I just read the USFW Boa/Python Panel Transcript, and one thing strikes me as very odd - that is the amount of discussion around the USGS maps showing the "possible" expansion of an invasive species of boa or python in the U.S. Many suggested conducting experiments on live animals to test their survival over various temperatures to the point of death of the test animals.



To me, this seems to be very wrong and would justifiably bring the wrath of the animal rights activists, and even the animal welfare activists, down upon we reptile enthusiasts.



A much more logical approach would be to study an existing model, complete with historical climate data, food supply, predators, etc. which is already available! That model is the native range of the boa or python in question. Simply ask and then answer the question, "What factors have stopped the spread of the snake in question in its own native habitat?" and then correlate that data with the conditions in the U.S.



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