DOCSLIB.ORG

Stop the Brown Tree- Snake

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

BROWN TREESNAKES WHAT TO DO FOUND IN HAWAI‘I IF YOU SEE A SNAKE APRIL 1981: A live snake is found crawling in 1. Call the Pest Hotline immediately: 643- the customs area at the Honolulu Airport. PEST. Monitor the snake until trained authorities arrive. If the snake is resting or JULY 1981: A dead snake is found at Barbers hiding in an enclosed area, do not disturb it. Point Naval Air Station. 2. If it is moving and you are unable to contain MAY 1986: A live snake is found on a post it, track its location until authorities arrive. guide-wire at Hickam Air Force Base. 3. If the snake attempts to flee, and it is safe to OCTOBER 1989: A dead snake is found next to do so, kill it by striking the back of its head a cargo jet at Hickam Air Force Base. with a heavy object, or cut it in half with a machete or other implement. SEPTEMBER 1991: A dead snake is found on a runway at Honolulu Airport and a live snake 4. If the snake is dead, put it in a plastic bag is found under a cargo jet at Hickam Air Force labeled with the location, date and time of Base. capture. Store it in the freezer for pick up and examination by authorities. DECEMBER 1994: A live snake is discovered in a warehouse on Schofield Barracks. 5. If you have a pet snake, voluntarily turn it in by calling 643-PEST which offers immunity AUGUST 1998: A dead snake is found in the from prosecution. wheel well of a commercial aircraft being serviced at Honolulu Airport. 6. Being caught with a snake could mean a fine of up to $200,000 and three years in jail. STOP OTHER SNAKES FOUND IN HAWAI‘I Anyone with information or knowledge of snakes or other illegal animals should call Despite laws banning the importation or 643-PEST (643-7378). THE possession of snakes in Hawai‘i, they continue to be sighted, recovered, or turned in under the amnesty program. BROWN HDOA records from a 10-year period between 1990 and 2000 show that there were 236 credible snake sightings reported in Hawai‘i. REPORT ALL SNAKE SIGHTINGS TREE- TO Of these, 137 snakes were retrieved (either 643-PEST (643-7378) captured roaming free, confiscated, SNAKE surrendered as illegal pets, or found dead), Dial direct from any island leaving 99 reported snakes unaccounted just from those 10 years. HAWAI‘I DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE WHY BE CONCERNED ABOUT SNAKES? Air and ship traffic and cargo from Guam to HOW TO PREVENT SNAKES IN HAWAI‘I Hawai‘i provide the opportunity for these snakes to The islands of Hawai‘i have no native snakes.The arrive. State and federal agencies work to reduce the law prohibits the entry or possession of snakes. possibility of snakes arriving and becoming Should a brown treesnake or other snake enter Economic Impacts established in Hawai‘i. Hawai‘i and establish a breeding population, our • Brown treesnakes on Guam climb power lines island economy, ecology, and way of life will be and have caused more than 1,200 small to island- Efforts focus on reducing the chances of snakes irretrievably altered. wide power outages over the past 30 years, leaving Guam, intercepting snakes at ports of costing millions of dollars in repair costs, lost entry, and early detection and rapid response Most of the information in this brochure focuses revenue and work productivity. upon reported sightings. on brown treesnakes. Many other species of snakes would have the same impact if they were • Extrapolated findings • Snake-detection dog teams on Guam to arrive. of possible economic inspect commercial and military cargo impacts to the energy, and flights leaving Guam; however, DEVASTATION ON GUAM and medical and tourism rising cargo and traffic from Guam DANGER TO HAWAI‘I industries in Hawai‘i have left some departing cargo and are conservatively craft uninspected. Like the islands of Hawai‘i, the island of Guam is estimated at $578 home to many unique plants and animals found million annually. • In HDOA’s Detector Dog Program, nowhere else on Earth. These species flourished almost 100% of incoming military in isolation and the absence of predators. Ecosystem Impacts and civilian flights from Guam are • On Guam it took less than 30 years for most inspected to help ensure that snakes are not onboard. For this reason they lack the mechanisms needed native forest birds, seabirds, introduced bird to protect themselves from predators, such as species and several lizard species to vanish due • Construction of barriers help establish snakes, that are not naturally present on these to snake predation. As a result of the lack of snake-free zones in Guam’s air and sea islands. birds, insect populations are abnormally high, ports and in key wildlife habitat areas. which impacts agriculture production. The brown treesnake was inadvertently • Researchers investigate development of • Hawai‘i has lost over half its native birds to introduced to Guam shortly after WWII, probably chemical control methods to reduce the extinction. If the brown treesnake established as a stowaway aboard a cargo ship sailing from snake population on Guam. itself here, many more of the birds remaining in the Pacific New Guinea area where these snakes Hawai‘i would be wiped out. Also at risk is naturally occur. • Education programs help train civilian our $15 million poultry industry, and there Abundant food and and military air cargo personnel on would be additional costs to protect crops snake behavior and inspection of a lack of competition from insects. preferred hiding places of the brown or predators lead treesnake. to ultra-high snake Health and Quality of Life Impacts populations, as many • Hospitals on Guam treat about 150 • The Hawai‘i Brown Treesnake as 40 snakes per acre victims of brown treesnake bites each Response Protocol helps ensure in some forest areas year, the majority of which are infants and organized quick response in the event during the 1970s toddlers. of a snake sighting. and 1980s. Current populations average • Residents and visitors of Hawai‘i benefit • Awareness promotes support for a 20 snakes per acre. from a relatively benign and comfortable snake-free Hawai‘i. The public is asked environment. Let’s keep it that way! to report snake sightings to 643-PEST..
Recommended publications
  • Guidelines for Keeping Venomous Snakes in the NT

