Geology topics

McKayla M. Spencer

Publications and source records attributed to McKayla M. Spencer.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS2025

Coelomic foreign bodies in wild-caught Python spp. in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, Florida, USA

Burmese pythons ( Python molurus bivittatus ) and African rock pythons ( Python sebae ) have established invasive populations in southern Florida, severely disrupting local ecosystems. We analysed necropsy data from 2,179 pythons captured between 2006 and 2022, revealing nine cases of coelomic foreign bodies, primarily consisting of bird beaks, which presumably entered the coelom following gastrointestinal perforations during prey consumption. Despite the presence of foreign bodies, most examined pythons exhibited no obvious health issues. These findings indicate that the consumption of prey with sharp morphological features, such as wading birds, may not impede the pythons’ survival or health significantly, thereby underscoring their adaptability as apex predators in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem.

Florida↗

USGS2024

Mammalian lures monitored with time-lapse cameras increase detection of pythons and other snakes

Background Enhancing detection of cryptic snakes is critical for the development of conservation and management strategies; yet, finding methods that provide adequate detection remains challenging. Issues with detecting snakes can be particularly problematic for some species, like the invasive Burmese python ( Python bivittatus ) in the Florida Everglades. Methods Using multiple survey methods, we predicted that our ability to detect pythons, larger snakes and all other snakes would be enhanced with the use of live mammalian lures (domesticated rabbits; Oryctolagus cuniculus ). Specifically, we used visual surveys, python detection dogs, and time-lapse game cameras to determine if domesticated rabbits were an effective lure. Results Time-lapse game cameras detected almost 40 times more snakes ( n = 375, treatment = 245, control = 130) than visual surveys ( n = 10). We recorded 21 independent detections of pythons at treatment pens (with lures) and one detection at a control pen (without lures). In addition, we found larger snakes, and all other snakes were 165% and 74% more likely to be detected at treatment pens compared to control pens, respectively. Time-lapse cameras detected almost 40 times more snakes than visual surveys; we did not detect any pythons with python detection dogs. Conclusions Our study presents compelling evidence that the detection of snakes is improved by coupling live mammalian lures with time-lapse game cameras. Although the identification of smaller snake species was limited, this was due to pixel resolution, which could be improved by changing the camera focal length. For larger snakes with individually distinctive patterns, this method could potentially be used to identify unique individuals and thus allow researchers to estimate population dynamics.

Florida↗

USGS2023

Burmese pythons in Florida: A synthesis of biology, impacts, and management tools

Burmese pythons ( Python molurus bivittatus ) are native to southeastern Asia, however, there is an established invasive population inhabiting much of southern Florida throughout the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. Pythons have severely impacted native species and ecosystems in Florida and represent one of the most intractable invasive-species management issues across the globe. The difficulty stems from a unique combination of inaccessible habitat and the cryptic and resilient nature of pythons that thrive in the subtropical environment of southern Florida, rendering them extremely challenging to detect. Here we provide a comprehensive review and synthesis of the science relevant to managing invasive Burmese pythons. We describe existing control tools and review challenges to productive research, identifying key knowledge gaps that would improve future research and decision making for python control.

Florida↗