{"id":1685,"date":"2020-10-29T22:39:35","date_gmt":"2020-10-30T02:39:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/our-work\/science\/invasive-species\/"},"modified":"2025-10-23T16:31:40","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T20:31:40","slug":"invasive-species","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/our-work\/science\/invasive-species\/","title":{"rendered":"Invasive Species"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t\t\n\t\t<h2>\n\t\t\tFlorida is home to thousands of non-native species of plants and animals. When these introduced species reproduce in the wild and cause economic, social, or ecological disturbance, they reach &#8220;invasive&#8221; status. \n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t<h4><strong>Help support invasive species research and removal efforts!<\/strong><\/h4>\n<button data-blackbaud-optimized-form-id=\"e7dc4e88-160f-465a-a386-cdfcb72354f8\"><b>CLICK HERE TO DONATE<\/b><\/button>\n\t<h5><strong>Our python team has hit significant milestones in its history of removing invasive burmese pythons in Southwest Florida. Click each image below to watch a highlight video.<\/strong><\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/R-duTqrqh5M?si=B6E0-afh6Y_C_Ga1\"\n\t\t\ttarget=\"_blank\" \n\t\t\t\t\t\trel=\"nofollow noopener\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"\" \n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-caption=\"Biggest python captured in Florida\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-description=\"\" \n\t\t\titemprop=\"contentUrl\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1.png\" alt=\"\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" itemprop=\"thumbnail\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1500\" \/>\n\t\t\t<!-- Overlay Wrapper -->\n\t\t\t <!-- Overlay Wrapper Closed -->\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/be8gxxX3IyY?si=4_sgpyM2wjwBsLwv\"\n\t\t\ttarget=\"_blank\" \n\t\t\t\t\t\trel=\"nofollow noopener\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"\" \n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-caption=\"Longest python captured\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-description=\"\" \n\t\t\titemprop=\"contentUrl\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/3.png\" alt=\"\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" itemprop=\"thumbnail\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1500\" \/>\n\t\t\t<!-- Overlay Wrapper -->\n\t\t\t <!-- Overlay Wrapper Closed -->\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/YvdWXEyL6F0?si=-2ouQB9kjPMFmdfM\"\n\t\t\ttarget=\"_blank\" \n\t\t\t\t\t\trel=\"nofollow noopener\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"\" \n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-caption=\"Burmese python found eating a deer\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-description=\"\" \n\t\t\titemprop=\"contentUrl\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/2.png\" alt=\"\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" itemprop=\"thumbnail\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1500\" \/>\n\t\t\t<!-- Overlay Wrapper -->\n\t\t\t <!-- Overlay Wrapper Closed -->\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/hEd0k9OcH4M?si=dpFbNIICUVbU1m3D\"\n\t\t\ttarget=\"_blank\" \n\t\t\t\t\t\trel=\"nofollow noopener\"\n\t\t\ttitle=\"\" \n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-caption=\"Ian B. showcases how to properly capture a python\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-description=\"\" \n\t\t\titemprop=\"contentUrl\">\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/4.png\" alt=\"\" data-no-lazy=\"1\" itemprop=\"thumbnail\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1500\" \/>\n\t\t\t<!-- Overlay Wrapper -->\n\t\t\t <!-- Overlay Wrapper Closed -->\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"width\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t\t\t<meta itemprop=\"height\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/bb-plugin\/cache\/Pythoon-what-we-do-image-rotated-square.jpg\" alt=\"Python What We Do Image\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"1632\" width=\"1224\" title=\"Python What We Do Image\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t\t<h4>\n\t\t\tWhat we do\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t<p>The Conservancy has responded to the emerging threat of invasive species by focusing research and removal efforts on critical invasive species for the bio-region.<\/p>\n<p>Conservancy wildlife biologists and research partners are working to better understand the behavior and ecological impact of these species, such as the Burmese python (<em>Python bivittatus<\/em>) and the cane toad (<em>Rhinella marina<\/em>).<\/p>\n<p>The Conservancy&#8217;s goal is to contribute science-based solutions to control the spread of invasive species effectively and humanely.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/f4egWo9s39U\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWatch\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<h2>\n\t\t\tOur Invasive Species Work\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\tBurmese Python\n\t\t\t\tCane Toad\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBurmese Python\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-1-1400x1050.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"Burmese python research team\" aria-label=\"Burmese python research team\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-1-1536x1152.jpg\" alt=\"Python research team with two caught snakes\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-1-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-1-1400x1050.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-1.jpg 1632w\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1152\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-2-1400x972.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"Burmese python research team\" aria-label=\"Burmese python research team\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-2-1536x1066.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-2-1536x1066.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-2-1400x972.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-2-768x533.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-2.jpg 1697w\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1066\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-3-1050x1400.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"Burmese python removal efforts\" aria-label=\"Burmese python removal efforts\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-3-1152x1536.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-3-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-3-1050x1400.jpg 1050w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-3-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-3.jpg 1224w\" width=\"1152\" height=\"1536\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-4-1400x992.