Abstract
BackgroundDispersal behavior is a critical component of invasive species dynamics, impacting both spatial spread and population density. In South Florida, Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) are an invasive species that disrupt ecosystems and have the potential to expand their range northward. Control of python populations is limited by a lack of information on movement behavior and vital rates, especially within the younger age classes. We radio-tracked 28 Burmese pythons from hatching until natural mortality for approximately 3 years. Pythons were chosen from 4 clutches deposited by adult females in 4 different habitats: forested wetland, urban interface, upland pine, and agricultural interface.ResultsKnown-fate survival estimate was 35.7% (95% CI = 18% - 53%) in the first 6 months, and only 2 snakes survived 3 years post hatching. Snakes moving through ‘natural’ habitats had higher survival than snakes dispersing through ‘modified’ habitats in the first 6- months post-hatching. Predation was the most common source of mortality. Snakes from the agricultural interface utilized canals and displayed the largest net movements.ConclusionsOur results suggest that pythons may have lower survival if clutches are deposited in or near urbanized areas. Alternatively, juvenile pythons could quickly disperse to new locations by utilizing canals that facilitate linear movement. This study provides critical information about behavioral and life history characteristics of juvenile Burmese pythons that will inform management practices.
Highlights
Dispersal behavior is a critical component of invasive species dynamics, impacting both spatial spread and population density
For Scenario 2, we found that 6-month survival of those released in ‘natural’ habitat (FW or upland pine (UP)) was higher than survival of snakes released into ‘modified’ habitat (U or agricultural fields (AF); Χ2= 3.93, df = 1, p = 0.047; Fig. 2)
Our results document the first estimates of free-ranging juvenile Burmese python movement rates and survival in their invasive range
Summary
Dispersal behavior is a critical component of invasive species dynamics, impacting both spatial spread and population density. In South Florida, Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) are an invasive species that disrupt ecosystems and have the potential to expand their range northward. Dispersal is a critical determinant of species’ spatial ecology and is important in the population dynamics and spread of invasive species [1,2,3]. Burmese pythons exhibit strong negative impacts on native mammal and bird populations [14,15,16,17] and indirect effects on non-prey species [18]. A study of adult Burmese python movement in their native range found that pythons did not avoid human-dominated landscapes [19], suggesting that human development may not impede population spread in their invasive range. Understanding habitat features that facilitate or limit dispersal, as well as elements that carry higher or lower risks of juvenile mortality, are important for identifying potential invasion corridors, or habitat types that should be the focus of management efforts [11]
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