    Guidelines for Keeping Venomous Snakes in the NT

    GUIDELINES FOR KEEPING VENOMOUS SNAKES IN THE NT Venomous snakes are potentially dangerous to humans, and for this reason extreme caution must be exercised when keeping or handling them in captivity. Prospective venomous snake owners should be well informed about the needs and requirements for keeping these animals in captivity. Permits The keeping of protected wildlife in the Northern Territory is regulated by a permit system under the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2006 (TPWC Act). Conditions are included on permits, and the Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory (“PWCNT”) may issue infringement notices or cancel permits if conditions are breached. A Permit to Keep Protected Wildlife enables people to legally possess native vertebrate animals in captivity in the Northern Territory. The permit system assists the PWCNT to monitor wildlife kept in captivity and to detect any illegal activities associated with the keeping of, and trade in, native wildlife. Venomous snakes are protected throughout the Northern Territory and may not be removed from the wild without the appropriate licences and permits. People are required to hold a Keep Permit (Category 1–3) to legally keep venomous snakes in the Northern Territory. Premises will be inspected by PWCNT staff to evaluate their suitability prior to any Keep Permit (Category 1– 3) being granted. Approvals may also be required from local councils, the Northern Territory Planning Authority, and the Department of Health and Community Services. Consignment of venomous snakes between the Northern Territory and other States and Territories can only be undertaken with an appropriate import / export permit. There are three categories of venomous snake permitted to be kept in captivity in the Northern Territory: Keep Permit (Category 1) – Mildly Dangerous Venomous Keep Permit (Category 2) – Dangerous Venomous Keep Permit (Category 3) – Highly Dangerous Venomous Venomous snakes must be obtained from a legal source (i.e.
  • Operational Control of the Brown Tree Snake on Guam

