Friday, January 22, 2010

Wakey, Wakey, Hands Off Snakey!

The US Fish & Wildlife Service has proposed placing the Burmese python and eight other constrictor-type snakes on the Lacey Act's list of Injurious Species. If approved, this would ban the import and interstate transport of all nine species. The Burmese python is one of several non-native snakes causing concern in Florida due to the establishment of breeding populations in the Everglades. The complete list:

  • Burmese python
  • northern African python
  • southern African python
  • reticulated python
  • green anaconda
  • yellow anaconda
  • Beni or Bolivian anaconda
  • DeSchauensee’s anaconda
  • boa constrictor
(The press release does not provide scientific names; complete details will be published in the Federal Register in February)

Thursday, January 21, 2010

That Ship Has Already Sailed?

The US Army Corps of Engineers is reporting that DNA evidence suggests Asian carp may already be present in Lake Michigan. In related news, Louisiana is developing a market for carp by rebranding it as "silverfin." Mmmm, silverfin!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Lake Effect

Starting in 2010, New Hampshire will be offering a new grant to municipalities and non-profits who want to remove invasive aquatic plants from the lakes they know and love. To be eligible, lakes must have at least one public access site, and priority will be given to applicants interested in pursuing purchase of Diver Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) equipment.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Gray Area

A new study just out in the Journal of Ornithology says that contrary to current thinking, American gray squirrels are actually not linked to the population declines of most native woodland bird species in England. BBC News has the story.

Thursday, January 07, 2010

Feral Idaho

After several years of speculation, the presence of feral pigs has been confirmed for the first time in Idaho. The Idaho Nature Notes blog has the details. Surprised this isn't getting more media coverage!