Exotic pets

[Snowbird]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. The exotic pet trade needs a serious go-over the prevent environmental problems.

From the AP:

Pythons apparently wiping out Everglades mammals
MATT SEDENSKY  -  The Associated Press

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A burgeoning population of huge pythons — many of them pets that were turned loose by their owners when they got too big — appears to be wiping out large numbers of raccoons, opossums, bobcats and other mammals in the Everglades, a study says.

The study, published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that sightings of medium-size mammals are down dramatically — as much as 99 percent, in some cases — in areas where pythons and other large, non-native constrictor snakes are known to be lurking.

Scientists fear the pythons could disrupt the food chain and upset the Everglades' environmental balance in ways difficult to predict.

"The effects of declining mammal populations on the overall Everglades ecosystem, which extends well beyond the national park boundaries, are likely profound," said John Willson, a research scientist at Virginia Tech University and co-author of the study.

Tens of thousands of Burmese pythons, which are native to Southeast Asia, are believed to be living in the Everglades, where they thrive in the warm, humid climate. While many were apparently released by their owners, others may have escaped from pet shops during Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and have been reproducing ever since.

~snip~

According to an article that ran in The Buffalo News recently, some US politicians are opposed to restrictions on the exotic pets trade because "it'll hurt jobs."

[Mr.Black]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. The exotic pet trade needs a serious go-over the prevent environmental problems.

From the AP:



According to an article that ran in The Buffalo News recently, some US politicians are opposed to restrictions on the exotic pets trade because "it'll hurt jobs."

Feed the unemployables to the snakes.

[mxvet57]

Even more aggressive snake that's starting to take hold in the everglades is the African Rock Python. This snake has a really bad attitude. From what i have herd if the Burmese and the African rock pythons mate there could be a possibility of a super snake.

[Mac]

if the Burmese and the African rock pythons mate there could be a possibility of a super snake.

Ooooo, a SciFi channel movie that actually comes true. Could snakehead terror be next?

[Justin]

Sadly, it's not the first invasive species that been brought here, and it will not be the last. Now all they need to do is introduce a predator of the Python to the everglades.

[Snowbird]

Sadly, it's not the first invasive species that been brought here, and it will not be the last. Now all they need to do is introduce a predator of the Python to the everglades.

What would that predator be?  

[Scratch33]

What would that predator be?  

Colonel Clay, in the Everglades, with a lead pipe.  

[R Doug]

According to an article that ran in The Buffalo News recently, some US politicians are opposed to restrictions on the exotic pets trade because "it'll hurt jobs."

Like wild game catchers and Sheriff deputies when they get loose!  

I don't get the need to have an exotic pet.  I'm generally not for more legislation on people's freedom, but sometimes we need protected from ourselves.  

[scottzilla]

I've said it before and I'll say it again. The exotic pet trade needs a serious go-over the prevent environmental problems.

From the AP:



According to an article that ran in The Buffalo News recently, some US politicians are opposed to restrictions on the exotic pets trade because "it'll hurt jobs."

You are officially out of content.  You posted this very subject a few years ago.  

[scottzilla]

Sadly, it's not the first invasive species that been brought here, and it will not be the last. Now all they need to do is introduce a predator of the Python to the everglades.

First, "Invasive" is very misleading.  People love to label anything they view as a threat as an "Invasive" species.  
If you tried to list every animal and insect that is found in the US right now that isn't originally from here, you would run out of ink.

There is a very effective predator already: The American Alligator.

[scottzilla]

Even more aggressive snake that's starting to take hold in the everglades is the African Rock Python. This snake has a really bad attitude. From what i have herd if the Burmese and the African rock pythons mate there could be a possibility of a super snake.

Most snakes are "More aggressive" than Burmese Pythons.  Burmese are quite tame and mellow.  

[scottzilla]

Like wild game catchers and Sheriff deputies when they get loose!  

I don't get the need to have an exotic pet.  I'm generally not for more legislation on people's freedom, but sometimes we need protected from ourselves.  

I agree.  Pit Bulls should be exterminated.

[Rincewind]

Now all they need to do is introduce a predator

I'm sure that would end well.

[county]

I agree.  Pit Bulls should be exterminated.

We could send Pit Bulls to the Everglades, I think a Pit Bull fighting a python would be great entertainment...

[CosmicCowboy]

Ooooo, a SciFi channel movie that actually comes true. Could snakehead terror be next?

It's only a matter of time...

[HipGnosis]

First, "Invasive" is very misleading.  People love to label anything they view as a threat as an "Invasive" species.  
If you tried to list every animal and insect that is found in the US right now that isn't originally from here, you would run out of ink.
There is a very effective predator already: The American Alligator.

Gee....

The study, published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that sightings of medium-size mammals are down dramatically — as much as 99 percent, in some cases

is the text book definition of 'invasive'.  WTF is your definition?
Apparently the gator ain't up to the job.   Just what is your definition of 'effective'?!?

[scottzilla]

Gee....
 is the text book definition of 'invasive'.  WTF is your definition?
Apparently the gator ain't up to the job.   Just what is your definition of 'effective'?!?

You are correct.  By definition, these snakes are absolutely an invasive species.
I just hate the way the term is thrown around STN; we've labeled feral cats "Invasive" for chrissakes.
I jumped the gun.  Now go and gloat.

[radman]

[CLAY]

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

You complain a lot.

[SalsaShark]

It all gets worked out in the end...

The pythons will be eaten when they introduce the Bolivian Tree Lizard

The lizards will be taken care of by the Chinese Needle Snakes

The needle snakes will be eaten by the introduced Snake-Eating Gorillas

The gorillas will freeze and die once winter rolls around

problem solved!