Mesomammal Inventory at Big Cypress National Preserve

McCleery, Robert; Torres, Jose; Potash, Alex

Vertebrates, especially mammals, are declining rapidly worldwide, with invasive species among the leading causes. Few places illustrate this more clearly than the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, where widespread declines in native mammals have been linked to the invasive Burmese python. Although portions of Big Cypress National Preserve were once thought to provide refuge from python impacts, long-term information on its mesomammal communities has been limited. To address this knowledge gap, this project used camera traps, scat surveys, and occupancy modeling to evaluate changes in the distribution of common mid-sized mammals between 2014 and 2025 and to assess how python invasion, hydrology, fire history, and habitat characteristics influence species occurrence. Results documented substantial declines in several native mammals, including marsh rabbits, Virginia opossums, white-tailed deer, and raccoons, with the strongest declines occurring in areas where pythons have been established the longest. Hydrologic conditions and fire history also influenced several species, demonstrating that mammal distributions are shaped by interactions among invasive predators, water conditions, and ecosystem processes. These findings indicate that protected areas once considered refugia are now experiencing continued mammal declines as pythons expand across the landscape. This project provides park managers with practical monitoring protocols and science-based guidance to improve invasive species management, hydrologic monitoring, wildlife conservation, and future sampling. The findings support conservation of lands, waters, species, and heritage while informing water management, sustainable recreation, and adaptive stewardship to improve long-term resource management across Big Cypress National Preserve.

Mesomammal Inventory at Big Cypress National Preserve

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