Wildlife regulations in Florida

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Bill CS/SB 318 is an amendment passed by the State of Florida in June 2010 which amends several sections of Chapter 379 of the Florida Statutes (F.S.). [1] Sections 379.231, 379.372, 379.374, 379.3761, 379.401, and 379.4015 deal with wildlife regulations and were amended by this bill. [2] Broadly, this bill seeks to regulate entities which own, import, sell and/or breed certain prohibited species of reptiles. [3] Specifically this bill prohibits the ownership of a variety of commonly kept pythons and monitor species. Additionally, the bill provided rules for a commission to add species of reptiles to the prohibited list.

Contents

Amendments to existing Florida law

Amendment to section 379.231 and 379.3762 changes the language throughout to bring continuity to the legal text.

Amended section 379.372 specifies a list of prohibited species which may not be possessed, imported into the state, sold, bartered, traded, or bred without the authorization of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Prohibited animals include "Burmese or Indian python ( Python molurus ), reticulated python ( Python reticulatus ), Northern African python ( Python sebae ), Southern African python ( Python natalensis ), amethystine or scrub python ( Morelia amethistina ), green anaconda ( Eunectes murinus ), Nile monitor ( Varanus niloticus ), and any other reptile designated as a conditional or prohibited species by the FWC. [3]

According to the [2] Amended section 379.3761, F.S. prohibits the sale of any wild animal which is designated as a prohibited or conditional species, reptile of concern, or venomous reptiles in the State of Florida, regardless of the origin of the sale or location of the initial transaction.

Amended section 379.4015, F.S. is the penalty section of the amended statute. So called "conditional" or "Prohibited" reptile violations are a level two violation with a mandatory minimum fine of $100, and a requirement that the animal must be surrendered to the FWC unless a permit to possess is applied for and approved.

These amendments were made to Florida law to address concerns regarding the introduction of reptile species which seem capable of not only adapting to the local environment, but in fact seem to thrive. Florida Fish and Wildlife has found breeding colonies of Burmese pythons, a large Asian constrictor routinely sold through the United States as a pet, in the Everglades National Park.

Permit to possess prohibited species

The state of Florida does allow for possession of species otherwise prohibited by law for the purposes of research. There is no fee for this permit. A research plan, security plan must be submitted to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) in order to attain approval. Aquariums, zoological parks and public exhibitors may also acquire a permit. [4]

Prohibited Species possessed prior to the enactment of SB 318

Individuals in possession of any conditional species prior to July 1, 2010 are allowed to retain ownership of their animals provided they maintain a valid reptile of concern license for the remainder of its life. [5]

Non-native invasive species in Florida

Burmese pythons are an invasive species in parts of Florida. It has been found that the climate of the Everglades enables the species to thrive . [6] This species is also known to be breeding in parts of Florida along with the common Boa Constrictor[ citation needed ]. Conservationist and wildlife officials are concerned about this natural predator spreading to areas which are biologically vulnerable, the Florida Keys for example.

As a predator the Burmese python is a threat to the preservation of native wildlife. This pythons territorial expanse and adaptability to a variety of habitats, flexible dietary requirements and lifespan This species of python along is an excellent swimmer and has been shown to prey on the endangered . [6] after a dietary analysis was performed on a specimen. They have been shown to eat a diversity of pretty to include rabbits, rats, squirrel, domestic cats, bobcats, a variety of bird species and the American alligator. The Burmese pythons flexible diet makes it a competitor for the States endangered Indigo snake.

Currently both Federal and State agencies are attempting to develop methods of containing and eradicating this and other invasive species. Due to the cost of controlling exotic species once introduced, preventing introduction of non-native species is of import. Legal measures such as Bill CS/SB 318 [1] as passed by the State of Florida in June 2010 are initial attempts to mitigate the release of exotic species, such as the Burmese python and other reptiles.

US Geological Survey and the threat of invasive species spreading

According to the US Geological Survey [7] Burmese pythons, already established in parts of Florida are adaptable to temperature conditions in a significant portion of the United States. Current estimates show that almost one-third of the continental US would provide appropriate temperatures, shelter and prey which would facilitate the adaption of this python species.

