A5052590457- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Species Distribution and Climate Change
- Amphibian and Reptile Biology
- Avian ecology and behavior
- Animal Ecology and Behavior Studies
- Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies
- Turtle Biology and Conservation
- Animal Vocal Communication and Behavior
- Animal Behavior and Reproduction
- Fish Ecology and Management Studies
- Marine animal studies overview
- Identification and Quantification in Food
- Parasite Biology and Host Interactions
- Primate Behavior and Ecology
- Forest Insect Ecology and Management
- Plant and animal studies
- Vector-borne infectious diseases
- Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology and Behavior
- Viral Infections and Vectors
- Rangeland and Wildlife Management
- Dermatological diseases and infestations
- Evolution and Genetic Dynamics
- Biological Control of Invasive Species
- Animal and Plant Science Education
- Physiological and biochemical adaptations
University of Florida
2016-2025
Aquatic Systems (United States)
2017
Auburn University
2008-2014
Invasive species represent a significant threat to global biodiversity and substantial economic burden. Burmese pythons, giant constricting snakes native Asia, now are found throughout much of southern Florida, including all Everglades National Park (ENP). Pythons have increased dramatically in both abundance geographic range since 2000 consume wide variety mammals birds. Here we report severe apparent declines mammal populations that coincide temporally spatially with the proliferation...
Abstract Aim Impacts of non‐native species have motivated development risk assessment tools for identifying introduced likely to become invasive. Here, we develop trait‐based models the establishment and impact stages freshwater fish invasion, use them screen common in international trade. We also determine which aquarium, biological supply, live bait, food water garden trades are Results compared historical patterns assess relative importance over time pathways causing invasions. Location...
Burmese pythons ( Python molurus bivittatus ) are native to southeastern Asia, however, there is an established invasive population inhabiting much of southern Florida throughout the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. Pythons have severely impacted species and ecosystems in represent one most intractable invasive-species management issues across globe. The difficulty stems from a unique combination inaccessible habitat cryptic resilient nature that thrive subtropical environment Florida,...
Abstract Identification of the origin parasites nonindigenous species ( NIS ) can be complex. may introduce from their native range and acquire within invaded range. Determination whether are non‐native or complicated when parasite genera occur both ’ its introduced We explored potential for spillover spillback lung infecting Burmese pythons Python bivittatus in invasive (Florida). collected 498 indigenous snakes 26 805 during 2004–2016 examined them parasites. used morphology to identify...
Abstract The international trade in exotic vertebrate pets provides key social and economic benefits but also drives associated ecological, ethical, human health impacts. However, despite its clear importance, we currently lack a full understanding of the structure pet trade, hampering efforts to optimize while mitigating negative effects. In present article, represent review as network composed different market actors (nodes) flows (links). We identify data gaps this that, if filled, would...
Abstract Managing invasive species with prevention and early‐detection strategies can avert severe ecological economic impacts. Horizon scanning, an evidence‐based process combining risk screening consensus building to identify threats, has become a valuable tool for prioritizing management prevention. We assembled working group of experts from academic, government, nonprofit agencies organizations, conducted multi‐taxa horizon scan Florida, USA, the first its kind in North America. Our...
ABSTRACT Aim Invasive species often exhibit a highly non‐random suite of traits relative to non‐invasive taxa, and these biases reflect strong selection at series steps along the invasion pathway. Here we investigate that are favoured in first steps: introduction outside their native geographic range. We use global amphibians as our case study. Location Global. Methods examined whether taxonomy, body size attributes range predict likelihood an event amphibians. then determined...
The nonindigenous Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) most likely invaded southeastern Florida from the Bahamas in early 1980s and had established a breeding population Dade County by 1982. In decade after its arrival Florida, dispersed northward, initially along Atlantic Gulf coasts, local populations throughout state. By 1996, species was recorded at 46 (82%) of 56 localities surveyed on Christmas Bird Count Florida. strong dispersal capability Collared-Dove, which documented...
ABSTRACT Movement is a key driver of population dynamics. ability and propensity often vary among populations individuals. These differences may be particularly strong in aquatic species, where the to move within site not necessarily correlated between sites. In periods range expansion, these can lead non‐equilibrium dynamics, whereby more mobile phenotypes arrange themselves spatially. This even pronounced when dispersal success nonrandom with respect heritable trait, thus acting as an...
GPS telemetry has revolutionized the study of animal spatial ecology in last two decades. Until recently, it mainly been deployed on large mammals and birds, but technology is rapidly becoming miniaturized, applications diverse taxa are possible. Large constricting snakes top predators their ecosystems, accordingly they often a management priority, whether populations threatened or invasive. Fine-scale tracking datasets could greatly improve our ability to understand manage these snakes,...
Abstract Invasive Burmese pythons ( Python bivittatus ) are extremely cryptic animals. Although their conservation status in native range is Vulnerable, the Greater Everglades Ecosystem (Florida, USA) they have become a dominant destructive force and usually immediately removed whenever found. This poses paradox where removals occurring, yet study understanding of python ecology needed to inform removal methods. An important component life history includes nesting season, but little known...
The process of taxonomic homogenization occurs through two mechanisms, extinctions and introductions, leads to a reduction global biodiversity. We used available U.S. trade data as proxy for in live vertebrates assess the contribution homogenization. Data included all importation exportation records, estimation extinction risk, reports establishment outside native range species within six vertebrate groups. Based on Monte Carlo sampling, number traded, established range, threatened with was...
International trade in plants and animals generates significant economic benefits. It also leads to substantial unintended impacts when introduced species become invasive, causing environmental disturbance or transmitting diseases that affect people, livestock, other wildlife the environment. Policy responses are usually only implemented after these established damages already incurred. agreements control likewise based on selection of with known impacts. We aim further develop quantitative...
Abstract Invasive Burmese pythons ( Python bivittatus ) have introduced a nonnative pentastomid parasite Raillietiella orientalis to southern Florida that has spilled over infect native snakes. However, the extent of spillover, regarding prevalence and intensity, is unknown. We examined snakes n = 523) invasive 1003) collected from determine degree which spillover occurring. found R. infected 13 species areas sympatry with pythons. Prevalence infection intensity were significantly higher...
Abstract Managing an invasive species is particularly challenging as little generally known about the species’ biological characteristics in its new habitat. In practice, removal of individuals often starts before studied to provide information that will later improve control. Therefore, locations and amount control have be determined face great uncertainty with a limited resources. We propose framing spatial linear programming optimization problem. This formulation, paired discrete...