Burmese pythons in Everglades may change landscape by spreading seeds

COLLIER COUNTY - The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is shedding light on a unique ecological issue involving Burmese pythons. These invasive reptiles are not only consuming native wildlife but also distributing seeds across the Everglades, potentially altering the landscape.

Ian Bartoszek, a member of the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, explained the impact of these snakes.

"People ask what we do with the Burmese pythons? When we're done catching them, we've removed over 20 tons of python and get a lot of science out of them," said Bartoszek.

The conservancy's lab in Naples is where much of this scientific research takes place, focusing on how pythons affect the environment.

"When this animal consumes that prey item, most of those remains will be digested, and then they will pass along a small portion that did not, including the seeds that were in the stomach of those animals," Bartoszek said.

These seeds, some native and some non-native, are then transported across the Everglades.

"Twenty-five seeds, some native, some non-native, are being transported by Burmese pythons and likely changing the ecology even further under our feet," said Bartoszek.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida partnered with the University of Florida, U.S. Geological Survey, Zoo Miami, and Naples Botanical Garden on this study.

The research team is keen to understand the full impact of these seeds and whether they grow after passing through the pythons. Early tests indicate that some seeds can indeed survive and sprout.

"You can't make this up. That's why it's really important to follow the science on this issue, identify the true impacts," Bartoszek said.

The lab continues its efforts to manage and study the invasive python population.

"We've already removed over 2,100 pounds just this last month," Bartoszek said.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida remains committed to uncovering the broader ecological effects of these giant invaders. Researchers are eager to determine how many of these seeds actually take root and grow, further impacting the Everglades' ecosystem.