The Florida Panther

                                                                    by James Du Prey

The Florida Panther is a reddish brown, large and slender cat, a decedent of the Puma, and it is the last of its sub species. It can reach a length of about 7 feet and it used to range all over the southeastern U.S.  Now it has been restricted to a small portion of south Florida.  Panthers used to be killed on site at any time in Florida, then they became a regulated "game species", but once the population was severely restricted, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission removed them from the list and gave them complete legal protection.  No reproducing population has been found outside south Florida for about 30 years, despite an intensive search to document them.  They are now considered the most endangered mammals in the world.  They are very solitary and territorial animals, and their migration patters hardly vary.  In addition, they need large spaces for hunting, and follow the same path looking for prey in a large area.  The need for large spaces is one of their biggest limitations.  They are also K-selected species, and their recovery rate is very low.  Unfortunately, the Florida Panther population remains at about 110 to 120.  

Habitat Requirements

Panthers require large areas in order to meet their needs.  They typically don't stay in one place; in fact, panthers move extensively within home ranges, going to all parts of their range regularly while hunting, breeding or other activities.  They are typically found in most types of vegetation.  Historically, a present deer population was a prerequisite for panthers.  

Limiting Factors

While the Florida Panther needs a vast amount of space to fulfill their social, reproductive and energetic needs, space is something that is lacking.  Their habitat selection is related to prey availability and the surrounding environment.  Panthers usually choose forest habitats that have dense vegetation to provide some of the most important feeding, resting, and denning cover.   Agriculture is one of the main reasons for driving back the Panther population accompanied by people hunting them as they expand.  Habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation are the greatest threats to panther survival, and lack of human tolerance is the main threat to panther recovery.

In addition, health is a huge factor in the survival of the remaining panthers.  Panthers have an extraordinarily large number of health problems, and most are due to poor habitat conditions and genetic defects.

The Plan for Recovery

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service originally created a recovery plan in 1981, and revised it for the third time in 2008.  The need for more habitat is crucial, and the main strategy in the plan is "to maintain, restore, and expand the panther population and its habitat in south Florida, expand this population into south-central Florida, and reintroduce at least two additional viable populations within the historic range".  The plan is built surrounding habitat conservation in accordance with the need to avoid any additional habitat related problems.  "Range expansion and reintroduction of additional populations are recognized as essential for recovery" (Florida Panther Recovery Plan, pg. ix).  The goal of the plan is to achieve long-term viability of the Florida Panther.

The U.S.F.W.S has made concise recovery objectives needed for their survival:

1. To maintain, restore, and expand the panther population and its habitat in south Florida and expand the breeding portion of the population in south Florida to areas north of the Chattahoochee River. 
2. To identify, secure, maintain, and restore panther habitat in potential reintroduction areas within the historic range, and to establish viable populations of the panther outside south and south-central Florida. 
3. To facilitate panther recovery thorough public awareness and education. 

When Will They Be Recovered?

The Florida Panther Recovery Plan has cited that a viable population, with respect to the Florida Panther, is one where there is a 95% probability of persistence for 100 years.  The criteria for this goal is that there are at least two viable populations each consisting of 240 individuals, and each having been established in their ecological role and subsequently been maintained for a minimum of twelve years. They will be taken off the list from the Endangered Species Act when there is at least 3 viable populations each of at least 240 individuals and each having been maintained for at least 12 years.

Personal Action
Road kill is a leading factor that inhibits the full recovery of Florida Panthers, and knowing this I always keep an eye out on the road while driving.  It reduces the risk of me hitting any animal as well.  Another thing I personally plan to do is become aware of regions where panthers, and other endangered animals roam, and strive not to expand into their home.

Wait! You can help!

You can do your part in helping the cause to save Florida Panthers from extinction.

Donate to organizations that are active participants in the revival of the Florida Panther populations.

        Defenders of Wildlife: http://www.defenders.org/florida-panther/how-you-can-help
     
        Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge: http://floridapanther.org/

Citations:

1. United States of America. Department of Interior. US Fish and Wildlife Service. Florida Panther Recovery Plan. US Fish and Wildlife Service, Nov. 2008. Web. 16 Nov. 2015.
2. Fleming, Elizabeth. "A Growing State Means Growing Threats for Florida's Official State Animal." Defenders of Wildlife Blog. Defenders of Wildlife, 18 Mar. 2015. Web. 16 Nov. 2015.
3. "Frequently Asked Questions." The Florida Panther Society, Inc. The Florida Panther Society, Inc., 15 May 2002. Web. 16 Nov. 2015. <http://www.panthersociety.org/faq.html>
4. Onorato, Dave. "Florida Panthers: Next Steps." Florida Panther Population Status and Human Conflicts (n.d.): n. pag. Florida Panther: Next Steps. Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, 2011. Web. 30 Nov. 2015. <http://myfwc.com/media/2345993/4CFloridaPantherPlan_presentation.pdf>.