    Operational Control of the Brown Tree Snake on Guam

    OPERATIONAL CONTROL OF THE BROWN TREE SNAKE ON GUAM THOMAS C. HALL, USDA/APHIS/ADC, 2800 N. Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73105. ABSTRACT: An operational control program for brown tree snakes (Boiga i"egularis) on Guam began in April 1993. The program focused on minimizing the dispersal of brown tree snakes to other Pacific islands and the U.S. mainland. During the first year of operation, more than 3,000 snakes were caught within a kilometer of high risk port facilities using traps, detector dogs, and spotlighting. Additionally, habitat modifications and prey-base removal were used to reduce the attractiveness of these facilities to brown tree snakes. Public awareness was also an important part of the program such as the education of cargo packers, shippers, and Customs inspectors who could further minimiu brown tree snake dispersal off-island. Initial control efforts in the program became more efficient with the recognition of brown tree snake characteristics, i.e., it was discovered that perimeter trapping a 5 ha patch of jungle was sufficient to remove most snakes instead of saturating the area with traps. KEY WORDS: brown tree snake, snake control Proc. 17th Vertebr. Pest Conf. (R.M. Timm & A.C. Crabb, Eds.) Published at Univ. of Calif., Davis. 1996. INTRODUCTION methods for resolving the problem. Background Brown tree snakes have caused significant information is given here so that the complexity of this environmental and economic impacts since their problem can be understood. inadvertent introduction to the island of Guam in the late 1940s. Other islands in the Pacific and the U.S.
  • Myths Surrounding Snakes

    Myths Surrounding Snakes

    MYTHS SURROUNDING SNAKES MYTH 1: Bites from baby venomous snakes are more dangerous than those from adults because they always deliver a full dose of venom. The legend goes that young snakes have not yet learned how to control the amount of venom they inject. They are therefore more dangerous than adult snakes, which will restrict the amount of venom they use in a bite or “dry bite”. This is simply untrue and all the evidence points towards bites from adults being more severe. Tests have shown that juvenile snakes can control their venom just as much as adults. Furthermore lets consider the following factors: adults have significantly larger fangs to deliver their venom and considerably more venom available than a juvenile. Therefore if a juvenile has venom glands only big enough to hold a 2ml of venom compared to an adult that can hold 30ml or more, then the bite from an adult will always have the potential to be more severe. I presume the reason this myth came into existence was to dissuade people from having a carefree attitude towards the potential dangers of a juvenile snake. The moral of the story is to treat every snake as a potentially dangerous and never expose your self to a situation where a snake of any size can bite you. MYTH 2: If you see a snake they’ll always be more Although it is possible to see more than one snake, for the most part this statement is untrue. Snakes are solitary animals for most of their lives so generally you will only ever encounter individuals.
  • Common Snakes of the Fraser Coast

    Common Snakes of the Fraser Coast

    Chris Muller pictured above Common Snakes of the Fraser Coast By Jenny Watts At the end of an informative and entertaining talk by Chris Muller in front of 35 people I was left feeling how lucky we are to have a such an knowledgeable and reptile passionate person living in our area. We want Chris to come and talk to us more! Chris is currently working in a team contracted by our local council to revegetate natural areas. But he came to talk to us about his passion - snakes – and the association he has that goes back a long way. Chris’s dad was a scientist and Chris grew up around snakes. He was a member of a National Parks and Wildlife crew catching snakes even before he left school! Interspersed with information about the most commonly found snakes in our backyards (he included a legless lizard as well as pythons, tree snakes, freshwater keelbacks and a number of Elapids – venomous snakes) Chris told us hairy stories of snake catching. The most jaw dropping was handling a death adder while driving a tourist bus (“I didn’t realise they were so strong”) and extracting a big brown from under the bonnet of a car (“lucky it was contained by the radiator grill as it was directly under me”). So here are some of those snakes and some information: Burtons Legless Lizard This is a very common reptile found in our backyards where it is an aggressive feeder of small skinks. It is often mistaken for a snake but is a lizard – having ear holes, a broad flat tongue and small vestigial legs.
  • Distribution of Cane Toads (Rhinella Marina) in Florida and Their Status in Natural Areas

    Distribution of Cane Toads (Rhinella Marina) in Florida and Their Status in Natural Areas

