The existence of the Burmese Python in the Everglades has a significant ecological effect, especially on rat populations. Burmese pythons have gradually eliminated native mammals like bobcats and foxes, while smaller mammals such as cotton rats have been left barely touched. Recently, researchers conducted a study at the University of Florida on the effect of pythons on cotton rats in regions with high and low python populations. The study revolves around the tagging and capture of 115 cotton rats. 81 were in an area with a high python population, and the remaining 34 were in an area with a low … Continue reading Ecosystem in Peril: Burmese Pythons Decimate Native Wildlife, Fuel Rat Invasion