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"Burmese python removal efforts\" aria-label=\"Burmese python removal efforts\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-4-1536x1089.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-4-1536x1089.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-4-1400x992.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-4-768x544.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-4.jpg 1679w\" width=\"1536\" height=\"1089\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-5-1050x1400.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"Burmese python research team\" aria-label=\"Burmese python research team\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-5-1152x1536.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-5-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-5-1050x1400.jpg 1050w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-5-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-5-rotated.jpg 1224w\" width=\"1152\" height=\"1536\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-6-1050x1400.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"Burmese python research team\" aria-label=\"Burmese python research team\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-6-1152x1536.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-6-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-6-1050x1400.jpg 1050w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-6-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-intro-slideshow-image-6.jpg 1224w\" width=\"1152\" height=\"1536\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- navigation arrows -->\n\t\t<button aria-label=\"Previous slide\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t<button aria-label=\"Next slide\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t<h2>\n\t\t\t&#8220;If we can continue to target breeding female pythons for removal, the results are two-fold. We are keeping the invasive snakes from multiplying and reducing the overall impact on our native wildlife populations.&#8221; \n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<p>&#8211; Conservancy President &amp; CEO Rob Moher<\/p>\t\t\n\t<p>As of June 2025, Conservancy biologists and project volunteers have removed over 40,100 pounds of python and over 20,000 eggs from an approximately 150 square mile area in southwestern Florida.<\/p>\n\t\t<h4>\n\t\t\tBackground\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t<p>The Burmese python (<em>Python bivittatus<\/em>) is one of the largest species of snake in the world, known to grow almost 19 feet (5.8 m) in length. They are a generalist predator, using their large size and powerful coils to subdue and suffocate prey. Native to Southeast Asia, hundreds of thousands of pythons were brought to Florida through the pet trade starting in the 1970s. First observed in Everglades National Park in 1979, they have now become an established apex predator across the Greater Everglades ecosystem. Burmese pythons are thought to be responsible for a 90% decline in native mammal populations across their established range.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-1-1400x933.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-1.jpg 1732w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-1-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-1-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" width=\"1732\" height=\"1154\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-5-1400x1400.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-5.jpg 1414w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-5-1400x1400.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-5-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-5-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-5-760x760.jpg 760w\" width=\"1414\" height=\"1414\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-2-1400x1050.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-2.jpg 1632w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-2-1400x1050.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" width=\"1632\" height=\"1224\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-3-1050x1400.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-3.jpg 1224w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-3-1050x1400.jpg 1050w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-3-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-3-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" width=\"1224\" height=\"1632\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-4-1400x1105.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-4.jpg 1591w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-4-1400x1105.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-4-768x606.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-4-1536x1213.jpg 1536w\" width=\"1591\" height=\"1256\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-6-1400x933.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-6.jpg 1732w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-6-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Python-background-slide-show-image-6-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" width=\"1732\" height=\"1154\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- navigation arrows -->\n\t\t<button aria-label=\"Previous slide\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t<button aria-label=\"Next slide\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t<h2>\n\t\t\tBurmese Python Radio-Telemetry Study\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35906101703_14b665ef7f_h-1400x1050.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35906101703_14b665ef7f_h.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35906101703_14b665ef7f_h.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35906101703_14b665ef7f_h-1400x1050.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35906101703_14b665ef7f_h-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35906101703_14b665ef7f_h-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35906067103_aa7b4d1d40_h-1400x1050.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35906067103_aa7b4d1d40_h.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35906067103_aa7b4d1d40_h.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35906067103_aa7b4d1d40_h-1400x1050.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35906067103_aa7b4d1d40_h-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35906067103_aa7b4d1d40_h-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1200\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-tracking-slideshow-image-2-1400x880.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-tracking-slideshow-image-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-tracking-slideshow-image-2.jpg 1783w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-tracking-slideshow-image-2-1400x880.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-tracking-slideshow-image-2-768x483.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-tracking-slideshow-image-2-1536x966.jpg 1536w\" width=\"1783\" height=\"1121\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-tracking-slideshow-image-1-1050x1400.