Which animal was responsible for 99% drop in opossum populations in the Everglades by 2012
The drastic decline in opossum populations in the Everglades, along with similar declines in other small mammal populations, has primarily been attributed to the invasive Burmese python. These large constrictor snakes were introduced to the Florida Everglades from Asia and began to establish breeding populations. The Burmese pythons, being apex predators with few natural enemies in the Everglades ecosystem, have influenced significant changes in the environment, preying on a wide variety of native species including rodents, birds, and mammals such as opossums. Their presence has led to a marked decrease in the populations of these native animals.
The impact was confirmed by studies and surveys that showed precipitous declines in sightings and captures of mammals like opossums, raccoons, and bobcats after the pythons became established. Efforts to control the Burmese python population and reduce their impact on the Everglades ecosystem are ongoing, but the situation highlights the significant ecological disruptions caused by invasive species.