FLICKR, FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE, KEVIN ENGEBurmese pythons may have a homing sense that can guide them over distances as long as 20 miles, according to a study published this week (March 19) in Biology Letters. Python bivittatus, a native of Southeast Asia, is one of largest snakes in the world; individuals can grow to be nearly 20 feet long.
Since 2000, Burmese pythons have become an invasive species in southern Florida, including Everglades National Park, probably from accidental (or intentional) release by pet owners. They compete with—and sometimes eat—native alligators, endemic apex predators.
A research team, led by Michael Dorcas of Davidson College, implanted 12 snakes with GPS radiotransmitters. The researchers released half back into same habitat and moved the other half to a more appropriate habitat. When the transplanted snakes returned to their home ranges instead of exploring and adapting to their new habitats, the researchers realized Burmese pythons must have some kind of compass sense to help guide them back. The researchers plan to study exactly how the snakes navigate, suggesting that they may use smell, light, or magnetic forces.
“I suspect ...
