The deadly soap will cross the Florida border?

Earlier this year, the US Geographic Survey report found climate changes as the warming planet supported the territorial expansion of Burmese pythons from the state of Florida to 32 other states.

But a new study has the opposite view that this voracious reptile will not be able to leave the Everglades park.

Python in other areas was brought to Florida because some people gave up the habit of keeping pets in the house. It was discovered that a population is breeding in the Everglades Park in 2003. Since then, other populations have been discovered in many places, including state parks and territories. individual or even in municipalities. This extremely healthy snake can twist its prey to death. It reached a length of 20 feet (about 6 meters) and weighed over 250 pounds (about 113 kg).

American crocodile and Burmese python in the battle at Everglades National Park.It seems that the python is weak but in similar situations the reptile can still escape without being hurt.There are even situations where the python eventually ends up eating alligator meat.(Photo: Lori Oberhofer, National Park Service)

The python is notorious for its ability to cup cats and dogs and even fight alligators. There was a python that even tried to swallow a crocodile but failed, it finally got pissed.

What is at stake

Scientists fear that pythons will affect the ecosystem.

Bob Reed, USGS wildlife research biologist at Fort Collins Science Center in Colorado, said: 'Wildlife managers fear that pythons will endanger the species. threats listed on state or federal lists as well as people ".

When the USGS report was published in February, Reed said: ' A few endangered species have been discovered in the pythons' stomachs. Python even causes more serious economic and environmental consequences if they cross the Florida border to other states. '

However, the USGS report is based only on two major climatic factors: temperature and monthly rainfall.

USGS stated: ' Although other factors such as available food and suitable residence also play a role, Burmese pythons as well as other large snakes have very high adaptability in their lips. new life school '.

Opposition view

New research by Frank Burbink of Staten Island / CUNY School used records of the distribution of pythons in their native territory in combination with a high-resolution global climate database. to predict the possibility of expanding python distribution in the United States as well as establishing a model of the effects of global warming on them.

The regions of the United States have a climate similar to the natural territory of pythons in Asia.USGS scientists announced in February 2008 that it is possible that intrusive snakes will spread across the Florida border to the above regions.(Photo: USGS)

Alex Pyron, a graduate student at New York City University (CUNY) - said: 'By using more complete climatic data, in this case, there are 19 climatic and extreme climate variables. As well as seasonal changes, we can make more accurate predictions about the distribution of species. Combining climate data with the location of Burmese pythons helps us establish a more accurate model to predict the appropriate habitat for snakes'.

Accordingly, the model published August 13 in PLoS ONE shows that pythons are kept in the vicinity of the southernmost of the Everglades park in Florida.

The researchers wrote: 'Burmese Hornbeams are restricted to small areas with appropriate environmental conditions in the United States where they are currently settled. The main reason is the conditions that require their environmental relevance. Global warming is expected to significantly reduce the area of ​​suitable habitats around the world, climate change will bring many negative effects for many species'.

Reed (USGS) and his partner Gordon Rodda are preparing for a trip this week so they cannot comment on the new research until they have more time to study.