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-tracking-slideshow-image-1-rotated.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-tracking-slideshow-image-1-rotated.jpg 1224w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-tracking-slideshow-image-1-1050x1400.jpg 1050w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-tracking-slideshow-image-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-tracking-slideshow-image-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" width=\"1224\" height=\"1632\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/36576755521_41099b2f47_h-1400x934.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/36576755521_41099b2f47_h.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/36576755521_41099b2f47_h.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/36576755521_41099b2f47_h-1400x934.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/36576755521_41099b2f47_h-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/36576755521_41099b2f47_h-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35880669214_d75d576a3b_3k-1400x933.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35880669214_d75d576a3b_3k-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35880669214_d75d576a3b_3k-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35880669214_d75d576a3b_3k-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35880669214_d75d576a3b_3k-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35880669214_d75d576a3b_3k-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35880668234_29f15e26dd_h-1400x933.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35880668234_29f15e26dd_h.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35880668234_29f15e26dd_h.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35880668234_29f15e26dd_h-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35880668234_29f15e26dd_h-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/35880668234_29f15e26dd_h-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- navigation arrows -->\n\t\t<button aria-label=\"Previous slide\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t<button aria-label=\"Next slide\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t<p>Since 2013, the Conservancy and research partners have been conducting radio-telemetry fieldwork to document python biology and behavior in Collier County. Currently, 40 adult Burmese pythons are being radio-tagged and tracked across Southwest Florida.<\/p>\n<p>A primary objective is to create a database of behavior and habitat use to better understand python activity in the bio-region. Our research is used to inform decision-makers and land managers to develop a control strategy for this invasive species.<\/p>\n\t\t<h4>\n\t\t\tTracking\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t<p>Adult pythons are captured, surgically implanted with a radio transmitter, and released back at the capture site. These individuals are referred to as &#8220;scout snakes&#8221; for their ability to lead researchers to other pythons during the breeding season.<\/p>\n\t\t<h4>\n\t\t\tRemoval\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t<p>The Conservancy&#8217;s snake team uses a combination of active searching and telemetry to remove invasive pythons from Southwest Florida. Closely monitoring scout snakes during the breeding season allows the team to locate and remove animals that otherwise wouldn&#8217;t be detected, effectively utilizing their behavior against them.<\/p>\n\t<h5><strong>&#8220;By utilizing the scout snake technique, we can target undetected breeding female pythons and effectively remove them from the ecosystem before they have a chance to lay eggs&#8221; &#8211; Ian Bartoszek, Conservancy Research Manager<\/strong><\/h5>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-1-1400x933.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-1-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-1-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-2-1400x926.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-2.jpg 1738w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-2-1400x926.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-2-768x508.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-2-1536x1016.jpg 1536w\" width=\"1738\" height=\"1150\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-3.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-3.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-3-768x512.jpg 768w\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-4-1050x1400.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-4.jpg 1224w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-4-1050x1400.jpg 1050w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-4-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-4-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" width=\"1224\" height=\"1632\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-5-1400x933.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-5-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-5-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-5-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-6-1400x1184.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-6.jpg 1537w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-6-1400x1184.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-6-768x650.jpg 768w\" width=\"1537\" height=\"1300\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-7-1050x1400.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-7-rotated.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-7-rotated.jpg 1224w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-7-1050x1400.jpg 1050w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-7-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-7-1152x1536.jpg 1152w\" width=\"1224\" height=\"1632\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-8.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"My beautiful picture\" aria-label=\"My beautiful picture\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-8.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-9-1400x1078.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-9.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-9.jpg 1611w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-9-1400x1078.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-9-768x592.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-removal-slide-show-image-9-1536x1183.jpg 1536w\" width=\"1611\" height=\"1241\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Stretch-1400x1400.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Stretch-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Stretch-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Stretch-1400x1400.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Stretch-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Stretch-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Stretch-760x760.jpg 760w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/Stretch-1536x1536.jpg 1536w\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2048\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-1400x1400.