Effect of the climate change on the US habitat of Burmese python (2000 vs 2100)

The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) is one of the largest snake species in the world, native to Southeast Asia. Known for its impressive size and attractive patterns, it can reach lengths of up to 23 feet (7 meters). Burmese pythons are non-venomous constrictors and are popular in the exotic pet trade. In the United States, particularly in Florida, they have become invasive due to escaped or released pets, causing ecological concerns and impacting native wildlife.

Climate change is having a notable effect on the habitat of the Burmese python in the United States. Native to Southeast Asia, Burmese pythons were introduced to the Florida Everglades through the exotic pet trade. In recent years, they have become an invasive species with a rapidly expanding population, and their presence is exacerbated by the changing climate.

Below result from modeling the spatial distribution of the Burmese python in 2000 vs 2100 created by the USGS.

Warmer temperatures in Florida due to climate change create a more favorable environment for these pythons. They are ectothermic, meaning their body temperature is regulated by external factors, and warmer weather allows them to thrive. Milder winters have expanded their range northward, and the longer warm seasons enable them to breed more frequently.

Climate change can also impact prey availability and distribution. Rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns can influence the abundance and behavior of the python's prey, such as small mammals and birds. This, in turn, affects the python's survival and reproductive success.

Additionally, climate change-related extreme weather events, like hurricanes and storms, can create opportunities for pythons to spread to new areas as they escape from damaged enclosures or get transported by floodwaters.

The combination of these factors, along with the Burmese python's prolific breeding capabilities, poses a considerable ecological threat to Florida's native wildlife. Invasive species like the Burmese python can disrupt ecosystems, threaten endangered species, and contribute to declines in biodiversity.

Efforts are underway to manage the invasive python population in Florida, including controlled hunts and research initiatives. However, the intersection of climate change and invasive species like the Burmese python underscores the need for comprehensive strategies that address both the direct impacts of invasive species and the broader ecological shifts driven by climate change.

To learn more about snakes consider the following books:

• Snake: The Essential Visual Guide
• National Geographic Readers: Snakes!
• Everything You Need to Know About Snakes