Cracking the Burmese python code: New data zeroes in on game-changing strategies
In a groundbreaking study, University of Florida scientists statistically analyzed large amounts of data collected by Burmese python contractors, revealing critical insights about how to most efficiently remove the reptiles.
Researchers correlated survey outcomes, including python removals, with survey conditions, using statistical modeling. For example, the researchers examined if factors like time or temperature impacted the chance of removing a python. They also analyzed whether the most surveyed areas aligned with the highest python removals. This allowed the researchers to identify regions where few contractors are catching a lot of pythons, indicating more contractors working in these locations could result in more pythons removed.
“This collaboration among the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS), South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), and the contractors increases our ability to detect and remove pythons by providing guidelines for when and where to survey to optimize your chances of finding a python,” said Melissa Miller, an invasion ecologist at UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center. “Targeted surveys, guided by these data, can allow us to be more efficient and successful in our efforts to control Burmese pythons.” These data were collected as part of the SFWMD Python Elimination Program between May 2020 and April 2022. The researchers from UF/IFAS analyzed 4,092 surveys from python contractors totaling over 16,000 hours of effort.
Researchers identified two regions where python removals could likely be increased with more surveys. These regions occurred toward the western edge of Big Cypress National Preserve along the Tamiami Trail and a stormwater treatment area in Palm Beach County. Additionally, researchers identified optimal conditions that improve survey outcomes, providing specific guidelines for contractors.
Published in Scientific Reports, the study highlights effective python management strategies and demonstrates how researchers, natural resource managers and residents can collaborate to improve wildlife conservation.
“Managing pythons is an enormous effort, undertaken by Floridians deeply invested in restoring the intricate ecological processes that define the Everglades,” said Romer. “This work is about safeguarding one of the world’s most unique ecosystems—not just for today, but for generations to come.”
DEP’s ARC To Take Florida Forever Project Public Comment
The Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) will host three regional meetings to receive public comments on the 2025 Florida Forever program Cycle 1 project proposals.
- March 4, 2025 4-5 p.m., EST
Putnam County Administration Building
Commission Meeting Room
2509 Crill Ave.
Palatka, FL 32177
Project: Hog Island
- March 11, 2025 4-5 p.m., EDT
Manatee County Administration Building
5th Floor Meeting Room
1112 Manatee Ave. W.
Bradenton, FL 34205
Project: Myakka Corridor Addition
- April 11, 2025 9-10 a.m., EDT
Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Building
Room 137 3900 Commonwealth Blvd.
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Projects: Marks River Timberlands and Springs, Teal Timber
The meeting agendas are available on the Department of Environmental Protection’s website.
Commissioner Wilton Simpson Announces $2 Million Available for Second Phase of Florida’s Future Forests Program
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson and the Florida Forest Service announced another $2 million is now available to Florida landowners through the Florida’s Future Forests Program. In its fourth year, the program aims to improve forest health by promoting tree planting that ensures the long-term viability of Florida’s forestlands.
“Florida’s Future Forests Program is a win-win for Florida’s landowners and our state’s natural resources, and I appreciate the Florida Legislature for continued support for this program,” said Commissioner Wilton Simpson. “Private lands make up the majority of Florida’s forestlands, and these funds will help landowners reestablish forests, including sites that were damaged by recent hurricanes.”
The initial $2 million offering was released in July of 2024 to also fund future site preparation, seedlings, and planting. This program is a significant long-term investment for the state and helps maintain and conserve Florida’s forests and natural resources for future generations.
“As this winter’s tree planting season winds down, now is the perfect time for landowners to take advantage of this program to plan and prepare for future reforestation projects,” said Florida Forest Service Director Rick Dolan. “Forests provide clean air, clean water, habitat for wildlife, recreation, and many essential products, and we hope to continue to make these funds available to landowners early in the year to help enhance our forests.”
The Florida’s Future Forests Program is open to non-industrial, private landowners, local governments, and registered nonprofit organizations. Interested applicants should contact their Florida Forest Service County Forester to initiate the application process. To learn more about the Florida’s Future Forests Program and locate your local county forester, visit FDACS.gov/FutureForests. The deadline for application submission is 3 p.m. eastern time on March 21, 2025.
