Watch Exotic Invaders: Pythons of the Everglades

Exotic Invaders: Pythons of the Everglades is a documentary film from 2015 that explores the issue of invasive Burmese pythons in the Everglades National Park in Florida, USA. The film is directed by Paula S. Apsell and was produced by NOVA, a television series that airs on PBS. The film takes a scientific approach to explore the impact of these non-native pythons on the ecosystem of the Everglades, which is considered to be one of the most unique and fragile ecosystems in the world. It features interviews with experts, scientists, and park rangers who have been studying these pythons and their impact on the environment.

The film begins by providing some background information on the Burmese python, a native species of Southeast Asia that was brought to the United States as a popular exotic pet. However, when some of these pet pythons were released into the wild by their owners, they found an ideal habitat in the Everglades and began to thrive.

The problem is that these non-native pythons have a significant impact on the native wildlife in the Everglades, which includes more than 350 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles. They are opportunistic hunters that can eat anything from rodents to alligators, and their presence is causing a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem.

The film discusses how the invasive pythons have become a major threat to the survival of many native species, including the endangered Key Largo woodrat and the Florida panther. The pythons have already consumed so many native animals that it is difficult for these species to find enough food to survive.

The filmmakers also explore the efforts of the National Park Service, scientists, and volunteers to control the python population in the Everglades. The film showcases some of the methods that are being used to capture and remove these massive snakes from the park, including trapping, GPS tracking, and even the use of specially trained dogs.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is how it highlights the science behind the python invasion. A team of researchers is shown studying the genetics of the pythons to determine the origins of their populations in the Everglades. They find that the snakes likely come from several different sources, including pet owners who have released them, escaped pet pythons, and even Hurricane Andrew, which damaged several exotic animal facilities in South Florida in 1992.

Overall, Exotic Invaders: Pythons of the Everglades is a well-made and informative documentary that sheds light on the growing problem of invasive species in our ecosystems. It presents a balanced view of the issue, showcasing different perspectives and efforts to solve the problem. The stunning cinematography of the Everglades is a highlight of the film, and the viewer is left with a greater appreciation for the importance of preserving our natural environments.