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The offensive against the most feared invasive species in the Everglades has set a new record: over 6,300 pounds of Burmese pythons were eliminated in a single season, an unprecedented figure for conservation efforts in southwest Florida.
According to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, a nonprofit environmental organization based in Naples, this achievement is part of its research and control program for pythons, which has removed more than 20 tons of these snakes from an area of 200 square miles since 2013.
The team of biologists, led by Ian Bartoszek, has refined the use of "exploratory snakes," which are nothing more than male trackers equipped with transmitters, to locate reproductive females during the mating season.
This strategy has prevented the hatching of over 20,000 eggs, helping to curb the expansion of this species that consumes more than 85 types of native animals, including deer, foxes, and birds.
Among the program's achievements are the capture of colossal specimens, including a female measuring 18 feet and weighing 215 pounds, as well as unprecedented scientific observations regarding their feeding behavior and adaptability.
"The ecological damage caused by this species is unprecedented. But through applied science and ongoing fieldwork, we are making a difference," Bartoszek stated.
The program is supported by entities such as the USGS, the University of Florida, and the Naples Zoo, and it is funded through donations, grants, and the Florida Wildlife Conservation Fund.
In May, the state of Florida began the enrollment process for the Florida Python Challenge 2025, an annual competition aimed at reducing the population of Burmese pythons, an invasive species that poses a serious threat to the ecosystem of the Everglades.
The event, scheduled to run until July 20, offers up to $25,000 in prizes, including a grand prize of $10,000 for the individual who captures the most snakes and $1,000 for the person who catches the longest python.
While some avoid even the fireflies, Donna Kalil, a woman from Florida, has become a true snake hunter.
Only in the month of May, she eliminated 16 Burmese pythons, an invasive species that threatens the fragile ecosystem of the Everglades, and took home $1,000 for her achievement.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Removal of Burmese Pythons in the Everglades
How many pounds of Burmese pythons were removed in the last season?
In the last season, more than 6,300 pounds of Burmese pythons were removed from the Everglades, a historic record in conservation efforts in southwest Florida.
What is the strategy used to control the python population in the Everglades?
The python control program uses "explorer snakes," which are male trackers equipped with transmitters to locate breeding females during the mating season, thereby preventing the hatching of more than 20,000 eggs.
What impact do Burmese pythons have on the Everglades ecosystem?
Burmese pythons cause significant ecological damage by consuming over 85 species of native animals, including deer, foxes, and birds, which disrupts the ecosystem of the Everglades.
What is the Florida Python Challenge and what prizes does it offer?
The Florida Python Challenge is an annual competition aimed at reducing the population of Burmese pythons in the Everglades. It offers up to $25,000 in prizes, including a grand prize of $10,000 for the individual who captures the most snakes.
Who is Donna Kalil and what has been her contribution to python hunting?
Donna Kalil is a snake hunter in Florida who has eliminated 16 Burmese pythons in May and is part of a state program aimed at controlling this invasive species that threatens the ecosystem of the Everglades.
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