Florida is renown for its incredible coastlines, vast Everglades ecosystem, and beautiful patches of coral reefs that surround the southern tip of the peninsula. Sadly, within these regions exist 52 species of reptile, amphibian, invertebrate, fish, bird, and mammal that have been listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973. The main threats to their existence originate with human activities, including pollution, development, and recreation. Now, let’s take a look at just five endangered animal species of Florida.
1. West Indian Manatee
The West Indian manatee is one of the most well-known endangered animal species of Florida. This is perhaps because they exist nowhere else in the US. Its cousin, the Antillean manatee, lives in the Caribbean (from the Greater Antilles to northeastern South America), and is also endangered. Manatees must eat 10-15 percent of their own weight in aquatic plants every day. They also require a specific water temperature for their digestive systems to work properly before shutting down. Additionally, cold water temperatures, lack of vegetation, and boat propeller strikes are the manatee’s biggest threats.
2. Gopher Tortoise
You may be surprised to learn that the gopher tortoise is considered a keystone species in Florida. In addition, this means their presence in the ecosystem is a crucial factor in species diversity. According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), gopher tortoise burrows provide habitat and protection for as many as 400 other animal species! However, habitat loss due to development, trade capture, disease, and relocation have caused their population numbers to dwindle.
3. Roseate Spoonbill
Displaying brilliant shades of pink and fuchsia that only a flamingo can match, the numbers of roseate spoonbills depleted in the 1860s. The large dip in numbers is due to a surge in plume hunters looking to pilfer the wader’s vibrant plumage. The roseate spoonbill lays 2-3 eggs at a time in areas close to the waters in which they wade, searching for food. A large contribution to the dwindling number of Roseate Spoonbills is egg and nestling predation by birds of prey, raccoons and fire ants. Other concerns to the Roseate Spoonbills are habitat loss as well as degradation, which are ongoing threats.
4. Red Wolf
Sometimes called the Florida or Mississippi Valley wolf, the red wolf is another unfortunate member. Red wolves are a prominent feature in Cherokee mythology. Many members of the Cherokee tribe would refrain from killing this species to avoid vengeance from its pack. Additionally, predator control programs and habitat loss led to fewer wolves. Attempts to relocate and recolonize have been mildly successful, but disease, predator competition, and habitat loss continue to be problems for the red wolf. Currently, scientists estimate the wild red wolf population to be just 50-75, making this species the world’s most endangered wolf species.
5. Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Finally, the hawksbill sea turtle, just one of five species of sea turtles that nest on the Sunshine State’s beaches. All of these are part of Flirendangered animal species of Florida. The hawksbill and all other species of sea turtle are also on the IUCN Red List of Endangered Species, which affords them international protection. However, egg predation by other animals and humans is the number one threat to the survival of all sea turtle species. With removal of this threat things are still grim, as only 1 in 1000 hatchlings survive to maturity.
Featured Image from Lucie Sa_Vi/Unsplash
