Python Management in South Florida ECISMA Summit - July 25 th 26 th, 2017 Evan Freeman, Interagency Python Management Coordinator Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Michael Kirkland, Scientist III South Florida Water Conservation District
Presentation Overview Current Python Management Programs and Research FWC Python Removal Contractor Program SFWMD Python Contractor Program
Citizen Science Programs Python Patrol Trainings from Aug 1, 2016 to Present 23 trainings 381 people trained Python Pickup Program Implemented April 2017 Executive Order for 22 WMAs 12 entries submitted Chance to win prizes
Workshop for Ongoing Python Research Sponsored by Everglades National Park and FL Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Held March 29-30, 2017 at Long Key Nature Center First step toward creating a statewide, interagency python management plan
Python Management Research Contracts FWC funded over $425,000 in python research, contract dollars for Fiscal Year 16/17 Multiple Partners Involved State Federal University
North African Python Refugia Study Refugia placed in Bird Drive Basin Wooden pallet with hardware cloth Sheet of aluminum paneling Wooden board UF logo 4 surveys/month; 0 NAPs detected Photo by Jenna Cole Photo by Jenna Cole
Irula Tribe Search Efforts 2 Irula tribesman 2 translators, UF liaison, host family and numerous techs Captured 29 pythons 30 python detected 57 surveys 20 locations in SE FL 4 locations in SW FL Photo by University of Florida Informal knowledge sharing 49 Individuals
Python Detection Dogs 33 areas of interest for Burmese Pythons 5 snakes captured in total 4 snakes by Irula Tribe after dogs indicated specific site 34 areas of interest for Northern African Pythons Captured snakes: 0 Images courtesy of Christina Romagosa
Python edna and Wading Bird Colonies Detecting python edna around tree islands with bird colonies Testing water above and below the islands Photo by Mark Cook Determine python use of tree islands with and without bird colonies Photo by Sophia Orzechowski Photo by Sophia Orzechowski
Pheromone Study Isolate male/female pheromones from 28 sheds Y maze trials to determine scent effectiveness Analyze video of potential breeding behavior response in 4 breeding pairs 31 useable events 120 hours observed Photo credit: JMU.edu
FWC Python Removal Contractor Program 21 contractors hired Active April 15 th Everglades Francis S Taylor, Holey Land, Rotenberger, and Picayune Strand WMA Pilot Program will last one year Must search once/calendar quarter
FWC Python Removal Contractor Program Can work for FWC and SFWMD $8.10/hour Up to 8 hours/day $50 for python <4ft +$25 every foot over 4ft Invoiced monthly Graphic by Michael Kirkland
FWC Python Removal Contractor Program 160.75 total hours searched 19 active contractors 46 surveys 5 pythons submitted Average total length = 95.2 Average weight = 22.3 lbs
Python Elimination Program South Florida Water Management District Phase 1: March 25 June 1, 2017 Phase 2: June 17 September 30, 2017 25 Vetted Contractors chosen from 1000 Applicants given unprecedented access to District lands Over 4000 survey hours completed Over 2,200 Liner Feet Over 4,500 lbs
SFWMD Python Elimination Program Designated Project Area: C-111 Basin Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) Wildlife and Environmental Area East Coast Buffer L-28T, L-67 A/C, L-29, L-31N, Portions of the I-75 Canal, Portions of L-28 and L-28N Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetland Southern Glades Wildlife and Environmental Area Rocky Glades and Frog Pond Public Small Game Hunting Areas Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area
Python Elimination Program South Florida Water Management District Phase 2: June 17 September 30, 2017 Switched to bimonthly billing cycle Added two new check-in stations Increased designated program hunting areas into Broward and Collier Counties Have allowed for the potential to increase our number of hunters to 35 as space allows
Tracking Software Labor Sync for Hunter Smart Phones: Useful Management Tool Accountability Optimize Hunter Coverage in the Project Area Safety
Other Aspects of our Program: Unintended benefits: Hunters frequently report damaged property, trespassers, illegal activity, fires, etc. in areas and at times where we normally would not have staff on site Program used as a form of therapy for military veterans suffering from PTSD International media response Unique management style employed to promote teamwork, motivation, & community
Summary Statistics from Phase 1: (3/25/17 6/1/17) 158 Pythons Removed Average Length: 9 ft Average Weight: 24 lbs
Summary Statistics from Phase 1:
Summary Statistics from Phase 1:
335.