Recklessly: Brown Tree Snake Population

Brown Tree Snake Population

In addition the past impacts of the brown tree snake have resulted in ecological legacies whose long term impacts are poorly understood. Defense technical information center.

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After world war ii the brown tree snake was accidentally introduced into guam.

Brown tree snake population. Introduction shortly after world war ii before 1952 the brown tree snake was accidentally transported from its native range to guam probably as a stowaway in ship cargo rodda et al 1992a. Ultimately brown tree snake control cant be thought of in isolation. Currently the brown tree snake population on guam is declining with an equilibrium population size predicted to be roughly 30 to 50 snakes per hectare 12 20 per acre.

With no natural predators and abundant prey the snake population steadily grew and spread throughout the island. The decline in snake population may be identified as a result of depleted food resources adult mortality andor suppressed reproduction. During the 1970s and 1980s the snakes population density on many parts of the island peaked at about 46005800 per square km 1200015000 per square mile.

The current population estimate is about 50 bts per hectare. Control itself may result in unintended consequences that lead to new invasive species problems. In case youre unfamiliar with guams infamous snake problem the island is known for hosting an invasion of venomous brown snakes that have wreaked havoc on its native animal population.

These population density estimates are among the highest snake densities ever recorded. Now researchers have shown its not just the birds and rodents that have suffered the growth of new trees could be falling by as much as 92 percent. Although its worldwide population has not been assessed the brown tree snake is considered to be common in the habitats it occupies.

In the absence of natural predators and other population controls on guam the brown tree snake has been responsible for the extirpation of most. Control of the brown tree snake bts aug 2008 pdf 60 kb dod. The brown treesnake has caused extensive economic and ecological damage to guam.

After the accidental introduction of the brown tree snake boiga irregularis to the island of guam after world war ii the snake became exceedingly numerous and most of guams native vertebrates either became endangered or disappeared from the island. Bts eat birds bird and reptile eggs lizards small mammals such as rats and mice and even small household pets. On guam the population of brown treesnakes is not controlled by predators diseases or competitors as it is in the snakes native range.

Doi united states geological survey. Photo by gordon rodda. The only other snake on guam the introduced blind snake ramphotyphlops braminus resembles a worm in size and shape and is harmless.

The population on guam where it is notorious as an invasive species is particularly well documented. Brown tree snake the cat eyes appearance is a distinguishing characteristic. As the snakes dispersed forest bird and fruit bat populations plummeted.

Report to the congress.

Brown Tree Snake Could Mean Guam Will Lose More Than Its Birds