This project addresses the need of the arthur r. Marshall loxahatchee national wildlife refuge (refuge) to monitor occurrence of burmese pythons

Burmese pythons are known to have established populations on lands adjacent to the refuge boundary and are a threat to refuge mammal and bird populations. There have been confirmed sightings near the headquarters area and on some perimeter levees, and one unconfirmed sighting within the marsh interior. The status of pythons within the refuge remains unknown. Camera trapping has been used to monitor occurrence and occupancy of argentine black and white tegus in southern miami-dade county. During this effort pictures of burmese pythons have been obtained with very low frequency (unpublished data). Camera trapping for native mammals and birds as well as burmese pythons have been occurring in the arthur r. Marshall loxahatchee national wildlife refuge for the past two years. No pictures of burmese pythons were obtained although we did get pictures of native snakes and green iguanas. The primary objective of this project is to monitor expansion of burmese pythons into the refuge interior. A secondary objective of this project is to evaluate effectiveness of time lapse and air camera traps at capturing pictures of burmese pythons. The goal is to improve surveillance and monitoring of burmese pythons in the refuge and combined with UFS long established everglades invasive reptile and amphibian monitoring program and development and implementation of occupancy models for invasive and native species this project will provide a more comprehensive understanding of python population dynamics across the everglades landscape.