Record in Florida: A Burmese python of almost six meters was caught
A Burmese python nearly six meters long was caught in the swampy areas of the Big Cypress National Preserve in South Florida. The snake set a new record for the largest specimen of its species recorded in the area. The gigantic reptile weighed approximately 57 kilograms—almost as much as an adult Labrador Retriever.
Why is this finding so important?
The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is not indigenous to North America. It arrived in Florida due to human negligence: snakes that had been imported as exotic pets escaped into the wild over the decades. Gradually, they established a stable population and occupied vast areas in swamps and mangrove forests.
Today, the species is officially considered invasive, displacing native animals, such as raccoons, rabbits, and rare bird species. Studies have shown that in some areas, small mammal populations have declined by up to 90%, with the presence of Burmese pythons being the main cause.
Thanks to their enormous length and powerful muscles, they can swallow prey as large as a fawn.
Who caught the Florida "giant"?
The operation was carried out by biologist Ian Easterling, who leads the on-site monitoring of python populations in Florida. His team uses GPS trackers, thermal imaging cameras, and DNA analysis to monitor the distribution of the snakes and understand their breeding patterns.
"These findings will help improve methods for locating and monitoring the population of these snakes," the biologist noted.
According to Easterling, the record-breaking female was in the breeding phase, a fact that makes the finding particularly important: the capture of such individuals helps reduce the population and prevent the further spread of the species.
www.bankingnews.gr
Why is this finding so important?
The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is not indigenous to North America. It arrived in Florida due to human negligence: snakes that had been imported as exotic pets escaped into the wild over the decades. Gradually, they established a stable population and occupied vast areas in swamps and mangrove forests.
Today, the species is officially considered invasive, displacing native animals, such as raccoons, rabbits, and rare bird species. Studies have shown that in some areas, small mammal populations have declined by up to 90%, with the presence of Burmese pythons being the main cause.
Thanks to their enormous length and powerful muscles, they can swallow prey as large as a fawn.
Who caught the Florida "giant"?
The operation was carried out by biologist Ian Easterling, who leads the on-site monitoring of python populations in Florida. His team uses GPS trackers, thermal imaging cameras, and DNA analysis to monitor the distribution of the snakes and understand their breeding patterns.
"These findings will help improve methods for locating and monitoring the population of these snakes," the biologist noted.
According to Easterling, the record-breaking female was in the breeding phase, a fact that makes the finding particularly important: the capture of such individuals helps reduce the population and prevent the further spread of the species.
www.bankingnews.gr
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