Maps [7] released by the USGS show that current environmental temperatures which match the Burmese pythons native environment include significant portions of the southeast, Texas and lower southwest. based on global warming models the USGS predicts that the suitable habitat for the Burmese pythons will expand greatly during the remaining portion of the century.

Opponents of the Bill

The classification of the Burmese python as a subspecies of the Indian Python is not scientifically accepted anymore. Recent publications to include the "Zur taxonomie des dunklen tigerpythons, Python molurus bivittatus Kuhl, 1820, speziell der population von Sulawesi" in 2009 by Hans Jacobs et al. has established that the Burmese python is not a subspecies of the Indian Python. This is in addition to the 1999 report "The Burmese Python is a questionable subspecies of the Indian Python, Python molurus" which was coauthored by Dr. Rodda. To further this belief herpetologist will point to the fact that the United States Fish and Wildlife Service does not consider the Indian Python to be the same species as the Burmese Python. The Indian pythons is already banned from import or export with the interstate transportation of such animals being limited to those who possess a specific permit. [8]

The reptile industry is responsible for the employment of thousands of individuals and has an economic net worth of approximately $3 billion each year, [8] measures such as SB318 harm the industry as a whole. Opponents to the legislation passed by the State of Florida are critical of the measures taken for a variety of reasons. The United States Geological Survey which produced the maps and report detailing the possible expansion of Burmese pythons in as many as 32 States was written by Dr. Gordon Rodda. Dr. Rodda was the co-author of a paper in 1999 titled "The Burmese Python is a questionable subspecies of the Indian Python, Python molurus". This is significant to opponents who wonder why the paper Dr. Rodda coauthored for the USGS, "What Parts of the U.S. Mainland Are Climatically Suitable for Invasive Alien Pythons Spreading from Everglades National Park?", [9] used climatic data for the Indian Python to support his work, which is an endangered species highly regulated by the Federal Government, in place of the Burmese python which the report was written on.

Further work which is critical of the USGS report on the expansion of the Burmese python was written by Dr, Frank Burbrink with the City University of New York which used more than annual rainfall and temperature to determine habitat suitable for the large constrictors. 19 variables were taken into consideration. [10] Through the use of climatic data from the localities where the Burmese python is naturally found climatic models where generated to help predict where this species could inhabit. As a result, "the models suggest that the pythons are restricted to the vicinity of the Everglades in extreme south Florida…". [10]

The models by Dr. Burbrink predict different results than the models of Dr. Rodda because variables such as climatic extremes and seasonal variation create a significant variation in the animals survivability. Dr. Burbrink's models also predict that global warming will actually reduce the habitat suitable for exotic southeastern Asian species such as the Burmese Python. [10]

Herpetologist perspective on the presence of Pythons in Florida

Herpetologist Shawn Heflick has a permit from the State of Florida to hunt Burmese Pythons in the Everglades. [11] He is also the president of the Central Florida Herpetological Society. Of note he indicates in an interview that there "is very little genetic variation with this wild population…" and goes on to say that a "genetic study done on this population suggest that the population stems from the Hurricane Andrew devastation in 1992." The hurricane is an important event as a reptile breeding facility had an estimated nine hundred animals released due to its destruction by the Hurricane in 1992. The location of this facility is thought to be the "epicenter" of the current Burmese Python population. [11] Mr. Heflick also goes on to add that the record cold weather in parts of Florida has led to a "large number" of deaths in the local Burmese Python population.

Technology

Currently Federal and State officials are using technology in the hunt for these invasive species. In addition to legislation to restrict the flow of potentially invasive species into Florida there are extensive efforts to eradicate the current population of Burmese pythons in the Everglades. Current Florida legislation requires that all "species of concern" or "prohibited species" must be implanted with a microchip to aid in their tracking should they escape. [12] Researches with the University of Florida are taking this one step further and implanting a radio transmitter into snakes and releasing them back into the wild. These so-called "Judas snakes" lead the researchers to areas inhabited by the Burmese python and allow trackers to catch and euthanize the invasive animals. During the first trial, with the release of three, radio transmitter implanted pythons, twelve untagged snakes were caught. [13]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pythonidae</span> Family of snakes

