Academic Major: Biology
Title: Burmese Pythons in Florida
Burmese pythons are the major invasive species in Florida with their numbers in the tens of thousands. Pythons endanger the food chain and must be dealt with. The pythons take away nutrients, shelter, energy and other resources from native snakes; they kill many native rodents, reptiles and amphibians; and they pose a risk to humans. For the sake of the native animals, humans and the pythons themselves we need to address this problem. I am proposing that we make a device that can capture many Burmese pythons while excluding native snakes and other animals. There are already devices like this being made and put out there, but they are primitive in their design and can only catch one snake at a time. I am a biology (pre vet) major and a chemistry minor, and I love fixing problems. I want to be an exotic veterinarian that works mainly with reptiles, I also want to be involved in conservation and wildlife rehabilitation. I think this project is a perfect starting point for my future endeavors. I know this project will take a lot of work, but I truly think it is worth it. I will start with research to find the Burmese pythons characteristics and habitats; this will prepare me for making my prototype. I will first start out by making a smaller scale prototype and use it to experiment with smaller snakes found in this area. When I can confirm the smaller prototype works, I will begin construction on the real model that will hopefully be used in the field. The final stage of my project is to take my invention to Florida and present it to researchers there and use it in the everglades. In order to work with reptiles, I will need to apply for an IACUC certification in order to handle them correctly. I will also need permission from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to do anything with their land or animals.