Each invasive Burmese Python used contributes to protecting over 70 species of native mammals, birds, and reptiles, and the 1.3 billion dollar economy dependent on the Florida Everglades.

Burmese Pythons, initially exotic pets imported from Asia, were accidentally introduced to the Florida Everglades in the 1980s. Today the Everglades are overrun by these giant creatures, and they’ve eaten at least 95% of the animals in the area. Worse, now they’re expanding their territory and have been spotted down in the Florida Keys and as far north as Georgia. Efforts to control them involve full-time snake hunters, open python hunting seasons, and an annual python hunting competition. Unfortunately, most of these animals are poisonous to eat due to being contaminated with mercury from eating many smaller animals.

Snake hunters have transformed this challenge into an opportunity. They repurpose the python skins into leather for use mainly in the fashion industry. Sourcing materials from invasive species in this way discourages the term "sustainably sourced" for the more fitting "responsibly sourced." This unconventional approach aligns ecological balance with creative craftsmanship.

Indo Pacific Lionfish, native to the Pacific Ocean, are an invasive species introduced to the Atlantic a few decades ago as an exotic aquarium fish. They have quickly spread through the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Mediterranean Sea, where they have no natural predator. This lionfish invasion is destroying native fish populations and coral reefs.

Coral reefs are crucial to the health of the planet. They provide habitat for over a million aquatic species, protect coastlines from natural disasters, help regulate carbon dioxide levels in the ocean, support local economies through tourism and fishing, and offer potential sources for new medicines.

Invasive lionfish prey on over 50 native species of small fish and juvenile fish, including the smaller herbivorous fish and invertebrates that normally keep algae in check on a coral reef. This ruins their ecological balance and causes the reefs to die. Just one invasive lionfish can consume up to 70,000 native reef fish in its lifetime. And they lay as many as 30,000 eggs, every four days. Which has allowed the lionfish population to skyrocket in a short amount of time. Invasive lionfish are out-competing every other native fish in the water. If left unchecked, this lionfish invasion will ultimately destroy the coral reefs, native fish stocks and the livelihoods of everyone that depend upon them.

At this point, scientists think this is one invasive species that's impossible to stop. But we can at least slow this lionfish invasion down. Many areas affected by these fish are now hosting annual lionfish derbies to encourage more people to catch them. Fortunately, unlike some other invasive species, lionfish are edible and delicious. So, as word spreads, they will hopefully become a common site on menus around the world. And their skins are being adopted by the fashion industry as a beautiful, durable exotic leather.