The Pythonidae, commonly known as pythons, are a family of nonvenomous snakes found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. Among its members are some of the largest snakes in the world. Ten genera and 39 species are currently recognized. Being naturally non-venomous, pythons must constrict their prey to suffocate it prior to consumption. Pythons will typically strike at and bite their prey of choice to gain hold of it; they then must use physical strength to constrict their prey, by coiling their muscular bodies around the animal, effectively suffocating it before swallowing whole. This is in stark contrast to venomous snakes such as the rattlesnake, for example, which delivers a swift, venomous bite but releases, waiting as the prey succumbs to envenomation before being consumed. Collectively, the pythons are well-documented and -studied as constrictors, much like other non-venomous snakes, including the boas and even kingsnakes of the New World.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reticulated python</span> Species of snake

The reticulated python is a python species native to South and Southeast Asia. It is the world's longest snake, and the third heaviest after the green anaconda and Burmese python. It is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List because of its wide distribution. In several countries in its range, it is hunted for its skin, for use in traditional medicine, and for sale as pets. Due to this, reticulated pythons are one of the most economically important reptiles worldwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Everglades National Park</span> National park in Florida (US)

Everglades National Park is an American national park that protects the southern twenty percent of the original Everglades in Florida. The park is the largest tropical wilderness in the United States and the largest wilderness of any kind east of the Mississippi River. An average of one million people visit the park each year. Everglades is the third-largest national park in the contiguous United States after Death Valley and Yellowstone. UNESCO declared the Everglades & Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve in 1976 and listed the park as a World Heritage Site in 1979, and the Ramsar Convention included the park on its list of Wetlands of International Importance in 1987. Everglades is one of only three locations in the world to appear on all three lists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burmese python</span> Species of large, nonvenomous snake

The Burmese python is one of the largest species of snakes. It is native to a large area of Southeast Asia and is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Until 2009, it was considered a subspecies of the Indian python, but is now recognized as a distinct species. It is an invasive species in Florida as a result of the pet trade.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indian python</span> Species of snake

The Indian python is a large python species native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is also known by the common names black-tailed python, Indian rock python, and Asian rock python. Although smaller than its close relative the Burmese python, it is still among the largest snakes in the world. It is generally lighter colored than the Burmese python and reaches usually 3 m. Like all pythons, it is nonvenomous.

<i>Python</i> (genus) Genus of snakes

Python is a genus of constricting snakes in the Pythonidae family native to the tropics and subtropics of the Eastern Hemisphere.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central African rock python</span> Species of snake

The Central African rock python is a species of large constrictor snake in the family Pythonidae. The species is native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of 10 living species in the genus Python.

The Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge is part of the United States National Wildlife Refuge System, located in north Key Largo, less than 40 miles (64 km) south of Miami off SR 905. The 6,686 acre (27.1 km2) refuge opened during the year of 1980, under the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965 and the Endangered Species Act of 1973. It was established in order to protect critical breeding and nesting habitat for the threatened American crocodile and other wildlife. This area also includes 650 acres (2.6 km2) of open water in and around the refuge. In addition to being one of only three breeding populations of the American crocodile, the refuge is home to tropical hardwood hammock, mangrove forest, and salt marsh. It is administered as part of the National Key Deer Refuge which is also located in the Florida Keys.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens</span> Zoo and botanical garden near Orlando, Florida, United States

The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a 116-acre (47 ha) zoo and botanical garden located north of Orlando, Florida in Sanford. As a not-for-profit organization, it is a leader in conservation, providing experiences that inspire actions on behalf of wildlife. The Zoo has been an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1986.

There are a number of environmental issues in Florida. A large portion of Florida is a biologically diverse ecosystem, with large wetlands in the Everglades. Management of environmental issues related to the everglades and the larger coastal waters and wetlands have been important to the history of Florida and the development of multiple parts of the economy of Florida, including the influential agricultural industry. This biodiversity leaves much of Florida's ecological ecosystem vulnerable to invasive species and human sources of industrial pollution and waste.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Burmese pythons in Florida</span> Invasive species in the US state of Florida

Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia. However, since the end of the 20th century, they have become an established breeding population in South Florida. The earliest python sightings in Florida date back to the 1930s and although Burmese pythons were first sighted in Everglades National Park in the 1990s, they were not officially recognized as a reproducing population until 2000. Since then, the number of python sightings has exponentially increased with over 30,000 sightings from 2008 to 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge</span> United States National Wildlife Refuge in Florida

The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is located in Southwest Florida in Collier County, between Marco Island and Everglades City, Florida. The refuge was first established in 1996 and covers 35,000 acres of the Ten Thousand Islands. The refuge includes both fresh and saltwater, and protects a large area of mangrove forest.

