Researchers captured 43 Burmese Pythons weighing over one ton in south west Florida over a period of last three months. This follows a competition named as “Burmese Python removal” which went on for a period of one month in southwest Florida.”

Among the 43 captured, they found a  biggest male python that measured 16 feet  and weighed 140 pounds. It is the largest ever cataloged python in south Florida. According to a statement from The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, "Burmese pythons are cracking the code on the Southwest Florida habitat, learning how to survive and breed locally.".  

In the past three years, the government agency researchers have enlisted the help of captured pythons. To catch other snakes, radio trackers are tagged to “snitch snakes” which help in finding out the location of pythons.

Scientists, with the help of ‘Radio tags’, are currently surveing 15 adult pythons to learn more the invasive species’ biodegradable implications.

For Instance, credit goes to Captain Kirkland, which is a male python, for the removal of a total of 43 snakes. It lead to more pythons and thus, researchers are allowed to better understand the movement patterns of  the animals.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida biologist, Ian Bartoszek, said in a press release said that, "The ecological impact of removing so many adult pythons from a relatively small area of Collier County can only be positive for our native wildlife."
"We need to utilize all tools available and develop additional techniques to capture and remove Burmese pythons in Florida," he added.

As per the USGS, the invasive species is the reason behind the near "complete disappearance of raccoons, rabbits and opossums.”

- Sumana Divya