Fender's Blue Butterfly

#BIO227Fall2015    

The Green Sea Turtle

By: Janie Crawford

http://www.macroevolution.net/sea-turtle-hatchlings.html

History:

Green sea turtles are named after their green cartilage and fat deposits around their internal organs; however, they are black-brown or greenish yellow in color. Green turtles are highly migratory and are found around the world in warm subtropical and tropical ocean waters. Nesting for green sea turtles occurs in over 80 different countries. Long ago green turtles were viewed as royalty and often chief leaders would decide when and who could hunt the turtles. Unfortunately,  the green turtle's decline combined with alterations to island cultures has reduced the cultural importance of green turtles. The decline in sea turtles is also due to the development of hunting tools and increased efficiency.

Geographic and Population Changes:

When the baby turtles leave the nesting beach they float in the major current system. After a couple years, the turtles go to an area rich in seagrass and marine algae where they grow until they’re mature. Once they reach sexual maturity green turtles move between foraging grounds and nesting areas. Then the male and females traverse oceanic zones to mate. 

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/green-sea-turtle/#green-sea-turtle-closeup-underwater.jpg

 Listing:

On 1/12/98 green turtles were listed as endangered in Florida and threatened on other parts of the east coast.

Threats: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibropapillomatosis

Habitat Loss

Coastal development has destroyed beaches green turtles use as nesting sights. Also, feeding habitats for green turtles, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, are being damaged or entirely destroyed as a result of sedimentation, nutrient run-off, tourist development, destructive fishing techniques and climate change.

Disease

In Hawaii almost 70% of stranded green turtles are affected by fibropapillomas, a tumorous disease

Hunting 

About 11,000 green sea turtles are harvested annually  in Nicaragua for consumption, this has drastically impacted the number of green turtles in the world.

https://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Green-Sea-Turtle.aspx

Light Pollution

When there are lights on nesting beaches it alters the behavior of the adults and is often fatal to hatchlings, because they are attracted to light sources and are drawn away from the water.

Accidental Capture

Fishermen often accidentally catch green sea turtles and it can either injure or kill the turtle

Wildlife Trade  

30,000 green turtles in Baja California alone are taken per year

Recovery Plan:

1. All US waters have to be identified and source beaches based on geographic               boundaries
2. Each stock must average 5,000 FENA over six years
3. Nesting populations at “source beaches” are stable or increasing after 25 years
4. Existing foraging areas are maintained and healthy
5. Foraging populations increase at key grounds within stock regions
6. A management plan to sustain turtles is in place
7. International agreements to protect shared stocks is in place

How Can You Help?

1. Turn out your lights if you’re near a nesting beach so that you don’t distract the turtles from their journey to the ocean
2. Clean up any trash that you see on the beach
3. Reduce the amount of chemicals you use at home so that it doesn't go to the ocean

Works Cited

http://ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/981201e.pdf

http://www.defenders.org/sites/default/files/publications/five-things-you-can-do-to-save-sea-turtles.pdf

http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/4615/0

http://www.wwf.org.au/our_work/saving_the_natural_world/wildlife_and_habitats/australian_priority_species/marine_turtles/marine_turtles_and_threats_they_face/marine_turtles_habitat_loss_and_degradation/

http://www.livescience.com/338-sea-turtles-hunted-brink-study-finds.html

Black-Footed Ferret by Lindsay Eklund

 

If you want to become active in this cause, follow these links below:

Write to Congress:  https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2701

Adopt a Black-Footed Ferret: http://www.prairiewildlife.org/zencart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1

All About the Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle

http://www.wikiwand.com/en/Kemp's_ridley_sea_turtle

A Brief Description

The Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle, or scientifically named the Thalassochelys kempii, is named after Richard M. Kemp, the fisherman who discovered the species.  The Kemp's Ridley diverged from another Sea Turtle species called the Olive Ridley approximately 2.5 to 3.5 million years ago.  The average weight of an adult varies from 70 pounds to 108 pounds! Their shells are almost as wide as they are and is approximately 60-65 cm long.  As they develop from babies to adults they change from a grey-black shell and yellowish white body to a grey-olive shell and cream-white body.  Males are not well described but resemble the females in size and coloration.

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/kemps-ridley-sea-turtle/

Females reach sexual maturity at the age of 12. They nest every two years and their eggs are between 34-45 mm in diameter and 24-40 g in weight.  Their nesting is mostly restricted to the beaches of the Western Gulf of Mexico (specifically Rancho Nuevo) and within the United States the majority of the nesting occurs in South Texas.  This species can be found in the Northern Atlantic for feeding.

