Florida: Focus on Alien Invasions

Florida and its once beautiful and delicate ecosystem have come under much scrutiny over the past few years. The reason for this is the series of unfortunate events that have led up to a very big dilemma occurring right under our feet, literally. As a direct correlation between the harshness and destruction posed by recent hurricanes to the explosion in the exotic pet trade that began as recently as the 1970's, we are in some some serious trouble. Non native species of animals are being introduced into an environment that not only allows them to compete for food which places unwanted stress on native or endemic species but many of these same species of animals are becoming prey to these destructive and dangerous aliens while being displaced by these newly introduced animals. Moreover, favorable climate and other environmental conditions are conducive to successful breeding and their ability to thrive and reproduce in this new habitat.

At the present time the Florida Everglades are receiving the full brunt of this ordeal, however, other areas of Florida and even other states are becoming plagued by this very serious crisis. Florida consists of approximately 26% of fish, birds, mammals and reptiles and plant life population as being exotic. What, essentially, has happened is animal institutions like a zoo have become destroyed at one time or another by mother nature. As a direct correlation between structural damage to these buildings and the inability to repossess the non native species of animals allowed to escape as a result of events like a hurricane, our fragile ecosystem is in very serious trouble. Then, when you combine this with the carelessness or inhumane act of releasing an unwanted exotic pet into a new habitat and we now have a very serious problem that we may never be able to recover from.

I am all in favor of having exotic animals as pets, to some degree. I mean having a Leopard Gecko or Bearded Dragon Lizard or even a beautiful Ball Python or Grey Banded King snake as a pet can be very rewarding and educational, not to mention it allows us to appreciate these diverse animals in a closed system environment from other parts of the country. However, their are those who take on the other aspect of this hobby. I guess you could say EXTREME PET KEEPING, even going as far as reaching and setting new boundaries in the illegal pet trade industry. Animals such as alligators, anaconda's, ferrel pigs, large monitor lizards, large pythons and boa constrictors, piranha(fish) right down to the highly dangerous and venomous reptiles like Green Mamba's, Coral Snakes, Cobras, Gaboon Pit Vipers and various Rattlesnake species.

At first, many of these animals probably produce a euphoric state of mind much as would be the case with purchasing a new car or other high priced item, or item in the display case only to realize, eventually, that this spur of the moment, temporary feeling of bliss would be short lived and come with a price. Key variables like the size the animal will attain, monetary constraints, problems with finding someone to watch over your prized possession while your out of town right down to the fact that you realized that the glitter has subsided prompting you to want to get rid of your exotic pet.

What do you do? Possibly sell or donate the animal to a pet shop. Maybe, give it or sell it to a friend or other conscientious person. You can also donate the animal to a local zoo or Herpetological organization. Often times that is fine, but what happens if you can't get rid of the animal or it's an illegal animal? This presents a whole new outlook on the exotic pet you now possess. So, the first thing that comes to mind is, release the animal into the wild this way you don't have to kill the animal and the animal has a chance of surviving, right?

The big mistake then unfolds as actions get staged out without focusing on the common sense aspect or humane vision causing the inevitable to become ascertained. These released species of animal are now competing with the same kinds of foods that the native and endemic animals have been feeding on. Once considered predatory animals, they are now slipping down the food chain and becoming prey items. Territories have become squashed. Successful breeding and crossbreeding of species has prompted a population explosion of this newly introduced species causing its own set of problems.

Cases have been illustrated depicting very disturbing images of neglect, unmistakable horror and carelessness. A Sixteen foot Green Anaconda was recently found with an eight foot alligator in its stomach. A four year old toddler killed by a large Burmese Python. House cat constricted and swallowed by a Reticulated Python. Ferrel pigs, cats and dogs, Cuban Tree Frogs, non native birds like the Purple Swamphen, Myna bird and Monk parakeet have become problematic in there own right. Walking catfish, Peacock Bass and sucker mouth catfish have been introduced and are destroying the ecosystem at an alarming rate. Asiatic clams, Island Apple snails, Bormeliad Beetles and Lobate lac sac insects have taken their toll and infested southern flora species, ultimately leading to the death of many of the 94 species of native trees in Florida.

Right now, there is really no clear cut solution to this problem. Hopefully, many of the sightings represent an isolated incident. Efforts performed by fish, game and wildlife personnel, herpetologists, zoologists and localized neighborhood watches can help ensure that these incidents are minimized, however, it is going to take more than this to control this serious alien invasion epidemic. Pet owners, black market members and dealers are going to have to have to contribute their share of the work necessary to help control this devastating scenario. If our energy is spent focusing on conscientious efforts, an awareness and knowledge of exotic animals and their impact if released, instead of congitating on the all mighty dollar and the glamor of maintaining a high profile animal, maybe the tides will change.

Again, this alien invasion is becoming more widespread, impacting other areas of North America. Unless something is done and soon, this trend will continue to spiral out of control at an alarming rate altering not only our delicate ecosystem but human life as well.