Burmese Python

Scientific name: Python molurus bivittatus Kuhl, 1820

Common name: Burmese python

Native To: Southeast Asia (Harvey et al. 2010)

Date of U.S. Introduction: Established populations were first reported in 2000 (Harvey et al. 2010)

Images: Invasive.org and Google

Means of Introduction: Imported to the U.S. for the pet trade; wild populations became established from animals that escaped or were intentionally released (Harvey et al. 2010)

Impact: Preys on native species, some of which are endangered (such as the Key Largo woodrat, Neotoma floridana smalli); may also compete with threatened native species, such as the indigo snake (Drymarchon couperi) (Harvey et al. 2010)

Current U.S. Distribution: South Florida

• Early Detection & Distribution Mapping System
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Locations of Burmese Pythons

Federally Regulated: Listed as injurious wildlife under the Federal Lacey Act, which makes it illegal in the U.S. to import, export, or transport between States without a permit (DOI, Fish and Wildlife Service)

Management Plans: Animals

Selected Internet Resources:

• Federal Government
• State Government
• University/Academic
• International
• Organizations

Burmese Pythons
DOI. NPS. Everglades National Park.
Photographs; Introduction History; Controls

Research on Introduced Florida Snakes
DOI. USGS. Fort Collins Science Center.
Introduction History; Impacts; Distribution; Research

Python molurus bivittatus
Integrated Taxonomic Information System.
Taxonomy

Python molurus bivittatus Article Citation Search - AGRICOLA Database
USDA. National Agricultural Library.
Research; Special Note: NAL Catalog Search (resources)

State Government

Nonnatives: Burmese Python
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Photographs; Introduction History; Impacts; Distribution

Halt the Burmese Python (Mar 2012; PDF | 323 KB)
Collier Soil and Water Conservation District (Florida).
Photographs; Impacts; Habitat

Invasive Species: Python molurus ssp. bivittatus, Burmese Python
eXtension.org.
Taxonomy; Identification/Description; Photographs; Introduction History; Life Cycle; Legal Aspects

Burmese Python (Non-Native)
University of Florida. Florida Museum of Natural History.
Taxonomy; Identification/Description; Photographs; Illustrations; Life Cycle; Habitat; Distribution

Burmese Pythons in South Florida: Scientific Support for Invasive Species Management
University of Florida. Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
Identification/Description; Photographs; Introduction History; Impacts; Life Cycle; Distribution; Controls; Legal Aspects

Python molurus bivittatus - Invasive Species Compendium
Centre for Agricultural Bioscience International (CABI).
Taxonomy; Identification/Description; Photographs; Impacts; Life Cycle; Habitat; Distribution; Controls

Python molurus bivittatus (reptile) - ISSG Global Invasive Species Database
World Conservation Union. Invasive Species Specialist Group.
Identification/Description; Photographs; Impacts; Life Cycle; Distribution; Dispersion; Controls; Special Note: References

Pythons and Constrictors - The Quiet Invasion: A Guide to Invasive Species of the Galveston Bay Area
Galveston Bay Estuary Program.
Identification/Description; Photographs; Introduction History; Life Cycle; Habitat; Distribution; Controls; Legal Aspects

Stopping a Burmese Python Invasion
The Nature Conservancy.
Photographs; Impacts; Controls

Citations

Harvey, R.G., M.L. Brien, M.S. Cherkiss, et al. 2010. Burmese Pythons in South Florida: Scientific Support for Invasive Species Management. University of Florida IFAS Extension. Publication No. WEC242.