FNR 24000 Lecture Notes - Lecture 22: Miami Metropolitan Area, Kissimmee River, Lake Okeechobee
Document Summary
Kissimmee river -> lake okeechobee -> florida bay. Loss of birds (90%) and fish (commercial fisheries) Non-native species are a major concern in the everglades and florida. Center for trade and travel between the us, caribbean, and south america. 26% of all fish, reptiles, birds and mammals are exotic. Highest numbers of exotics plant species in the world. Controlling 1. 7 million acres of infested land costs million year^-1. One of the largest snake species in the world. Adults often reach over 20 feet long. Females lay between 20 to 100 eggs. Mia(cid:373)i area has (cid:271)ee(cid:374) a (cid:373)ajor hu(cid:271) or reptile pet trade si(cid:374)(cid:272)e at last the late (cid:1005)97(cid:1004)"s. Demographic modeling suggests that the initial introduction event happened in the mid 1980s. Likely the result of well-meaning pet owners releasing animals that became difficult to care for. Radio telemetry of tagged snakes used to determine movement on the landscape. Prizes for the most and longest snake removal.