Threat to Biodiversity

Completeley shifting gears form my last post, I will focus on a microcosmic event.

Florida, land of alligators, water snakes, and other intimidating reptiles has faced a threat to the everglades’ natural sanctity for many, many years- invasive species. Fifteen years ago, Burmese pythons began proliferating in the humidity of Florida, spreading to the Everglades and Florida Keys, in the process beginning a war to usurp the alligator as the apex predator. Now, an even greater predatory snake threatens to populate the region.

The African Rock Python honestly makes the Burmese python look like garden snake. The creature is so savage that it’s children could not remotely be described as cute. Unfortunately, said babies have been reported in unidentified locations in Florida. The spread to the Everglades would portend disaster for local species, as their digestive capabilities, as shown by their size and diet of antelope and wildabeest, could be the tipping point in the war between snake and aligator, as well as a devistating loss of biodiversity in the Everglades National park.

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/09/090911-pythons-florida-giant-snakes.html