Project Summary Sheet

Project: Computer Simulation Modeling of Intermediate Trophic Levels for Across Trophic Level Systems Simulation of the Everglades/Big Cypress Region

Web Sites: ATLSS.ORG

Location (Subregions & Counties): The total system

Funding (Source): USGS Place-Based Studies

Principal Investigator: Michael S. Gaines, Department of Biology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33124 Phone: 305-284-3974 e-mail: m.gaines@miami.edu

Project Personnel: Donald L. DeAngelis, Phone: 305-284-1690 e-mail: ddeangelis@umiami.ir.miami.edu

Supporting Organizations: USGS/BRD, NPS, ACE, EPA

Associated / Linked Projects: Component of ATLSS Program

Overview & Status: This project has had the goal of developing models for key components of the Everglades landscape as part of the overall Across Trophic Level System Simulation. There are four principal products in 2002 tasks within this project: (1) Develop and test models for two primary food bases; the functional group of small fishes, upon which many of the wading birds depend, and the main reptile and amphibian functional groups. (2) Develop and test a model for the snail kite population of Florida. (3) Develop a model for the population of American crocodiles, along with supporting empirical studies. (4) Develop models for the key wading bird species, particularly focusing on the effects of hydrology and fish availability on wading bird success.

Needs & Products: Three primary directions will be taken in 2002. (1) The snail kite model, EVERKITE (Version 2.0), has been developed and delivered to agency users. This model will be further tested against snail kite nesting data. The testing is leading to development of a new version, Version 3.0, which contains preference factors for particular Greater Everglades subregions. Data are also available now to validate the spatially explicit species index (SESI) model of the Cape Sable seaside sparrow (Version 1.0). This will be performed during the next year. (2) The American crocodile spatially explicit simulation model has been completed and is being used for research purposes. It will be reviewed and validated as far as possible for use as a Florida Bay performance measure. (3) A number of performance measures involving particular species have been adopted for evaluating the CERP implementation. To use these measures, habitat suitability models must be developed and validated. We are proposing further development of a model already initiated for the oak toad (Bufo quercicus) and testing in the marl prairies and pinelands of Everglades National Park (ENP). We are also proposing to develop and test habitat suitability indices for one or more small mammals that are native to ENP.

Application to Everglades Restoration: (1) Snail kite and fish landscape models used in C&SF Restudy assessments, (2) Snail kite and fish landscape models used in ModWaters Project design, (3) Wading bird, snail kite, and American crocodile models critical for implementing the Multi-Species Recovery Plan Wading bird, snail kite, American alligator, and American crocodile are all specific performance measures that will be used in CERP.