Night‑time Guardians of the Everglades

The University of Florida’s wildlife team, called “Croc Docs, ” spends most nights in the Everglades hunting two dangerous species: alligators that need health checks and Burmese pythons that threaten native life. Instead of waiting for the sun, they launch airboats under moonlight and use radio tags, drones, and thermal cameras to locate these reptiles. When a python is found, scientists track its movements with GPS and look for groups of females so they can remove several snakes at once. Alligator work is equally intense: researchers capture a gator, measure its length and weight, test for disease, then release it back to the same spot. This routine is repeated many times before dawn, ensuring minimal stress for the animal and accurate data for scientists. Women make up half of the team, leading fieldwork that protects Florida’s fragile ecosystems and advances conservation science. Their efforts help wildlife agencies make better decisions about managing invasive species.Some members, like Melissa Miller and Michelle Bassis, grew up fascinated by snakes and found their calling in hands‑on research instead of traditional veterinary paths. Others, such as Patricia Rodriguez‑Gonzalez and Gabriella De La Fe, drive long nights on state roads to record invasive reptiles and frogs, building a database that tracks population trends. Beyond Florida, Croc Docs scientists study crocodiles in Belize and work on projects that involve falconry, wildlife photography, and public outreach. Their diverse roles show that conservation is not just about fieldwork; it also includes logistics, innovation, and storytelling. The team’s success reflects a broader push for gender equality in science, highlighted by the United Nations’ International Women and Girls in Science Day. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences supports these efforts by providing research facilities, extension offices, and students who apply science to agriculture and natural resources.