Invasive Burmese python in Florida lays a record 96 eggs in one go

A free-ranging Burmese python in Florida has broken a record by laying 96 eggs in one clutch. Burmese pythons are native to South-East Asia but tens of thousands of them now live in Florida, after some that were imported as pets escaped in the 1970s and established a breeding population. The species is now considered an invasive species and is known to have a significant impact on native wildlife populations.

Amy Yackel Adams and her colleagues at the US Geological Survey are tracking several females in the area. While it is not unusual for a Burmese python to lay a large clutch of eggs, this particular instance is the largest number ever documented for the species. The researchers examined the eggs and recorded their size and weight before they were dried for preservation after hatching.

Burmese pythons are apex predators in their native range and can grow to over 20 feet in length. They are known to prey on a wide range of animals, from birds to small mammals and even alligators. In Florida, they have been found to consume native species such as raccoons, opossums, and deer. Their impact on the ecosystem is significant, as they can disrupt food webs and cause declines in native species.

Efforts have been made to control the population of Burmese pythons in Florida, with hunting and trapping programs in place. However, their ability to hide in the dense vegetation of the Everglades makes it difficult to locate and remove them. Monitoring the breeding habits of the pythons is an important part of understanding their population dynamics and developing effective control strategies.

In conclusion, a free-ranging Burmese python in Florida has laid the largest clutch of eggs ever documented for this species, highlighting the impact of this invasive predator on the ecosystem. Conservation efforts are underway to control their population, but their ability to hide in dense vegetation and their predatory behavior presents a challenge. Studying their biology and behavior is crucial in developing effective control strategies to protect native wildlife populations.



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