Two invasive Python species in Florida have intervened to create a terrifying new hybrid snake, which is even better adapted to Everglades Environment, found an American geological study.
What happens?
First introduced into Florida through commercial trade in pets, Burmese pythons, which are native to Southeast Asia, multiply in Florida Wilde from the 1980s, the study said.
Unfortunately, the gigantic strict adapted well to the environment in South Florida, expanding rapidly in terms of population and geography after their introduction, according to USGS.
The natural short of snakes, paired with the inaccessibility of the Everglades environment for humans, made the tracking and studying of snakes a challenge for researchers.
“Our ability to find Burmese pythons in larger Everglades is limited by their effective camouflage and secret behavior,” says Kristen Hart, co-author of a USGS study. “Using genetic tools and techniques and we continue to observe their motion patterns, we were able to better understand their habitat preferences and use of resources.”
These genetic instruments have revealed that Burmese pythons are closely connected, which shows that they are probably descended from relatively few ancestors who have either escaped or have been released into the wild, the study found.
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Genetic testing also gave another, unexpected result.
“The snakes in southern Florida are physically identified as Burmese pythons, but genetically seems to have a different, more complex history,” says Margaret Hunter, a lead author of the study, according to the USGS.
Genetically, the giant constructors were hybrids of Burmese pythons and Indian pythons. The new hybrid snakes seemed even better acclimated to the existence in Florida Everglades, something hunter attributed to “hybrid energy”.
Genetic mixing between closely related species “can lead to … the best features of two types are transmitted in their offspring,” the geneticist explained. “Hybrid energy can potentially lead to a better ability to adapt to stress and changes in the environment.
“In an invasive species population such as Burmese pythons in South Florida, this can lead to a broader and faster spread.”
The introduction of invasive pythons into the ecosystem of southern Florida has devastated populations of small mammals, on whom snakes are looted. From 1997 to 2012, USGS measures a population reduction of 99.3% for raccoon, 98.9% for possums and 87.5% for Bobcats.
“The most severe decline of local species [have] have arisen in the distant southern regions of [Everglades National] A park where the pythons have been established for the longest time, “USGS said.
Why are invasive species important?
As illustrates the example of pythons in South Florida, after an invasive species is introduced into a new environment, the consequences are very unpredictable, but often detrimental.
Worldwide, invasive species are number 2, which is why local species disappear, behind only habitat loss, according to New Scientist.
Invasive species surpass local plants and animals, spread deadly diseases and disrupt delicate ecosystems. They also affect food supply, reducing cattle and crops while closing trade.
What is being done for invasive species?
Increasing global temperatures increases the spread of invasive species, opening new regions in which certain species could not survive before USGS.
Therefore, in order to limit the spread of invasive species globally, we must reduce the amount of heat pollution that enters the atmosphere. You can reduce the pollution that you and your family generate by driving an electric vehicle, installing solar panels or public transport.
In addition, you can provide direct help to the local species in your area by planting a local garden, modernizing to a natural lawn or reviewing your yard, all of which providing extra shelter and food for the local wildlife.
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