Invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades, Florida, are being countered by a new method: the use of robot rabbits.
In an innovative approach to combat the invasive Burmese python population in Florida's Everglades, the South Florida Water Management District has introduced robotic rabbits. These solar-powered, remotely controlled, heat-emitting, scent-releasing, and motion-activated devices are designed to mimic real rabbits, attracting the pythons out of their hiding spots.
The Burmese python, a non-native species to Florida, has become a significant threat to the region's ecosystem. Grown to lengths of between 10 and 16 feet (3 to 5 meters), these snakes have been decimating native species, including 95% of small mammals and thousands of birds.
The Burmese pythons were introduced to Florida primarily through escapes from homes or intentional releases as overgrown pets. Estimates of their number in Florida vary, with the U.S. Geological Survey reporting "tens of thousands" and other sources suggesting up to 300,000 snakes.
Python removal is crucial for the preservation of Florida's environment and native wildlife. The Florida Python Challenge, an annual event held by the wildlife commission, offers cash prizes for the most pythons caught, the longest snake, and so forth. This year, more than 23,000 Burmese pythons have been removed from the wild since 2000.
Each robotic rabbit costs approximately $4,000, funded by the water district. The deployment of 120 robot rabbits this summer marks the beginning of an experiment to assess their effectiveness. Mike Kirkland, lead invasive animal biologist for the water district, stated that finding pythons is challenging due to their excellent camouflage.
When a python is detected, a contractor can be deployed to remove the snake. Pythons have few natural enemies in Florida, but there are occasional confrontations with alligators, and other predators may eat their eggs.
It is too early to determine the success of the robot rabbit project, but officials are optimistic about its potential. Ron Bergeron, a member of the water district governing board, stated that every invasive python removed makes a difference for Florida's environment and native wildlife.
The funding for the Robotrabbits was provided by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). Reporting from St. Petersburg, Fla.
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