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Great White Heron [larger image]

In south Florida, the transition from primitive to highly developed conditions in less than a century has resulted in the constriction and even loss of habitat for many species. For its size the area has a long list of rare and endangered animals. Among the species in this area to be threatened with extinction are the Everglade kite, the Florida panther, the manatee, the great white heron, the Key deer, the southern bald eagle, the brown pelican, the alligator, the crocodile, and the mangrove fox squirrel. Without exception, the reduction in the numbers of these animals in Dade County has been the result of loss of habitat. Severe changes in habitat have occurred because of unregulated drainage, dredging, and fillings; and poorly conceived channelization projects; and uncontrolled changes in vegetation by urban and agricultural development.

Everglade Kite [larger image]		Florida Panther [larger image]
The Everglade kite and the Florida panther are two of the endangered species in south Florida.

The recent reversal in numbers of the Key deer and the American alligator demonstrates that the preservation of suitable habitat aided by supporting laws and human protection, enables endangered species to rebound from near extinction. The survival of the Everglade kite is dependent entirely upon the aquatic habitat necessary for the production of the apple snail, the kite's sole source of food. The survival of the manatee and the great white heron are dependent upon the quality of the water and the presence of the mangrove flats in the estuarine zones of the county. The southern bald eagle will not nest in close proximity to man. In order to retain this species in the Dade County area, it is necessary that buffer zones be provided between the nest sites and land development.

Marks on the back of the manatee were made by the blades of an outboard motor propeller. [larger image]

The Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission is authorized by State law to protect 23 designated species threatened with extinction. The Rare and Endangered Species Conservation Act of 1969 authorizes the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife to support the State in its efforts to preserve these and other designated species. Consideration should be given to acquisition of areas as refuges for threatened species, especially in the mangroves for the manatee and other species that require this unique aquatic environment.

Wildlife is more sensitive to environmental changes than man. Understanding the requirements of wildlife species and knowing their reactions to certain environmental changes provide us with an invaluable environmental barometer.

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