<i>Mega Python vs. Gatoroid</i> 2011 monster science-fiction disaster film by Mary Lambert

Mega Python vs. Gatoroid is a 2011 monster, science-fiction, disaster film by The Asylum, directed by Mary Lambert, and starring pop singers Debbie Gibson and Tiffany. The film premiered theatrically in Texas and premiered on television on January 29, 2011, on Syfy in the United States before being released on home video on June 21, 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boa constrictor</span> Species of snake

The boa constrictor, also known as the common boa, is a species of large, non-venomous, heavy-bodied snake that is frequently kept and bred in captivity. The boa constrictor is a member of the family Boidae. The species is native to tropical South America. A staple of private collections and public displays, its color pattern is highly variable yet distinctive. Four subspecies are recognized. This article focuses on the species Boa constrictor as a whole, and on the nominate subspecies B. c. constrictor.

The dwarf Burmese python is an insular dwarf subspecies of the Burmese python. The dwarf Burmese python is native to the Indonesian islands of Java, Bali, Sumbawa, and Sulawesi. The dwarf subspecies seems to have a maximum length of 8.2 ft (2.5 m). In 2009, the dwarf Burmese python was officially recognized as a subspecies of the Burmese python.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fauna of Florida</span> Fauna of the US state of Florida

Florida hosts many types of fauna. From coral reefs of the Florida Keys to the cypress swamps of the Panhandle, the state's diverse habitats are home to a variety of wildlife. Florida is among the top five states in terms of endemic species. There are over 700 terrestrial animals, 200 freshwater fish species, 1,000 marine fish and thousands of terrestrial insects and other invertebrates that inhabit the state. Florida's peninsular geography spans from subtropical to tropical zones, which, combined with its distinctive geology and climate, contribute to habitat diversity and an array of species. The native wildlife that exists in the state are of temperate and tropical origin.

References

  1. 1 2 [ dead link ]
  2. 1 2 [ dead link ]
  3. 1 2 "SIB 318 & SB 572". Myfloridahouse.gov. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
  4. ↑ "Nonnative Permit". Myfwc.com. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
  5. ↑ "Reptiles of Concern". Archived from the original on November 5, 2011. Retrieved December 1, 2011.
  6. 1 2 "Burmeses Pythons in South Florida : Scientific Support for Invasive Species Management" (PDF). Edis.ifas.ufl.edu. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-11-17. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
  7. 1 2 "USGS Release: USGS Maps Show Potential Non-Native Python Habitat Along Three U.S. Coasts (2/20/2008 10:45:00 AM)". Usgs.gov. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
  8. 1 2 "USGS Release: USGS Maps Show Potential Non-Native Python Habitat Along Three U.S. Coasts (2/20/2008 10:45:00 AM)". Usgs.gov. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
  9. ↑ "What Parts of the U.S. Mainland Are Climatically Suitable for Invasive Alien Pythons Spreading from Everglades National Park?" (PDF). pp. 1–18. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 14, 2011. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
  10. 1 2 3 Pyron, R. A.; Burbrink, F. T.; Guiher, T. J. (2008). "Burmese Pythons Will Find Little Suitable Habitat Outside South Florida, Study Suggests". PLOS ONE. ScienceDaily. 3 (8): e2931. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002931 . PMC   2490718 . PMID   18698351 . Retrieved 2015-02-26.
  11. 1 2 "Invasion of the Giant Pythons ~ Herpetologist Shawn Heflick Answers Your Questions | Nature". PBS. 2010-02-19. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
  12. ↑ "Invasion Of Gigantic Burmese Pythons In South Florida Appears To Be Rapidly Expanding". ScienceDaily. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
  13. ↑ "06 » 'Judas Snakes' help researchers remove pythons from the Everglades » University of Florida". News.ufl.edu. Archived from the original on 2013-10-29. Retrieved 2015-02-26.
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