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-1400x1400.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-760x760.jpg 760w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/1-1536x1536.jpg 1536w\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2048\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/3-1400x1400.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/3-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/3-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/3-1400x1400.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/3-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/3-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/3-760x760.jpg 760w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/3-1536x1536.jpg 1536w\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2048\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/5-1400x1400.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/5-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/5-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/5-1400x1400.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/5-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/5-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/5-760x760.jpg 760w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/5-1536x1536.jpg 1536w\" width=\"2048\" height=\"2048\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- navigation arrows -->\n\t\t<button aria-label=\"Previous slide\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t<button aria-label=\"Next slide\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/0-necropsy.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/0-necropsy.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/0-necropsy.jpg 800w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/0-necropsy-768x386.jpg 768w\" width=\"800\" height=\"402\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-4-1400x1050.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-4.jpg 1632w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-4-1400x1050.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-4-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-4-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" width=\"1632\" height=\"1224\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-3-1400x1050.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-3.jpg 1632w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-3-1400x1050.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-3-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-3-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" width=\"1632\" height=\"1224\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-2-1400x1050.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-2.jpg 1632w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-2-1400x1050.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" width=\"1632\" height=\"1224\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-1-1400x998.jpg\" target=\"_self\" data-caption=\"\" aria-label=\"\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-1-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-1-1400x998.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-1-768x547.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Python-necropsy-slide-show-1-1536x1095.jpg 1536w\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1460\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<!-- navigation arrows -->\n\t\t<button aria-label=\"Previous slide\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t<button aria-label=\"Next slide\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t<h4>\n\t\t\tNecropsy\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t<p>Captured pythons are humanely euthanized and necropsied at the Conservancy&#8217;s invasive species lab. Data is recorded on animal size, condition, and breeding potential. Tissue, gut content, and other samples are collected for future analysis. Collaborative researchers have used samples and specimens from the Conservancy effort to identify prey items, examine mercury content, test hormone levels, and more.<\/p>\n\t\t<h4>\n\t\t\tCOLLABORATORS\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t<p><a href=\"http:\/\/rookerybay.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.floridastateparks.org\/parks-and-trails\/collier-seminole-state-park\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Collier Seminole State Park<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.sfwmd.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">South Florida Water Management District<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/myfwc.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.usgs.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">United States Geological Survey<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.fws.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">US Fish and Wildlife Service<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/bicy\/index.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Big Cypress National Preserve<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.ufl.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">University of Florida<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.fgcu.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Florida Gulf Coast University<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.jmu.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">James Madison University<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.athens.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Athens State University<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.floridainvasives.org\/southwest\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Southwest Florida Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.napleszoo.