Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
"To serve, advise, and develop educational programs for Florida citizens in conjunction with county extension agents and other state, county, and local organizations interested in wildlife issues."
Programs are oriented toward the use, conservation, management, and appreciation of wildlife resources, and requests for such programs can be made through county Extension offices or directly with specialists.
(Source: Florida Wildlife Extension)
Useful Links
Editorial Team
- Marty Main - Editor
- Eric Hellgren - Chair, Approver
- Susan Gildersleeve - ICS Editor
RECENT & REVISED PUBLICATIONS
Wildlife of Florida Factsheet: Nine-banded Armadillo
UW456/WEC411 by Simon Fitzwilliam and Raoul K. BoughtonAugust 1, 2024Learn more about nine-banded armadillos!
The Wildlife of Florida Factsheet series was created to provide the public with a quick accurate introduction to Florida’s wildlife, including both native and invasive. We hope these fact sheets inspire people to investigate wildlife in their own backyard and communities and understand the amazing biodiversity of wildlife in the state of Florida.Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
The Unnatural History of Invasive Species in the Florida Keys: Paradise Threatened but not Lost
UW515/WEC460by Jenna Cole, Melissa A. Miller, Paul Evans, Rosemarie Moore, and Frank J. MazzottiJuly 30, 2024Non-native species are animals and plants living outside of their native ranges as a result of human activity. The specific introduction of a species to an area can occur intentionally or unintentionally. A few introduced non-native species will become established (breed) and can become invasive species capable of harming ecosystems, economies, or human health and safety. The establishment of invasive species can follow a trend known as the “invasion curve.” The longer invasive species remain in an area, the more severe their impact, the higher the chance for their distribution, and the greater the expense to manage them. Invasive species like the Burmese python and the lionfish have already harmed Florida Keys ecosystems. The Keys are particularly susceptible to invasion because of their tropical climate, island geography, and abundance of the disturbed habitats that help invasive species establish and spread. Early detection of new species is vital to saving Keys native species. Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
Hoja informativa de la vida silvestre de Florida: el puma de Florida
UW516/WEC422Sby Kelly Koriakin y Raoul K. Boughton. Traducido por Rebeca Prieto, Alejandra Areingdale y Miguel AcevedoJuly 1, 2024Esta es una hoja informativa de la vida silvestre en Florida, dedicada al puma (pantera) de la Florida. Este material busca informar sobre las características de este felino, la historia de su presencia en el estado, su distribución actual, biología y comportamiento. El objetivo es informar para que el público sepa identificar a los pumas, resguardar su hábitat y también contribuir con la investigación y el manejo de esta especie.Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)
UW520/WEC464by Muhammad Azeem Akhter and Mark HostetlerJune 7, 2024This fact sheet describes a common wintering bird in Florida called the cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum). Information in this fact sheet is relevant to homeowners, backyard bird enthusiasts, and the general public. Written by Muhammad Azeem Akhter and Mark Hostetler, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, June 2024.Critical Issue: 3. Natural Resources and Environmental Quality
Facts about Wildlife Diseases: Things You Should Know about Mule Deerpox Virus in Farmed White-Tailed Deer in Florida
UW519/WEC463by Juan M. Campos Krauer and Samantha M. WiselyMay 21, 2024Pox viruses are widespread and infect many hosts, including insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Some, like chicken pox, are highly adapted to humans, and others, like monkeypox, can be transmitted from species to species. All are highly contagious and usually cause lesions or rashes. Poxvirus infections occur in domestic hoofstock, including cattle, sheep, goats, camels, horses, and swine, and they have been reported in wild ungulates, including mountain sheep, mountain goats, reindeer, mule deer, musk-ox, caribou, moose, and white-tailed deer. In 1983, Mule deerpox virus, a genetically distinct pox virus was found in free-ranging mule deer in Wyoming. Since the 1990s, several cases of mule deerpox virus have been reported from black-tailed deer from California and Oregon and a white-tailed deer from Mississippi, suggesting that this virus may be a potential emerging pathogen for white-tailed deer. It is unclear whether the virus is more prevalent or whether detection has increased.Critical Issue: 1. Agricultural and Horticultural Enterprises