    DISTRIBUTION OF CANE TOADS (RHINELLA MARINA) IN FLORIDA AND THEIR STATUS IN NATURAL AREAS By AUDREY C. WILSON A THESIS PRESENTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA 2016 © 2016 Audrey C. Wilson To my family ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank my advisor, Steve A. Johnson, for his guidance throughout this project and for providing financial support. I am grateful to my committee members, Christina Romagosa and Betsie Rothermel, for their constant support. Jamie Barichivich provided invaluable advice during the planning and analysis of my thesis. The USGS loaned me the equipment necessary for the fieldwork, without which this project would not have been possible. Camila Rodriguez frequently assisted me in the field. James Colee from IFAS statistical consulting helped with analysis. I am also grateful to the faculty, students, and staff of the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation for their patience and support. 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS page ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .................................................................................................. 4 LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................ 7 LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................................... 8 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................................
  • Nest Sites, Clutch Size and Incubation Behavior in the Golden White-Eye

    Nest Sites, Clutch Size and Incubation Behavior in the Golden White-Eye

    j. Field Ornithol., 65(1):65-69 NEST SITES, CLUTCH SIZE AND INCUBATION BEHAVIOR IN THE GOLDEN WHITE-EYE COLLEEN M. STINSON USDA Sod Conservatzon Service P.O. Box 5082 Saipan,MP 96950 USA DEREK W. STINSON 1 Dwzsionof Fzshand Wildhfe Commonwealthof the Northern ,VlarzanaIslands Saipan,MP 96950 USA Abstract.--The GoldenWhite-eye (Cleptornismarchez), a little-known endemicof the Mar- iana Islandsin the westernPacific, neststhroughout the year in a variety of forestedand semi-openhabitats. Data from 11 nestsindicate the typical clutch size is two. Incubation at three nestslasted 14 d and the altricial young fledge 10-14 d after hatching.The parents seemto shareequally in broodingand rearing tasksduring daylight. LUGARESDE ANIDAMIENTO, TAMAI•IO DE LA CAMADAY CONDUCTA DE INCUBACI(SN DE CLEPTORNIS MARCHEl Sinopsis.--Cleptormsmarchei es una especieendSmica de las Islas Marianas, de la cual se conocemuy poco.E1 ave anida a travis de todo el afio en una gran variedadde habitats forestadosy semi-abiertos.E1 tamafiotipico de la camadaes de dos huevos(n = 11). En tres nidosestudiados el periodode incubaci6nresult6 set de 14 dias y los pichones,que son altriciales, dejaron el nido de 10 a 14 dias luego de haber nacido. Los adultos parecen compartirde igual forma la incubaci6ny cuidadode los pichonesdurante las horasdiurnas. The Golden White-eye (Cleptornismarchei), is a little known endemic to Saipanand Aguiguanin the Mariana Islands(Fig. 1). It was previously consideredan aberrant honeyeater(Meliphagidae), but is now considered a white-eye (Zosteropidae)perhaps related to Rukia (Bruce 1978, Pratt et al. 1987, Sibley and Monroe 1990). Although the Golden White-eye is common in all wooded habitats, the nesting behavior has not been previouslydescribed (Craig 1990, Engbring et al.
  • An Overview of the Biology of the Brown Treesnake* (Boiga Irregularis), a Costly Introduced Pest on Pacific Islands

    An Overview of the Biology of the Brown Treesnake* (Boiga Irregularis), a Costly Introduced Pest on Pacific Islands

    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln USDA National Wildlife Research Center - Staff U.S. Department of Agriculture: Animal and Publications Plant Health Inspection Service April 1999 An Overview of the Biology of the Brown Treesnake* (Boiga irregularis), a Costly Introduced Pest on Pacific Islands Gordon H. Rodda Thomas H. Fritts Michael J. McCoid Earl W. Campbell III Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/icwdm_usdanwrc Part of the Environmental Sciences Commons Rodda, Gordon H.; Fritts, Thomas H.; McCoid, Michael J.; and Campbell, Earl W. III, "An Overview of the Biology of the Brown Treesnake* (Boiga irregularis), a Costly Introduced Pest on Pacific Islands" (1999). USDA National Wildlife Research Center - Staff Publications. 659. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/icwdm_usdanwrc/659 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the U.S. Department of Agriculture: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in USDA National Wildlife Research Center - Staff Publications by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. 2 An Overview of the Biology of the Brown Treesna ke* ( Boigo irreguluris), a Costly Introduced Pest on Pacific Islands THE GENUS BOlGA The 2&30 species of the genus Boiga (Colubridae, Boiginae) range from tropical Africa through southern Asia to Melanesia and Australia (Leviton, 1968). Collec- tively, they are known as catsnakes, mangrove snakes, or treesnakes (Obst et al., 1988; Greene, 1989). The common name "catsnakes" is sometimes used for snakes in the genus Telescopus as well (Obst et 1,1988).
  • Boiga Irregularis (Brown Tree Snakes) on Guam and Its Effect on Fauna

