Reptile Species List for Everglades National Park. O n a Thursday afternoon in St Petersburg, Florida, Beth Koehler crouches over a cairn terrier named Ginger, trimming intently as fur collects around her feet. The FWC works with partners to manage Burmese pythons in a variety of ways. Burmese pythons are found primarily in and around the Everglades ecosystem in south Florida where the snake represents a threat to native wildlife. These species range from the formidable American crocodile to the diminutive green anole. The Burmese python is a large nonvenomous constrictor that is an invasive species in Florida. More than 50 distinct kinds of reptiles inhabit the park. These collections are likely of escaped or released pets and none of these species are believed to be reproducing or established in Florida. Many of the best-known Everglades residents fall within this fascinating class of animals. Other species of nonnative constrictor that have been found in South Florida include the reticulated python ( Python reticulatus), ball python ( Python regius), green anaconda ( Eunectes murinus), and yellow anaconda ( Eunectes notaeus). Toward the tail, the saddle-like ovals become narrow bands separated by reddish saddles. Eastern Coachwhip: The eastern coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum) is a type of non-venomous snake youll find across Florida. The body is marked down the back and sides with tan ovals. The common or red-tailed boa ( Boa constrictor) usually reaches lengths of 6–10 feet. These snakes play an important role in controlling the populations of rodents and invertebrates.Southern black racers are constrictor snakes that are native to the southeastern US. The boa constrictor (scientific name also Boa constrictor), also known as the red-tailed boa, is a species of large, non-venomous, heavy-bodied snake that is frequently kept and bred in captivity. Both species have a dark arrowhead shape on top of the head and a dark wedge behind the eye. Invasive large constrictor snakes, such as the Burmese python, pose a serious threat to Florida’s native wildlife, said Miller. Also, the bellies of Northern African pythons are completely speckled, compared to Burmese pythons which have pale bellies. The Northern African python looks similar, but the spots on its back usually connect and form a less-defined pattern. Burmese pythons are tan in color with dark “giraffe” blotches on the back and sides that are irregularly shaped and fit together like puzzle pieces. Their scales appear smooth, unlike the rough, textured scales of native water snakes.īurmese pythons ( Python molurus bivittatus) and Northern African pythons ( Python sebae) can grow up to 20 feet long. Nonnative constrictors are much longer and heavier than any of Florida’s native snakes, routinely growing to more than seven feet long.
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