Spatial ecology of invasive Burmese pythons in southwestern Florida

Understanding the spatial ecology of an invasive species is critical for designing effective control programs. Determining and quantifying home range estimates habitat associations can streamline targeted removal efforts wide-ranging, cryptic animals. The Burmese python (Python bivittatus) a large-bodied constrictor snake with established expanding population in southern Florida. This apex predator has severely impacted native wildlife across Greater Everglades ecosystem. However, limited ecological information exists on this at landscape level. Here, we present results from study using radiotelemetry to quantify movements use patterns 25 adult pythons southwestern Florida, USA, average periods 814 d (range: 288–1809). Our objective was size, movement rates, second- third-order selection. Mean annual size 7.5 km2 ± 2.9 (95% kernel density estimate), moved maximum mean daily rate 0.52 km/d. selected agriculture, freshwater wetland, saline upland land cover classes but avoided open water urban classes. Nest site selection highest elevation 1.7 m nesting hotspots concentrated borders agricultural areas or sandy forested habitats. A broader understanding utilization will enhance utility emerging strategies their invaded range.