    Boiga Irregularis (Brown Tree Snakes) on Guam and Its Effect on Fauna

    Boiga irregularis (Brown Tree Snakes) on Guam and Its Effect on Fauna Alexandria Amand Introduction The island of Guam, a U. S. Territory, is located in the tropical western Pacific, nearly equidistant from Japan to the north, the Philippines to the west, and New Guinea to the South (Enbring & Ftitts 1988). The island is longer than it is wide and is divided into a diverse landscape with forests and cliffs in the north and primarily savannas and river valleys in the south (Savidge 1987). Guam is also a land of great biodiversity including small mammals, reptiles, and numerous bird species; however, snakes are not a natural part of this biodiversity. The burrowing blind snake (Rhamphotyphlops braminus), the only native snake to Guam, does not pose a threat to the fauna, yet the introduction of Boiga irregularis (brown tree snake) has threatened the island’s biodiversity. Boiga irregularis a native to Indonesia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Australia, was introduced to Guam by way of navy vessels shortly after World War II where it is an exotic and invasive species (Butler 1997). As a result of its accidental introduction and population explosion, Boiga irregularis is responsible for a loss of biodiversity through predation. Boiga irregualris has had devastating effects particularly on avifauna such as the Guam rail and Guam flycatcher, small mammals including the Mariana fruit bat, and reptiles such as geckos and skinks. This paper will outline the negative impact that Boiga irregularis has had on the biodiversity of Guam, as well as the techniques being used to control the snakes population and discuss their effectiveness.
  • The Ecological Impact of Invasive Cane Toads on Tropical Snakes: Field Data Do Not Support Laboratory-Based Predictions

    The Ecological Impact of Invasive Cane Toads on Tropical Snakes: Field Data Do Not Support Laboratory-Based Predictions

    Ecology, 92(2), 2011, pp. 422–431 Ó 2011 by the Ecological Society of America The ecological impact of invasive cane toads on tropical snakes: Field data do not support laboratory-based predictions 1 GREGORY P. BROWN,BENJAMIN L. PHILLIPS, AND RICHARD SHINE School of Biological Sciences A08, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia Abstract. Predicting which species will be affected by an invasive taxon is critical to developing conservation priorities, but this is a difficult task. A previous study on the impact of invasive cane toads (Bufo marinus) on Australian snakes attempted to predict vulnerability a priori based on the assumptions that any snake species that eats frogs, and is vulnerable to toad toxins, may be at risk from the toad invasion. We used time-series analyses to evaluate the accuracy of that prediction, based on .3600 standardized nocturnal surveys over a 138- month period on 12 species of snakes and lizards on a floodplain in the Australian wet–dry tropics, bracketing the arrival of cane toads at this site. Contrary to prediction, encounter rates with most species were unaffected by toad arrival, and some taxa predicted to be vulnerable to toads increased rather than declined (e.g., death adder Acanthophis praelongus; Children’s python Antaresia childreni). Indirect positive effects of toad invasion (perhaps mediated by toad-induced mortality of predatory varanid lizards) and stochastic weather events outweighed effects of toad invasion for most snake species. Our study casts doubt on the ability of a priori desktop studies, or short-term field surveys, to predict or document the ecological impact of invasive species.
  • Snakes of the Wet Tropics

