Ball pythons are found in the sub-Saharan areas of Africa, and their arrival in the state has been occasioned by the exotic pet business. Even though these snakes are adored by many reptile lovers, the presence of these snakes in Florida may pose some certain problems to the local flora and fauna. We will discuss the effects of ball pythons to environment and ecology, measures that are taken towards regulation as well as controlling their reproduction, the perception of the people and also the pet ownership.
Ball pythons are the cool snakes which have received considerable populares in the state. The goal of this article is to give insight to the Florida residents about the existence and effects of the ball pythons in its state. To increase people’s awareness, we can discuss the subject in terms of their creation, possible effect on ecology, management activities, and perception. It is essential to talk about it since it is pertinent in discouraging irresponsible pet ownership, and protecting the local wildlife and habitats.
Overview of Ball Pythons
These awesome snakes have gained fairly a status in the pet trade business. They are gentle, pretty and for these reasons, many snake lovers as well as reptiles lovers prefer it. Ball pythons are able to coil themselves into a very compact ball – which is where their name comes from, Ball python has shiny smooth skin and can have a number of colors and it is always patterned. Such snakes as ball pythons are comparatively easy to care for and are quite docile to deal with if you want to keep a snake as a pet.
Ball pythons in particular have become one of the most preferred choices of pet owners because of their small size, calm disposition and the availability of many colours. They are comparatively more manageable and easier to breed than most species of snake are due to their submissiveness. This has in turn led to the existence of a good market for pet trade with many of the breeders breeding different eye popping morphs. That said there is a lot to be done in ensuring that individuals desiring to own these animals understand how best to take care of them and where to acquire these animals from, preferably from reliable breeders or from rescues in order to give the best support to these wonderful creatures.
Ball Pythons in Florida
Now it is the right time to discuss how ball pythons have reached Florida. Ball pythons, for that matter, the pythons, are not indigenous to the state. But they were brought with them in one way or the other such as by finding their way out of capture or by being set free. Due to its favourable conditions, these snakes had to find areas they could live in for awhile and reproduce because of the changed climate in Florida. They are fair game for creating more formal establishments in the state that might alter the dynamics of native wildlife and ecosystems.
Now, it’s time to discuss some of the possible explanations for the ball pythons to be found in Florida. Surprisingly they are here now, though it is not very clear how they got there, there are however some hypotheses. Another possibility may indicate that some of them were let go or fled from private holding or from their owners. Another hypothesis has it that hurricanes or some other disasters that have dealt with the affected regions might have released such snakes. It does not matter the exact reason as to how they settled in Florida, but it is amazing to imagine how they became accustomed to the life in the wild.
Impact on Native Wildlife
Let’s discuss that aspect about the effects of the released ball pythons to the native species in Florida’s ecosystem. However, it is very sad that these snakes that are not formed in the particular region can destabilize the flow of the ecosystem. Some of the species of prey by Ball pythons comprise native small mammals and a variety of others. They might/starve, get trapped, be exposed to diseases and parasites or even become extinct, and thus reducing the native animals’ populations and general diversity in the area. These effects need to be understood and addressed in order to maintain the bio-diversity of ecosystems as well as the indigenous species of Florida.
Thus, the wild populations may cause certain dangers to native species of fauna if they are inhabited by ball pythons. Ball pythons are non-native predators that may cause negative effect on the food chain and other mutually beneficial relations between the species. Children can be dependent on small mammals birds and at times reptiles making them a possible threat to the native species. Besides, because they are capable of reproducing, they can increase in number, thus having an even worse effect on the ecosystem. Preventing and controlling of these threats is essential in order to conserve the biological diversity and the overall health of ecosystem.
Management and Control Efforts
Now let us discuss the measures taken and difficulties faced by the authorities on the management and control of ball pythons in Florida. Several measures have been taken by the authorities and organizations including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). They survey, monitor and do research with the aim of identifying the distribution and effects of ball pythons. Moreover, they participate in educational and promotional activities in order to establish correct perception on the subject of animal rights and consequences in case of freeing invasive species in the wild.
However, the attempts put in to prevent or eliminate them are still rather difficult. The fact that these snakes inhabit an area with dense growth, extensive swamp and marshlands and tremendous rugged country in Florida it becomes almost impossible to track down these elusive creatures let alone capture them. In addition, ball pythons are fastinating reproducers and they are so flexible to change their environment that they can hardly be eradicated, let alone being controlled. It is not an easy and simple tasks but it is still a work in progress to address and reduce the effects of ball pythons on the natural environment.
Public Perception and Education
Now it’s time to discuss how the balls pythons are viewed in Florida and the need to educate the people on the right approach when it comes to owning pets such as pythons and the dangers of releasing them in the wild. The general public has different perception about this ball pythons. Some regard them as interesting animals the others are worried about them and the effects they may have on local fauna. It is therefore imperative that the word gets out on proper pet care so that such snakes are not let loose in the wild.
This way people will be made aware of the possible effects on ecology that may or may not occur and also give tips on how to take good care and how to contain them in the correct way.
Bailey, T. G. (1987). Ball Pythons. Rodale Press, Pennsylvania. One of the reasons learnt societies… are important is the fact that getting education makes sure that wrong decisions leading to accidental invasion of the habitats of non-indigenous organisms is avoided at all costs.
Conclusion
Finally, it can be stated that the issue of ball pythons as invasive in the state of Florida is not black and white and needs to be looked at in all aspects. Though these non-native snakes can pose a threat to the native wildlife and ecosystems, one has to take many things in mind. A section of the society may find ball pythons fascinating due to their colour, texture and or the fact that they make nice pets. But it is necessary to stress on the need to avoid such petting and not to set free such snakes into the wild.
