USGS Everglades Research Office - Florida

USGS Fort Collins Science Center (FORT), Invasive Species Branch (ISS) runs a South Florida Field Station based in Everglades National Park. There, local FORT staff work together with National Park Service staff to address invasive reptile issues within the National Park Units (Big Cypress National Preserve, Everglades National Park, and Dry Tortugas National Park). In this coordinated effort, FORT ISS integrates expertise to design and conduct various research project aimed at informing invasive reptile management activities and EDRR (early detection, rapid response) efforts. This coordination extends to affiliates of the Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (ECISMA) to develop and refine scientifically based methods to detect and control invasive species and assess the impacts of these invasives across the Greater Everglades Ecosystem.

Invasive reptiles in the Everglades represent a significant threat to restoration and preservation of the unique Everglades ecosystem. Among the best- known invaders is the Burmese python, which is a large constricting snake that has been implicated in the decline of Everglades native species. The black and white Tegu (a ground-nest raiding lizard from South America) and other large-bodied reptiles established in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem also to pose further threats to native species. The potential impacts of these species are, however, poorly understood.

USGS scientists conduct research into detection and control of Burmese pythons, black and white tegus, and other species in Florida. Research includes enhancing a basic understanding of their life history through vital rates research, ecological interactions, and describing behaviors that can lead to the identification of potential avenues for management, as well as facilitate much needed population estimates. Additionally, the research being done on vital rate characteristics (for example, nest and hatching success, annual survival rates, and reproductive output) will be the basis for population growth models and novel methods for control (for example, synthetic biology). Efforts also include research into impacts on native species that may be vulnerable to populations of invasive reptiles through examination of seasonal and demographic dietary trends, reproductive timing and tempo, and other relevant topics.