By William Nisimblat, F25 Environmental Clinic Student
The Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, protecting over 1.5 million acres. Known for its extensive biodiversity in both flora and fauna, the Everglades is one of the Country’s natural gems. However, this biodiversity is under threat from the proliferation of invasive species. The introduction of invasive species poses a massive threat to the ecosystem and the native biodiversity of the region. These invader species include reptiles, amphibians, plants, and mammals. Both the state government of Florida and the Federal Government have implemented regulations to mitigate the damage of these harmful species. Burmese pythons and the Brazilian peppertree provide examples of the threats endangered species present and ongoing mitigation efforts.
Pythons
Likely the most detrimental invasive species in the Everglades is the Python. These snakes are extremely savvy predators that can consume over 100% of their body weight in a single meal. Pythons and more specifically Burmese pythons are large, reaching up to 20 feet long and weighing 200 pounds.1 So how did these snakes get introduced into the Everglades? Pythons were introduced into the park through the pet trade. Pet owners released these snakes into the Everglades, thinking they were providing their pet with a great new home. These pet owners were correct, the Everglades is a great environment for these pythons. Python populations in the Everglades are estimated to have grown to hundreds of thousands. This proliferation of pythons in the park has had huge detrimental effects on native species in the area.
Mammal populations have taken the biggest hit so far, with several experiencing significant declines since the introduction of the python, including: raccoons -99.3%, opossums -98.9 %, bobcats -87.5%, and rabbits and foxes have effectively disappeared.2 These declines not only affect the specific species listed but also the environment as a whole.
These mammals support the Everglades as they are essential to maintaining the prey-predator balance. Native predators, such as alligators, have seen declines due to a lack of prey. Also, these prey species (rabbits and raccoons) are essential for their role in seeding plants throughout the ecosystem.
The next major question is, what are lawmakers doing to protect this unique ecosystem? First, as of 2021, Florida made the Burmese python a prohibited species, meaning that no person is allowed, without a permit, to keep these animals as pets or import them with the intent to sell. 3 Additionally, Florida has implemented python elimination programs. These include contracting python removal agents who get compensated per hour and get additional compensation depending on the number and the size of the pythons eliminated.4
On the federal level, Burmese pythons are regulated by the Lacy Act, which states that any importation of injurious wildlife into the United States or its territories or possessions must be authorized under a permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 18 U.S.C. 42 (a)(1). Since these pythons are classified as “injurious wildlife,” their possession and importation are heavily regulated.
These are just a few examples of how lawmakers are attempting to protect against this invasive species; however, it is unclear if this is enough since python populations are still strong.
Brazilian Peppertree
The Brazilian peppertree is native to South America and was brought to Florida as a landscape ornamental because of its large bushy nature and red berries. The bushy nature of these shrubs is the exact reason why they are detrimental to the Everglades. These plants form a dense canopy that blocks out sunlight from the native smaller plants and produce compounds in the soil that stunt the growth of neighboring plants. Additionally, the roots of the Brazilian peppertree attract an invasive root weevil, which damages Florida’s citrus trees.5 Brazilian peppertrees pose a serious threat to native flora, and without these native habitats, the animals in the area also suffer.
The state of Florida is fighting against this plant by imposing regulations. One significant step that Florida has taken is to list the Brazilian peppertree on Florida’s Noxious Weed List.
Being listed as a noxious weed means it is illegal in Florida to introduce, grow, possess, transport, or release the plant without obtaining a permit.6 Another angle that the state has taken in support of its native species is to introduce a bug called a Brazilian peppertree thrip. This bug is from Brazil, and it exclusively feeds on the peppertree. 7 Florida lawmakers and conservationists continue to think of new ways to protect the Everglades and the native environment, whether it be through traditional regulations or biological control.
The Everglades National Park is a unique, beautiful ecosystem that has found itself under threat due to invasive species. Both state and federal lawmakers are attempting to curb these negative effects through regulations and other programs; however, there is still a lot of work to be done. It will be interesting to see what ideas and tactics will develop to fight against the invasive species and protect the Everglades.
1.https://www.britannica.com/animal/Burmese-python
2.https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/how-have-invasive-pythons-impacted-florida-ecosystems 3.https://flpythoninvasion.org/resources/regulations-and-permits/
4.https://www.sfwmd.gov/our-work/python-program[KH1]
5.https://www.evergladescisma.org/the-dirty-dozen/brazilian-pepper/ 6.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/AA219
7.https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Pests-and-Diseases/Plant-Pests-and-Diseases/
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