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Naples Zoo<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/bb-plugin\/cache\/Python-removal-photo-solo-760x760-square.jpg\" alt=\"Team members hike out with large Burmese python on their shoulders\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"760\" width=\"760\" title=\"Python Removal Photo Solo\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t<h4>ReSearch Publications<\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/neobiota.pensoft.net\/article\/90439\/\"><strong>Burmese pythons in Florida: A synthesis of biology, impacts, and management tools<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Python Predation: North American Racer<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Annual Reproduction and Reproductive Frequency of Burmese Pythons (<em>Python bivittatus<\/em>) in Southwestern Florida, USA<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/journal-of-herpetology.kglmeridian.com\/view\/journals\/hpet\/58\/3\/article-121440.xml\"><strong>Subterranean refuge use by Burmese pythons (<em>Python bivittatus<\/em>) in southwestern Florida<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/onlinelibrary.wiley.com\/doi\/10.1002\/jmor.70045\"><strong>Morphological variation in the genitalia of the Burmese python<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.17161\/randa.v31i1.21867\"><strong>Big pythons, big gape, and big prey<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5066\/P9A0V89V\"><strong>Diet of invasive Burmese pythons (<em>Python molurus bivittatus<\/em>) in southern Florida, 1995-2020<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/1999-4915\/14\/12\/2726\"><strong>Divergent serpentoviruses in free-ranging invasive pythons and native colubrids in southern Florida, United States<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1093\/iob\/obac033\"><strong>Scaling relationships of maximal gape in two species of large invasive snakes, brown treesnakes and Burmese pythons, and implications for maximal prey size<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S1095643322000204\"><strong>Physiological effects of capture and short-term captivity in an invasive snake species, the Burmese python (<em>Python bivittatus<\/em>) in Florida<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1242\/bio.058739\"><strong>Clutch may predict growth of hatchling Burmese pythons better than food availability or sex<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/ecs2.3564\"><strong>Spatial ecology of invasive Burmese pythons in southwestern Florida<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1670\/20-104\"><strong>Genome-wide SNP analysis reveals multiple paternity in Burmese pythons invasive to the Greater Florida Everglades<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s40850-021-00098-2\"><strong>Initial dispersal behavior and survival of non-native juvenile Burmese pythons (<em>Python bivittatus<\/em>) in South Florida<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Predation on Florida cottonmouth<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Aberrant pattern<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Low-level detection of SFD-causing <em>Ophidiomyces<\/em> on Burmese pythons in southwest Florida, with confirmation of the pathogen on co-occurring native snakes<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Maximum male size<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s00128-019-02670-6\"><strong>Mercury concentrations in invasive Burmese pythons (<em>Python bivittatus<\/em>) of southwest Florida<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Diet and prey size<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Predator-prey interaction with Gulf coast indigo snake<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Habitat use, breeding aggregation, and interspecific interaction with gopher tortoise<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Dispersal\/marine incursion<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCane Toad\n\t\t<h4>\n\t\t\tGeneral Information\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t<h5>\n\t\t\tCOMMON NAMES:\u00a0\u00a0CANE TOAD, BUFO TOAD, MARINE TOAD, OR GIANT TOAD.\n\t\t<\/h5>\n\t<p>Cane toads are one of the largest species of toad in the world. Native to South America, the species was originally introduced to Florida in the 1930s and 40s in an attempt to control agricultural pests in sugar cane fields, and the pet trade contributed with releases and escapees during the 1950s and 60s.<\/p>\n<p>Cane toads are not aggressive, but they have enlarged parotoid glands on their neck and shoulder region that produce a bufotoxin that, when ingested, is highly toxic. This toxin is capable of causing severe illness or death to potential predators. The toads also have a big appetite and are capable of eating just about anything they can fit into their mouths. These traits are posing a threat to our native wildlife, and to any pets that attempt to attack them.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/bb-plugin\/cache\/Cane-Toad-Banner-square.jpg\" alt=\"Cane Toad Banner\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"600\" width=\"1500\" title=\"Cane Toad Banner\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Cane toad picture\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"1365\" width=\"2048\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/1-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/1-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" title=\"1\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t\t<h4>\n\t\t\tIDENTIFICATION\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t<p>It is important to know that there are other toad species native to Southwest Florida. The native southern toad (<em>Anaxyrus terrestris<\/em>) is the species most likely to be misidentified as the cane toad. Both species occupy the same habitats and therefore can be found together.<\/p>\n<p>The large size is often the first noticeable feature of cane toads. Cane toads can reach 6-9 inches in length as adults, while southern toads have been known to reach a maximum length of 4 inches. However, cane toads are not always bigger than southern toads, so it is important to be familiar with features that help distinguish the species when they are both a similar size.<\/p>\n<p>The best features to look for are the southern toad head crests! When southern toads are around an inch and a half in length they start to display small ridges or crests on their heads, between the eyes, while the area between cane toad&#8217;s eyes will always remain flat. It is almost impossible to distinguish the two species when they are at any other life stage (eggs, tadpoles) or smaller toad in size.<\/p>\n<p>Please watch the video below for helpful information on how to properly identify a cane toad:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=RMzLes3BaCo\">Cane Toads &#8211; How to Identify This Invasive Pest<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t<h4>\n\t\t\tsouthern toad   vs   cane toad\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Toad-Comparison-Graphic.jpg\" alt=\"Toad Comparison Graphic\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"420\" width=\"1008\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Toad-Comparison-Graphic.jpg 1008w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Toad-Comparison-Graphic-768x320.