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Threats to Other Regions
The brown
Treesnake's habits make it an excellent candidate for colonizing new
habitats and causing similar problems in other locales as it has done
on Guam. Because it is nocturnal and successful living in close
proximity to man, it willingly seeks refuge in man-made materials, such
as sea and air cargo, and remains undiscovered during the daylight hours.
It was most likely through these means that the snake made its way to
Guam. Other factors that aid the snake's success in transit and
once it has arrived in a new environment are its abilities to live for
long periods of time without food and to consume a wide variety of prey,
ensuring that newly-arriving snakes will successfully exploit available
lizard, bird, and mammal species.
Several features enhance the likelihood of dispersal of snakes from densely populated Guam to other Pacific Islands. The central position of Guam in the western Pacific, its importance as a U.S. military center for the Pacific region, and the volume of both civilian and military transportation all contribute to the probability of snakes being carried from Guam to other destinations.
The snake's
abundance on Guam also contributes to its potential as a stowaway.
Snakes are common near seaports, airports, and cargo facilities, with
access to equipment and materials destined for off-island shipment.
However, these areas are currently targeted for control measures.
Tactics for limiting snake presence in these areas and exportation include:
building snake-proof barriers, conducting visual searches and trapping
in and around transportation centers, modifying the surrounding habitat
to make it less desirable to snakes, inspecting outgoing cargo to ensure
that snakes are not contained within, and educating personnel in high-risk
areas on identification and interdiction of brown Treesnakes.
Even with these measures in place, there have still been numerous cases of snakes making their way off the island and being discovered in other locations. Brown Treesnakes are moved from Guam in both military transportation and commercial air and ship traffic.
Many Pacific Island ecosystems have much in common with Guam's environment. The introduction and establishment of brown Treesnake populations on other islands could have consequences similar to those on Guam, especially if the problem is not promptly addressed. This is particularly true on other islands supporting unique species, those with smaller power supply systems, and whose economies are largely based on tourism. Accidental transport of brown Treesnakes to subtropical areas of the continental United States could result in similar circumstances locally.
Biology
of the BTS & Pacific Snakes
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& Damages from the BTS
Control
& Containment of the BTS
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