Publications
Severe mammal declines coincide with proliferation of invasive Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park
A dramatic decline in mammal populations within Everglades National Park (ENP) has been linked to the proliferation of invasive Burmese pythons. Research shows a 99.3% decrease in raccoon observations, alongside significant drops in opossum and bobcat sightings, with rabbits no longer detected during road surveys from 2003–2011. These declines coincide with areas where pythons have recently established themselves, suggesting predation by these apex predators has severely impacted local mammal populations. The study highlights the potential for introduced giant constrictors to exert significant top-down pressure on prey species, raising concerns for less observable or rare mammals of conservation concern.
Birds Consumed by the Invasive Burmese Python ( Python molurus bivittatus ) in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
A study of 85 Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) in Everglades National Park, Florida, revealed that these invasive snakes prey on at least 25 bird species from nine avian orders. Among the identified prey were four species of special concern in Florida and one federally endangered species, the Wood Stork (Mycteria americana). This research provides the first detailed analysis of the avian component of the Burmese python's diet, underscoring its potential significant impact on native bird populations in the park.
Controls on mangrove forest‐atmosphere carbon dioxide exchanges in western Everglades National Park
A mangrove forest in the western Everglades National Park acts as a significant carbon sink, with an annual net ecosystem production (NEP) of 1170 ± 127 g C m⁻², attributed to year-round productivity and low ecosystem respiration. The study, conducted using an eddy covariance system from January 2004 to August 2005, revealed that environmental factors such as diffuse solar irradiance, surface water salinity, and tidal activity play critical roles in controlling carbon dioxide (CO₂) exchange between the forest and atmosphere. High salinity (>34 ppt) reduced daily light use efficiency by 46%, while tidal inundation lowered daytime respiration by ∼0.9 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹ and nighttime respiration by ∼0.5 μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹. These findings suggest that mangrove carbon balance may shift in response to changes in salinity and inundation patterns, potentially due to sea level rise and climate change.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Everglades National Park