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1008px) 100vw, 1008px\" title=\"Toad Comparison Graphic\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t\t<h4>\n\t\t\tHUMANE EUTHANASIA OF CANE TOADS\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t<p>Cane toads can be removed and humanely euthanized by property owners or hired wildlife trappers. It is best to avoid any chance of accidentally removing native southern toads by only removing those toads that exceed the inch and a half length, at which time the species can be distinguished from one another (see identification section above). The link below gives recommendations regarding the humane euthanasia of cane toads. Euthanasia is sometimes necessary for the safety of pets and the good of local wildlife. The methods discussed in this video are supported by the best available science to date and are the most appropriate way of killing these animals to ensure they do not feel pain. <strong>Do not relocate captured cane toads to another location<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\t<iframe allowfullscreen allow=\"autoplay\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/JCZlSVbOkWU?feature=oembed&amp;start&amp;end&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;loop=0&amp;controls=1&amp;mute=0&amp;rel=0&amp;modestbranding=0\"><\/iframe>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tPlay Video\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/pexels-artem-beliaikin-2613329-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"dog walking\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"1365\" width=\"2048\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/pexels-artem-beliaikin-2613329-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/pexels-artem-beliaikin-2613329-1400x933.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/pexels-artem-beliaikin-2613329-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/pexels-artem-beliaikin-2613329-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" title=\"dog walking\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t\t<h4>\n\t\t\tPrevention is key\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t<p>Prevention is the best way to avoid an unfortunate and possibly fatal interaction involving your pet. Always keep your dog on a leash when walking outside, especially on warm evenings and after rain, and make your yard less toad-friendly by removing any attractants such as pet food or debris piles where toads can hide. Also, keep the number of your local emergency veterinarian handy. In the event of poisoning, you must act quickly!<\/p>\n<p>Please watch the video below to learn more about tips for prevention of toad-pet interactions, properly identifying the symptoms of cane toad poisoning, and knowing what to do in the event of a poisoning:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/Prevention is the best way to avoid an unfortunate and possibly fatal interaction involving your pet. Always keep your dog on a leash when walking outside, especially on warm evenings and after rain, and make your yard less toad-friendly by removing any attractants such as pet food, or debris piles where toads can hide. Also, keep the number of your local emergency veterinarian handy. In the event of poisoning, you must act quickly! Please watch the video below to learn more about tips for prevention of toad-pet interactions, properly identifying the symptoms of cane toad poisoning, and knowing what to do in the event of a poisoning:\">The Cane Toad &#8211; An Invasive Impact on Florida Pets<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t<h4>\n\t\t\tConservancy cane toad research\n\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t<p>In 2019, through philanthropic funding, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida began a research collaboration with the University of Florida and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to study cane toads within Southwest Florida. Biologists are studying cane toads using three distinct methods: radio-telemetry tracking, trap\/lure design testing, and diet analysis. The broad scope of the research focuses on answering life history questions regarding the movement, behaviors, and habitat preferences of cane toads in urban landscapes. Understanding interactions with native species and identifying &#8216;at risk&#8217; areas will contribute to the creation of management plans, which could help prevent the spread of cane toads into natural areas.The current cane toad range in Florida is shown on the map below, created by UF, IFAS Extension. The isolated population in the southwest Florida region is the focus of our research.While it appears that currently the toads have a preference for urban locations within the invaded areas, it may only be a matter of time before they disperse into neighboring natural areas. Cane toads have the potential to cause a lot of damage directly (eating and poisoning native wildlife) and indirectly (competing for resources and creating negative public backlash towards native toads) to the natural environment.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/MicrosoftTeams-image-2.png\" alt=\"Cane toad range map\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"353\" width=\"400\" title=\"Cane toad range map\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4>Radio-telemetry tracking<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>Adult toads are fitted with a radio-transmitter attached to a belt, which sends a radio signal that can be heard using a receiver. This enables researchers to locate the toads again after they have been released back to their original location. Care is taken to ensure that the external attachments will not interfere with any of the toad&#8217;s natural movements or behaviors. These animals are located twice daily for the duration of our study to gain an understanding of both their daytime and nighttime movements and habitat choices. Through our research, we are also compiling life history information regarding which native species toads interact with in the urban setting.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/bb-plugin\/cache\/2-scaled-square.jpg\" alt=\"2\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"2048\" width=\"1536\" title=\"2\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4>Trapping<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>The trap-testing portion of our study was comprised of testing a trap known to have efficacy in Australia for its capability in Southwest Florida. The traps utilize the animal&#8217;s biology against themselves by broadcasting the mating call from local male toads to attract both males and females. These traps have great potential as a tool for managing localized populations in Southwest Florida. The information gathered from the telemetry tracking element of the study directly informs the success of the trapping. By understanding the nuances of toad behavior, we can utilize the traps more effectively.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Cane-Toad-Research-Supporting-Photo-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Cane Toad Research Supporting Photo\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"1536\" width=\"2048\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Cane-Toad-Research-Supporting-Photo-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Cane-Toad-Research-Supporting-Photo-1400x1050.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Cane-Toad-Research-Supporting-Photo-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Cane-Toad-Research-Supporting-Photo-1536x1152.