese
pythons have been reported from the saline glades and mangroves
at the south end of Everglades National Park since at least the
1980s.
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Photo by US Fish and Wildlife |
NILE MONITOR
Origin: Africa
Biology: Longest
lizard in Africa, attaining a maximum total length of 7ft. 11in.
They can dig up reptile eggs (including those of crocodilians and
sea turtles) and prey upon birds, mammals, frogs, lizards, snakes,
fish and crabs. The Nile monitor has light-colored body bands on
a black background and bluish black, forked tongue.
How it got here: These are popular lizards in the
pet trade, although they are difficult to take care of. Releasing
of these lizards have contributed to the population in Florida.
Location: Various parts of Florida, but the only
breeding population is in Cape Coral.
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Photo by
Kevin M. Enge
(2003) |
SPINY TAILED IGUANA
Origin: Southern Mexico
Biology:
Two types of spiny tailed iguanas, the
Mexican spinytail and the Black spinytail. The difference is between
their scales. Adult males can grow to over 4ft long. Adults are tan
or buff colored with black bands Babies are greenish colored. A prominent
vertebral crest is present, and there are whorls of spiny scales on
the tail. This species is mostly herbivorous but will feed on fish,
rodents, eggs and other small vertebrates.
How it got here: The
pet trade most likely
Location: Dade, Lee, and Charlotte
Counties
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Photo by US Fish and Wildlife |
CHANNELED APPLE SNAIL
Origin: South
America
Biology: As a non-native apple snail species in
Florida the channeled apple snail can be identified by deeply incised
grooves or channels on its shell. Diet consists of rooted aquatic
vegetation. Live 12 to 16 months
How it got here: Released
or escaped in the 1980’s
around the southern part of Florida from the aquatic pet industry.
Where
it’s found: From south Florida all
the way up to Tallahassee. Large populations have been found in Tampa,
Orlando, Jacksonville and Tallahassee.
IMPACT OF INVASIVE SPECIES:
The effects
of invasive species can be felt in all parts of the ecosystem. As
habitats are changed and plant community organization is modified
by exotic species, delicate relationships between plants and animals
are altered or eliminated, which causes a decrease in biodiversity.
For example, an estimated 80% of endangered species could suffer
losses due to competition with or predation by invasive species.
Many invasive plants can alter nutrient gathering and water retention
within the ecosystem. Invasive Species not only affect the ecosystem,
but the citizens as well. These invasive species can cause unemployment,
damage goods, flooding and disease epidemics.
Resources
for this article provided by wikipedia.org
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