    Snakes of the Wet Tropics

    Snakes of the Wet Tropics Snakes are protected by law Snakes are shy creatures. When confronted by humans, they will usually retreat if given the opportunity to do so. As most bites occur when people try to catch and kill snakes, they should always be left well alone. Snakes in the Wet Tropics The Wet Tropics region is home to 43 species of snakes, representing an impressive 30% of Australia’s snake fauna. These images represent a selection of the more common species, most of which have ranges extending beyond the Wet Tropics. Of the species pictured, only the northern crowned snake is unique to this region. The snakes of the region range from small, worm-like blind snakes to six metre pythons. Only a handful fall into the dangerously venomous category, but these few play an important role in balancing the natural environment, as they are significant predators of rats and mice. Snakes in the backyard If you live near bushland or creeks you are more likely to encounter snakes in your garden, especially if there is habitat disturbance such as burning or clearing of vegetation in the local area. To discourage snakes from taking up residence around your home remove likely hiding places such as logs, building materials, long grass, loose rocks, discarded flower pots and corrugated iron. Snakes in the house Snakes will sometimes enter a house in search of food and shelter - particularly during periods of extended rain. The risk of this happening can be reduced by having well-sealed doors and screens over external windows.
  • A Review of the Impact and Control of Cane Toads in Australia with Recommendations for Future Research and Management Approaches

    A Review of the Impact and Control of Cane Toads in Australia with Recommendations for Future Research and Management Approaches

    A REVIEW OF THE IMPACT AND CONTROL OF CANE TOADS IN AUSTRALIA WITH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT APPROACHES A Report to the Vertebrate Pests Committee from the National Cane Toad Taskforce Edited by Robert Taylor and Glenn Edwards June 2005 ISBN: 0724548629 CONTENTS AUTHORS................................................................................................................. iii MEMBERSHIP OF THE NATIONAL CANE TOAD TASKFORCE ............... iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ..................................................................................... iv SUMMARY .................................................................................................................v DISCLAIMER.......................................................................................................... xii 1. INTRODUCTION Glenn Edwards.......................................................................1 2. THE CURRENT THREAT POSED BY CANE TOADS Damian McRae, Rod Kennett and Robert Taylor.......................................................................................3 2.1 Existing literature reviews of cane toad impacts ...................................................3 2.2 Environmental impacts of cane toads ....................................................................3 2.3 Social impacts of cane toads................................................................................10 2.4 Economic impact of cane toads ...........................................................................16 2.5 Recommendations................................................................................................17
  • Challenges of Invasive Reptiles and Amphibians

    Challenges of Invasive Reptiles and Amphibians

    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Wildlife Damage Management Conferences -- Wildlife Damage Management, Internet Center Proceedings for 2005 Challenges of Invasive Reptiles and Amphibians William Pitt USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Hilo, HI, USA Daniel Vice USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services, Barrigada Heights, Guam, USA Mike Pitzler USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services, Honolulu, HI, USA Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/icwdm_wdmconfproc Part of the Environmental Sciences Commons Pitt, William; Vice, Daniel; and Pitzler, Mike, "Challenges of Invasive Reptiles and Amphibians" (2005). Wildlife Damage Management Conferences -- Proceedings. 84. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/icwdm_wdmconfproc/84 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Wildlife Damage Management, Internet Center for at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Wildlife Damage Management Conferences -- Proceedings by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. CHALLENGES OF INVASIVE REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS WILLIAM C. PITT, USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Hilo, HI, USA DANIEL S. VICE, USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services, Barrigada Heights, Guam, USA MIKE E. PITZLER, USDA, APHIS, Wildlife Services, Honolulu, HI, USA Abstract: Although worldwide distributions of many amphibians and reptiles are declining, a handful of species are spreading rapidly throughout tropical regions of the world. The species that have the greatest effect tend to be generalist feeders, have high reproductive rates, attain large population sizes, and often due to their behavior and or small size, are easily transported or are difficult to detect. The most notable of these species include the coqui frog, cane toad, bullfrog, brown tree snake, and Burmese pythons.