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#           Size distribution and reproductive phenology of the invasive Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, Florida, USA      

      November 23, 2022    

The design of successful invasive species control programs is often hindered by the absence of basic demographic data on the targeted population. Establishment of invasive Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, Florida USA has led to local precipitous declines (> 90%) of mesomammal populations and is also a major threat to native populations of reptiles and birds. Efforts to control this species are ongoing but are hampered by the lack of access to and information on the expected biological patterns of pythons in southern Florida. We present data from more than 4,000 wild Burmese pythons that were removed in southern Florida over 26 years (1995–2021), the most robust dataset representing this invasive population to date. We used these data to characterize Burmese python size distribution, size at maturity, clutch size, and seasonal demographic and reproductive trends. We broadened the previously described size ranges by sex and, based on our newly defined size-stage classes, showed that males are smaller than females at sexual maturity, confirmed a positive correlation between maternal body size and potential clutch size, and developed predictive equations to facilitate demographic predictions. We also refined the annual breeding season (approx.100 days December into March), oviposition timing (May), and hatchling emergence and dispersal period (July through October) using correlations of capture morphometrics with observations of seasonal gonadal recrudescence (resurgence) and regression. Determination of reproductive output and timing can inform population models and help managers arrest population growth by targeting key aspects of python life history. These results define characteristics of the species in Florida and provide an enhanced understanding of the ecology and reproductive biology of Burmese pythons in their invasive Everglades range.

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####             Andrea Currylow, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Former Employee)          

##### Research Ecologist

Fort Collins Science Center

#### Amy Yackel Adams, PhD

##### Supervisory Research Ecologist

Fort Collins Science Center

yackela@usgs.gov

970-226-9489

#### Michael Cherkiss

##### Wildlife Biologist

Wetland and Aquatic Research Center 

mcherkiss@usgs.gov

954-577-6405

#### Melia Nafus, Ph.D.

##### Research Ecologist

Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center

mnafus@usgs.gov

#### Kristen Hart, Ph.D.

##### Research Ecologist

Wetland and Aquatic Research Center 

kristen_hart@usgs.gov

954-236-1067

#### Robert Reed

##### Deputy Center Director

Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center

reedr@usgs.gov

808-210-5315

## Related Content

####             Andrea Currylow, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Former Employee)          

##### Research Ecologist

Fort Collins Science Center

#### Amy Yackel Adams, PhD

##### Supervisory Research Ecologist

Fort Collins Science Center

yackela@usgs.gov

970-226-9489

#### Michael Cherkiss

##### Wildlife Biologist

Wetland and Aquatic Research Center 

mcherkiss@usgs.gov

954-577-6405

#### Melia Nafus, Ph.D.

##### Research Ecologist

Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center

mnafus@usgs.gov

#### Kristen Hart, Ph.D.

##### Research Ecologist

Wetland and Aquatic Research Center 

kristen_hart@usgs.gov

954-236-1067

#### Robert Reed

##### Deputy Center Director

Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center

reedr@usgs.gov

808-210-5315

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####               Fort Collins Science Center          

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970-226-9100

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####               Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center          

Crater Rim Drive, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National ParkPO Box 44Hawai‘i National Park, HI96718United States

(808) 985-6420

####               Wetland and Aquatic Research Center - Gainesville, FL          

7920 NW 71st St.Gainesville, FL32653United States

352-378-8181

352-378-4956

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