Wildlife conservation--Florida

Environmental parameters were quantified to develop a physiognomically-based system for describing and predicting gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) habitat on the Florida Atlantic University Nature Preserve. There were significant correlations among gopher tortoise densities and all physiognomic features except saw palmettos. The only feature with predictive usefulness was bare ground as indicated by a multiple regression. Burrows were regularly dispersed and the highest densities occurred in wet prairie associations. Tortoises located burrows in areas with less canopy and shrub cover but greater herbaceous cover and more extensive bare ground. This physiognomically-based system for predicting location of gopher tortoise habitats should prove useful in the relocation of displaced tortoises as required by the Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission.

The Florida Scrub-jay is found only in the fire-dependent xeric oak communities of Florida. The number of scrub-jays statewide has been in steady decline over the past century due to the habitat loss resulting from urban development and the aging of xeric oak scrub caused by fire suppression policies. This study looks how aging of the scrub has affected scrub-jays at the Savannas Preserve State Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida. The population of scrub-jays at Savannas has been in decline over the past eight years. This study revealed that they are occupying territories that are much smaller than the normal optimal size and are having minimal reproductive success. In addition, the birds are subjected to predation pressures from natural predators present at higher than normal densities and by other predators brought into their habitat by encroaching urban development. The implementation of an aggressive prescribed fire program to restore their habitat is crucial to the long-term survival of this population of Florida Scrub-jays.