How Do Scientists Track Animals?

Burmese pythons are typically found in grasslands, woodlands, and swamps of Southeast Asia. They are large, constricting snakes, meaning they squeeze their prey to kill it! Female Burmese pythons are larger than males and can reach more than 15 ft long. They frequently eat birds, mammals, amphibians, and other reptiles. Burmese pythons are an invasive species in the Florida Everglades, meaning they were introduced there and are not naturally native to the area. In the Everglades, Burmese pythons eat prey as large and ferocious as American alligators!

Invasive species are often harmful to the ecosystem where they have been introduced and the Burmese python is no exception. As adult snakes, Burmese pythons have very few natural predators and prey on important native species. To determine the best ways to control the python population, it is helpful to learn where the pythons spend time and how they move through the ecosystem. But how do scientists track snakes?

Satellite trackers have previously only been used for large mammals and birds because of the size and weight of the tracker and the challenge of attaching them to reptiles like snakes. Recently, scientists developed trackers that can be used on the long, slippery body of snakes and Burmese pythons were the perfect test species! Using satellite tracking method, scientists got important data regarding this invasive species and discovered challenges the tracking system faced, like tracking the snakes underground or underwater. Thanks to studies like this, we can learn so much about wildlife and benefit threatened ecosystems!

Match each animal tracking method to its description.

Animal Tracking Challenge

Track wildlife in your area! Complete the worksheets below to determine the best tracking method for an animal in your region.