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" title=\"Cane Toad Research Supporting Photo\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4>Diet analysis<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>The cane toad diet analysis involves looking at the stomach contents of cane toads from two locations in Naples, FL, to better understand what wildlife is being affected through predation within urban communities. We are looking at both males and females, taking various measurements, and stomach contents are identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Prepping-toads-for-necropsy-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Prepping Toads For Necropsy\" itemprop=\"image\" height=\"2048\" width=\"1791\" srcset=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Prepping-toads-for-necropsy-1-scaled.jpg 1791w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Prepping-toads-for-necropsy-1-1224x1400.jpg 1224w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Prepping-toads-for-necropsy-1-768x878.jpg 768w, https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Prepping-toads-for-necropsy-1-1343x1536.jpg 1343w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1791px) 100vw, 1791px\" title=\"Prepping Toads For Necropsy\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\"  \/>\n\t<h4><strong>RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2076-2615\/13\/18\/2898\"><strong>Faunal Diet of Adult Cane Toads, <em>Rhinella marina<\/em>, in the Urban Landscape.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bioone.org\/journals\/southeastern-naturalist\/volume-20\/issue-4\/058.020.0408\/Mourning-Dove-Zenaida-macroura-and-Eastern-Bluebird-Sialia-sialis-Found\/10.1656\/058.020.0408.short\"><strong>Mourning Dove (<em>Zenaida macroura<\/em>) and Eastern Bluebird (<em>Sialia sialis<\/em>) Found in Diet of the Non-native Cane Toad (<em>Rhinella marina<\/em>) in Florida<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Predation- Cane toads<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.jstor.org\/stable\/26975622\"><strong>Efficacy of acoustic traps for cane toad (<em>Rhinella marina<\/em>) management in Florida<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Cane toad diet<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Interspecific amplexus with southern toad<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t<iframe title=\"Conservancy of Southwest Florida Python Biologist Day in the Life\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/yhrMk8Ee47k?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\t\n\t\t<h2>\n\t\t\tScience Department Projects\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/our-work\/science\/mangrove-restoration\/\" target=\"_self\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Mangroves-19-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Mangroves at sunset\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1361\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Mangrove Research<\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>We monitor the health of our local mangrove systems, with particular focus on mangrove ecology and restoration.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/our-work\/science\/invasive-species\/\" target=\"_self\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Burmese-python-project-1-1.jpg\" alt=\"Burmese Python Project (1)\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1200\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Invasive Species<\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>One of the primary initiatives at the Conservancy is to contribute science-based solutions to control the spread of invasive species in our region.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/our-work\/science\/wildlife-research\/\" target=\"_self\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Turtle-Tile-Image.jpg\" alt=\"Loggerhead sea turtle research tile\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Sea Turtle Research<\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>We have been monitoring sea turtle nesting and hatchling recruitment on Keewaydin Island continuously since 1983.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"http:\/\/www.susanleachsnyder.com\/GopherTortoisePreserve\/TortoisePreserve.html\" target=\"_blank\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/GoTo-Scrub-1.jpg\" alt=\"GoTo Scrub\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Secrets of the Scrub<\/h3>\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<p>Packed into 7.5 acres, the Christopher B. Smith Preserve at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center is teeming with life.<\/p>\t\t\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<h6>\n\t\t\tHow You can help\n\t\t<\/h6>\n\t\t<h2>\n\t\t\tHelp protect our water, land, and wildlife\n\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/support-us\/membership\/\" target=\"_self\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/icon-membership.png\" alt=\"Become a Member\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Become a Member<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Membership helps support our work and gets you free membership to the Nature Center and many other perks. Join today!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/donate\/\" target=\"_self\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/icon-donate.png\" alt=\"Donate\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Donate<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The majority of our funding comes from people like you who care about protecting our environment in Southwest Florida.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/support-us\/volunteer\/\" target=\"_self\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/icon-volunteer.png\" alt=\"Volunteer\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Volunteer<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>A variety of fun volunteer opportunities are available. Interact with diverse people, learn new skills, and enhance and share your knowledge.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Florida is home to thousands of non-native species of plants and animals. When these introduced species reproduce in the wild and cause economic, social, or ecological disturbance, they reach &#8220;invasive&#8221;&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":33,"featured_media":0,"parent":1677,"menu_order":35,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1685","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1685","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/33"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1685"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1685\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17026,"href":"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1685\/revisions\/17026"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1677"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/conservancy.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1685"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}