Invasive Pythons in the United States: Ecology of an Introduced Predator (Wormsloe Foundation Nature Book) by John Willson

by Whit Gibbons

Most people think of pythons as giant snakes in distant tropical jungles, but Burmese pythons, which can reach lengths of over twenty feet and weigh over two hundred pounds, are now thriving in southern Florida.These natives of Asia are commonly kept as pets and presumably escaped or were released in the Everglades. Pythons are now common in this region; widespread throughout hundreds of square miles, they are breeding and appear to be expanding their range. Pythons are voracious predators that feed on a variety of native wildlife including wading birds, bobcats, white-tailed deer, and even alligators. Their presence has drawn dramatic media attention and stoked fears among the public that pythons may threaten not just native species but humans as well.Despite this widespread concern, information on pythons has been limited to a few scientific publications and news coverage that varies widely in fact and accuracy. With Invasive Pythons in the United States, Michael E. Dorcas and John D. Willson provide the most reliable, up-to-date, and scientifically grounded information on invasive pythons. Filled with over two hundred color photographs and fifteen figures and maps, the book will help general readers and the scientific community better understand these fascinating animals and their troubling presence in the United States.Features information on general python biology biology of Burmese pythons in their native range research on pythons in the United States history and status of introduced pythons in Florida risks pythons pose in Florida and elsewhere methods to control python populations other boas and pythons that may become or are already established in the United States

Paperback

First published October 1, 2011

About the author

Also published under J. Whitfield Gibbons: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe this book is a generalized account for someone with little knowledge of herpetology, ecology or invasive species biology. It has several interesting studies documented, although they are addressed in a perfunctory manner. It has a beautiful layout and can be read in a few day, making it ideal for a wider audience, but don't expect to learn much if you already know about the issues discussed or have read to journal articles alluded to. I'd recommend The Swamp for more about the everglades or Out of Eden for more about invasive snakes.

[Turtleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humans have a bad habit of moving species to places they don't belong. This book, published in 2011, details the story around pythons released in southern Florida, particularly near the Everglades. Much effort has been expended to catch and remove pythons from the area. Over 1,500 had been caught by 2010. Although that sounds like good progress, unfortunately, it seems like there are at least tens of thousands of pythons in the area. Any pythons appear to becoming easier to find, suggesting he population is growing, not being controlled. Overall, this is a good popular science book on ecology and invasive species. There are lots of photos. The authors do a good job of setting the stage and there are lots of good stories about python hunters and the pythons in southern Florida. It is not a difficult read but it is also not an in-depth book. Now that it is almost a decade old, an update is definitely needed.

[Daniel Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really interesting book about pythons as an escaped species in the US, particularly in South Florida where there is a huge population.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great! Excellent information on the most-asked question in Everglades National Park. All the factoids that visitors and I want to know. Fantastic pictures. It should be a must-read for Everglades employees.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating