Researchers from the University of Florida (led by Professor Bob McCleery at the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation) and the South Florida Water Management District have collaborated to help control the Burmese python populations in South Florida – using robot bunnies.
By removing the stuffing from toy bunnies and adding motors, heaters and solar panels, Department of Biology Assistant Professor Chris Dutton was able to use these decoys to mimic real marsh rabbit prey to attract and trap the pythons throughout the Everglades. This collaborative work has made National news; see the link to USA Today and live News! Ingenious work – Congratulations Chris!
Image Credit: Robert McCleery.
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Burmese pythons have terrorized the Florida Everglades for years. Scientists are hoping robotic bunnies will end the reptile’s reign over the region.
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Meet the robo-bunny: This tiny, furry robot is taking on invasive pythons in Florida
Burmese pythons have terrorized the Florida Everglades for years. Scientists are hoping robotic bunnies will end the reptile’s reign over the region.
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Robotic Rabbits: A new hope against Everglades’ python threat
Scientists in Florida are trying an innovative approach to combat the Burmese python problem in the Everglades. They are using decoy robotic rabbits to lure the invasive species. The South Florida …
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