Mini Project #3

ENDANGERED SPECIES

In this assignment I will be identifying endangered animals, specifically those within 100 miles of where I live which is Broward County Florida. To be endangered means that the animal is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. I wasn't sure that I would find many in such a small geographical area (compared to those animals scattered all throughout the globe). However, to my surprise there are quite a few. As a matter of fact, many animals that call the Florida Everglades home are on the US Fish and Wildlife Service's endangered Species List.

THE AMERICAN CROCODILE
(Crocodylus acutus)

This relative of the alligator has lost most of its natural habitat due to extensive development along coastal areas and the Keys. Traditionally, the crocodile has inhabited a range extending from Biscayne Bay northward.

TURTLES

• Green turtle (Chelonia midas)
• Atlantic Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempi)
• Atlantic Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
• Atlantic Leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea)

BIRDS

Wood Stork
(Mycteria americana)

Its population along with other similar species has declined by at least 90% since the 1930's!

Current contributing factors:

• its unique feeding habits
• specific environmental requirements

VS.

• modern water control programs
• excessive dry spells

other endangered birds:

Cape Sable seaside sparrow (Ammodramus maritima mirabilis)
Everglades snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus)
Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis)

Manatee
(Trichechus manatus)

Major threats:

• boat propellers
• habitat destruction
• poaching
• vandal attacks

FLORIDA PANTHER
(Felis concolor coryi)

The once sprawling panther population has dwindled down to a meager 50 in 1990, nearly eliminated.

Causes:

• rapid urban development
• genetic inbreeding
• mercury poisoning
• shootings
• collisions (with fast moving vehicles)

OTHER ENDANGERED MAMMALS

• Key Largo wood rat (Neotoma floridana smalli)
• Key Largo cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola)

Garbers spurge (Chamaesyce garberi)

• drastically affected by human developmentof their natural habitats
• uprooted from 8 Florida Keys
• has not been located in Miami area since 1949

**The remaining habitats that foster Garbers spurge are in danger of destruction from hurricanes, storms, fire and other plants.

information courtesy of news sun-sentinel
April 2, 2008