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The "MAP"
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by yoyoing on March 21, 2008
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I saw the map about the possible expansion of Burmese pythons across much of the southern US and have a few questions.
1. Assuming these readily available animals have already been released in all the possibly favorable habitats, why are they only (allegedly)established in South Florida?
2. Why single out pythons? Are range changes also going to happen with fire ants, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes, the ever dangerous Coral snake, alligators, and whatever?
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RE: The "MAP"
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by MoccasinMan on March 21, 2008
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you make some good points. i would say why isn't there a population arround Oklahoma City where most pet trade burms were originally bred and continue to be bred in large numbers? are there going to be gators in the Pine Barrens of NJ? i question the data sets used for this study. i also question the climate change models used to forcast a possible future climate. it is also interesting that there is not much concern for other more pressing and widespread exotic invasive issues... like feral cats. i believe it is a flashpoint issue being pushed because of recent dramatic news stories. the SFWMD petition of usfws was fast tracked by FL politicians in the pocket of HSUS and other AR groups. it is no coincidence that simultaneously the "MAP" was released. i think there will be several other "studies" designed to support SFWMD positions coming out very soon. i expect the science to be subjective and self serving, but only time will tell.
Andrew
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RE: The "MAP"
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by agkistrodude on March 22, 2008
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In a few years the maps and data will be long forgotten, just like all the data and maps and predictions af the "new ice age" 30 years ago.
www.john-daly.com/schneidr.htm
Take care, Marty
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RE: The "MAP"
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by MoccasinMan on March 23, 2008
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Marty- you may be right... but there will be a serious problem if USFWS uses these studies to change federal law. these studies could be proved to be self serving and skewed, but the damage could be done prior to that realization.
Andrew
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RE: The "MAP"
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by tigers9 on March 27, 2008
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Well, seems like now that pythons are under attack, the dragons are now taking over the FL news
Z
==
http://www.bradenton.com/breakingnews/story/490978.html
Posted on Thu, Mar. 27, 2008
County seeks help tracking large exotic lizards
HERALD STAFF REPORT
Sarasota County officials say iguanas and Nile monitor lizards are moving into area parks and reserves, and they pose a threat to endangered native species like the gopher tortoise, Florida scrub-jay and sea turtle.
As a result, county scientists are developing a plan to reduce or eradicate the invasive lizards. Population levels locally are still low enough to respond and prevent a repeat of the costly, ongoing battle being fought against these reptiles in other areas of southwest Florida like Gasparilla Island.
"They're here now and it would be irresponsible to allow them to completely disrupt the natural systems that are so important to our community," George Tatge, manager of beaches and natural areas for Sarasota County, said in a county press release.
The county is asking nyone who sees an iguana or monitor lizard, or has questions about the county's exotic lizard management effort, should contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for the exotic lizard management program.
Breeding populations of black spiny-tailed iguanas already exist at Lemon Bay Park, Blind Pass beach and Shamrock Park, according to Tatge. They've been sighted in most south county parks and in a handful of neighborhoods as far north as Siesta Key. Two monitor lizards last year were removed from the Pinelands Reserve near the central county landfill and more have been spotted at the T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Memorial Reserve.
Sarasota County Project Scientist Kenya Leonard has been assisting with the tracking efforts.
"Iguanas can exceed three feet, and adult Nile monitors easily approach seven feet," Leonard said. "As a biologist you have to admire their ability to adapt and survive in this foreign environment. They're impressive diggers, agile climbers and graceful swimmers. Unfortunately, this makes them formidable predators that can cause serious ecological damage."
Leonard says iguanas eat a combination of plants, insects, lizards and other small animals, including nesting birds and eggs. Nile monitors have a much heartier appetite and can consume larger prey such as burrowing owls, small mammals and even young alligators.
Although trapping and removing these lizards doesn't require a permit, Tatge and Leonard agree that only experienced trappers should try it.
"They're wild and should never be mistaken for their more domesticated pet store cousins," Leonard said. "Monitor lizards and black spiny-tailed iguanas may become aggressive toward pets or people if they feel threatened."
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RE: The "MAP"
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by Cro on March 27, 2008
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Again, a simple bounty would solve the problem. Pay kids with pellet guns $10.00 per Iguanna or Monitor they round up. In a couple of months, the animals would be extinct in Florida, and the local government would have spent very little money doing it.
Kids out of school on summer vacation need to be outside anyway, not sitting inside playing a nintendo or some other video game all day. All you have to do is make sure folks know they are feral animals and a threat, that way the iguanna huggers dont get all up in arms over the harvesting the feral lizards.
If I can find someone down there to catch Anole lizard feeders for me for .50 cents each, we can surely find folks to waste big green feral lizards at $10.00 each.
Australia pays a bounty of Cane Toads, and some folks make their living killing them.
Also, get some chefs at Caribbean Restaurants to put Iguanna on the menu, same is they do for wild boar and alligator.
Won't take long to solve the problem.
Just thinking outside the box.
Best Regards JohnZ
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