Hybrid pythons found "fighting snakes" in Florida (photo)

Researchers have found that hybrids of Burmese and Indian pythons invasive in the Everglades, Florida, may be even more adapted to this environment than their parent species. This makes the problem of controlling these pythons even more challenging.

Burmese and Indian pythons originate from Asia, but were introduced to Florida in the 1970s as pets. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew destroyed a python breeding facility near Everglades, releasing an unknown number of snakes into the wild, IFLScience writes.

Since then, the python population has grown rapidly. These snakes are predators that feed on small mammals such as rabbits, opossums and bobcats. As a result of their presence, the populations of these species near the Everglades have declined significantly.

Read also: Huge python snuck into a supermarket in Dnipro and climbed into a grocery cart (video)

Hybridization

In 2018, researchers from the US Geological Survey conducted a genetic analysis of about 400 Burmese pythons caught in South Florida. They found that at least 13 of the snakes were hybrids of Burmese and Indian pythons.

This is not unexpected, as the two species are close relatives. However, prior to this study, there was no evidence that hybrids were successful in the wild.

Advantages of hybridization

Hybrids can have a number of advantages over their parent species. For example, they may be bigger, stronger, or have greater endurance. In the case of pythons, this can lead to them being more successful predators and being able to hunt larger prey.

New Challenges

The identification of hybrid pythons in Florida is a problem because it means that the population of these snakes may be even more resistant to control measures.

Researchers continue to study hybrid pythons to better understand their ecology and behavior. This information can help scientists develop more effective methods of controlling these predators.

Identifying hybrid pythons off Florida is a major challenge. These snakes may be even more dangerous to the Everglades ecosystem than their parent species, the publication writes. .

Researchers continue to study hybrid pythons to better understand their ecology and behavior. This information can help scientists develop more effective methods to combat these predators.

Previously, scientists found a snake that can swallow the largest possible prey.

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