Tracking pythons : the quest to catch an invasive predator and save an ecosystem

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Title:

Tracking pythons : the quest to catch an invasive predator and save an ecosystem

Author:

Messner, Kate, author.

Summary:

Describes the process of tracking Burmese pythons, an invasive species to the United States.

Audience:

Age 9-14.

Grade 4 to 6.

Contents:

Python patrol -- A perfect home -- Snake surgery -- First signs of trouble -- Back to the wild -- How to catch a predator -- The stories dead snakes tell -- Slithering onward.

Physical Description:

64 pages : color illustrations, color map ; 24 x 28 cm

Subject Term:

Burmese python -- Juvenile literature.

Predatory animals -- Control -- Juvenile literature.

Ecosystem management -- Juvenile literature.

Geographic Term:

Florida -- Juvenile literature.

Publisher:

Millbrook Press,

Publication Date:

2020

ISBN:

9781541557062

Publication Information:

Minneapolis, MN : Millbrook Press, [2020]

Call Number:

J 597.96 MESSNER

Holds: Copies:

Available:*

Item Barcode	Collection	Call Number	Status	Item Holds
33607003518555	Juvenile Nonfiction	597.96 MESSNER	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable

These enormous snakes are native to Southeast Asia, so when one showed up dead along the side of a Florida highway in 1979, scientists wondered where it came from. No one knew the snakes had launched a full-scale invasion. Pet pythons that escaped or were released by their owners started breeding in the wild, and these enormous predators began eating every animal in their path.

Today a group of scientists at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida is tracking Burmese pythons to find ways to stop their spread. Page Plus QR code links lead to video clips and photos of the scientists working in the field. Delve into the science of pythons and their role as invasive predators.

"[A] fascinating example of field biology . . . Who knew that snake science could be so adventurous?"--starred, Kirkus Reviews

Reviews (1)

School Library Journal Review

Gr 4--8--Ever dreamed of wading through bushes and vines in search of an 11-foot snake, specifically a Burmese python? This book takes readers into the thick of South Florida's fragile ecosystem and follows scientists on their mission to study and help control the population of this invasive species. It is predicted that as many as 300,000 of these snakes live in the wild, where they are wreaking havoc on the native population. Messner has collected wonderful diagrams and photographs to help illustrate the importance of the work of these scientists. The layout provides sidebars that discuss topics such as a python's body structure, how the scientists' tracking system works, and "How to Catch a Python." The book is broken into seven chapters. Each focuses on a particular aspect of the scientists' process and research methods. One series of photographs shows a snake and its last meal--a full-size deer. An extensive bibliography and suggested further reading are included. VERDICT Messner's well-written and -documented book will fascinate any nature lover, but younger readers who love snakes will be thrilled.--Erin Olsen, Hunter College Elementary School, NY

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Reviews (1)

School Library Journal Review