U.S. Rep. Tom Rooney, R-Tequesta, called a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule announced Tuesday to ban the importation and interstate transportation of four non-native constrictor snakes that threaten the Everglades a “half-measure” that won’t provide enough ecological  protection for the region.

“The half-measure announced by the Obama administration today will not do nearly enough to protect the Everglades and the surrounding ecosystems,” Rooney stated in a release. “There are nine species of invasive predators that pose a severe threat to our native wildlife, and all nine need to be eradicated.”

The release from Rooney’s office stated that the ban on the Burmese python, yellow anaconda, and northern and southern African pythons only targets 30 percent of the trade of giant snakes.

Rooney filed his own bill that would ban nine snake species -- Burmese python, northern African python, southern African python, reticulated python, green anaconda, yellow anaconda, Beni or Bolivian python, DeSchauensee’s anaconda, and boa constrictor.

Boa constrictors and reticulated pythons are traded in the greatest numbers, but are not included in the administration’s final rule, Rooney’s release stated.

In a release from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, four species banned on Tuesday were determined by the U.S. Geological Survey as having a high risk of establishing populations and spreading to other geographic areas in that agency’s 2009 report, "Giant Constrictors: Biological and Management Profiles and an Establishment Risk Assessment for Large Species of Pythons, Anacondas, and the Boa Constrictor."

“The Burmese python has already gained a foothold in the Florida Everglades, and we must do all we can to battle its spread and to prevent further human contributions of invasive snakes that cause economic and environmental damage,” Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar stated in a release.

Watch video of Ken Salazar here.

U.S. Rep. David Rivera, R-Miami, welcomed the announcement, but also joined Rooney in saying it doesn’t go far enough.

“These dangerous, predatory species are allowed to establish themselves and wreak havoc on our native wildlife, counteracting efforts and wasting precious resources to restore the Everglades. I continue to call on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to list all nine species of constrictor snakes as prohibited injurious species under the Lacey Act for the good of South Florida’s environment and the safety of our people.”

However, U.S. Rep. Alcee L. Hastings, D-Miramar, called the announcement a victory for Everglades restoration.

“Make no mistake, the abundance of these animals in the wild reflects a pervasive problem of irresponsible handling and ownership,” Hasting stated in a release. “We have all seen the threat these species pose when consuming native wildlife. Furthermore, it makes no sense to spend billions of dollars to preserve and protect the Everglades, and then have these species undo all the hard work that is being done.

“Since this decision does not force current owners to give up their snakes, it is clear that the Interior Department carefully considered pet-owners’ interests and viewpoints,” Hastings further noted. “I appreciate all of the time dedicated to making sure that those financially and emotionally invested in these animals were heard on the matter.

“The Burmese python and other constrictor reptiles have wreaked havoc throughout the Everglades, obliterating endangered wildlife, and upsetting the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The need to ban these species, along with other Everglades restoration efforts, is essential in preserving this unique environment and creating jobs in South Florida.”



Reach Jim Turner at jturner@sunshinestatenews.com or at (772) 215-9889.