Burmese Python
Python molurus bivittatus
The Basics
Scientific Name: Python molurus bivittatus
Length: 11-23 feet
Weight: Up to 200 lbs
Life Expectancy: 20-30 years
Native Range
Nonnative Range
How Does The Burmese python interact with other organisms in its environment? What is its niche?
The Burmese python's niche is that when they are first born they are preyed upon by secondary consumers but as they grow larger they move up in the food web. They help maintain the population of rodents and other pests.
Food Web (Natural)
Food Web (Florida)
Why is the Burmese python invasive?
How did it become invasive? How did the carrying capacity of its environment change? How many are there compared to previous numbers?
The carrying capacity of its environment decreased because Burmese pythons compete with other top predators such as alligators for similar food sources.
Before the 20th century, the pythons weren't recognized as a breeding population. The number of Burmese Pythons in Florida today is uncertain. Some say as low as two thousand and some say as high as hundred of thousands.
What is the future prognosis?
How can humans help? Call to Action?
Humans can also assist by doing hours upon hours of research before buying an exotic species. Many Burmese pythons are released into the wild because owners buy the snakes without knowing that they will grow to be over 10 feet long and feed on large rats, rabbits, and chickens. If owners are unable to take care of their pet, they can also contact local reptile rescues and adopt their snake out to them rather than releasing them into the wild.