FORT Scientist to Brief Secretary on Brown Tree Snake

 

In mid-January, Interior Secretary Gale Norton will travel to the island of Guam to learn about the invasive brown tree snake and the ecological and economic damage it has wrought there. This snake entered Guam in the 1950's, probably in salvaged WWII equipment brought to Guam from New Guinea. Since then, the snake has extirpated 10 bird species (many of which were found only on Guam) as well as bats and lizards. In addition, the snake has a propensity for crawling up electrical supply lines and causing frequent power outages at an average cost of well over $1 million per year. They also enter homes and inflict venomous bites requiring medical attention. USGS scientists are researching and testing techniques for mitigation and remediation on Guam, and for prevention, early detection, and eradication of incipient populations on neighboring islands like Hawaii and the Northern Marianas. USGS herpetologist Gordon Rodda has submitted a briefing paper for the Secretary on brown tree snake research and activity, and on January 17 will meet with Secretary Norton and a large Congressional delegation, including House Resources Committee Chair Richard Pombo and other dignitaries. In this session, to be held at the Guam National Wildlife Refuge, Dr. Rodda will discuss the research, technical assistance, and needs pertaining to this noxious invader.

 For more information contact: Gordon Rodda

See Also:

 Learn more about the brown tree snake on Guam

 Find more news stories from:   [Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands]   [Guam]   [Hawaii]  

 Find more news stories about:   [BROWN TREE SNAKE]  

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