Reaching Extinction

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2011/20110922_kempsridley.html

The Kemp's Ridley was listed as endangered on December 2, 1970 and has received federal protection since that time under the ESA.  The International Union for the Conservation of Nature lists the Kemp’s Ridley as Critically Endangered. Not only is this sea turtle critically endangered, but it is the smallest sea turtle species in existence!  According to the World Wildlife Fund, breeding populations have dwindled from 100,000's in the 1940's to only a few hundred in the 1980's!

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/turtles/kempsridley.htm

Main Threats

There are many threats that have lead to this species endangerment.  Some main threats that contributed to this species decline are:

• Habitat loss and Degradation
• Collection of eggs and meat for consumption
• Climate Change
• Pollution

But, the biggest threat by far is fisheries bycatch. Such as incidental capture through shrimp trawling and other fishing net/gear.

Description of recovery plan

After the original recovery plan was approved in 1984, a bi-national recovery plan revision was initiated in 2002.  This plan is to maintain the conservation efforts that have proven successful including:

http://www.sefsc.noaa.gov/species/turtles/kempsridley.htm

1. Reinforcing habitat protection efforts, protecting nests, and maintaining/increasing hatchling production levels (on the beach)
2. Maintain use of turtle excluder devices(TEDs) in fisheries and expanding this to all trawl fisheries (in the water)
3. Community social/economic groups must be developed to reduce incidental capture in fisheries (in Mexico)
4. Bycatch reduction needs to be expanded to all fisheries of concern (in the US)
5. Conduct research and collect data on inter-nesting habitats and migratory pathways
6. Increased conservation funding
7. Educational programs must be implemented

Read more about the recovery plan here.

How to Help

Personally, I plan to donate through WWF.  Although my individual contribution will not make a significant impact, I believe that every penny helps.  If multiple people make a contribution like me, this will make a more significant impact. I encourage you to donate too! The key is to spread awareness through conservation.  I plan to spread my knowledge about the species so other people make an effort to help.


By: Marissa DiSandro

Works Cited

"Bi-National Recovery Plan for the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle." (n.d.): n. pag. US Fish & Wildlife Services. FWS. Web. 25 Nov. 2015.

"Kemp's Ridley Turtle." WWF. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2015.

"Kemp's Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys Kempii)." NOAA Fisheries. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Nov. 2015.

Peninsular Bighorn Sheep

By 

Dylan Landon

Who Are We Dealing With Here?

http://www.bighorninstitute.org/endangered.html

             The Peninsular Bighorn Sheep is a subspecies of Desert Bighorn living in the Peninsular Ranges in San Diego, Riverside, and Imperial Counties. From light brown to dark grey The Peninsular Bighorn Sheep have a variety of fur colors. They also have some very distinct features, including large curved horns for butting, and hooves for climbing mountain terrain. Besides their physical distinctiveness, the sheep are known to be herbivore, K-selected, climbing, prey animals. The male Bighorns are called "rams" and the females are "ewes".

https://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/Bighorn/images/bighorn_CA.pdf

          The Peninsular Bighorn Sheep has some unique habitat needs. Because they are avid climbers, they dwell in the steeper mountain 

terrain of Southern California. The Bighorns use their skill at maneuvering over rugged terrain to escape potential predators such as mountain lions. The highlands also offer larger boulders or cliffs for them to find protection in from heat or snow. Melting snow often produces a reliable water resource for them throughout the drier seasons.

            So what’s going on?

            On March 18^th 1998, the Peninsular Bighorn Sheep was listed on the Endangered Species Act as endangered. The major problem for the sheep is habitat fragmentation. What they need is a large area where they can dwell mainly in upper parts of mountains, but travel down valleys and flat lands for water and more accessible foliage. What they have now is strips of highways and freeways shattering their migratory area. The habitat fragmentation also causes them to become preyed upon more effortlessly. With the space for them to run or hide limited by infrastructure and urban development, they run out of places to go.

https://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/Bighorn/Desert/Peninsular/

            How Have Things Changed?

https://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/Bighorn/Desert/Peninsular/

            According to the Center for Biological Diversity, almost two million bighorns were thriving throughout North America. Today however there is an estimated population of just 70,000 in the entire continent. With estimated as few as 334 of the animals being in the Peninsular ranges. Where there used to be several thousand, today there is only a few hundred. It is wretched to think that this devastating decline is chiefly caused by human actions. Something to keep in mind is that the development that dwindled these populations down to what they are today, still not only exists, but also continues to grow.

            Is There Something You Could Do?         
 

            The Bighorns need our help. In the future the primary effort is in trying to attain and recover more habitat for them. More protected land without human caused fragmentation will result in an increase in their population sizes. Additional land will provide safer migration, an increase in food sources, additional shelter areas, and likely easier access to water. In the meantime, wildlife restoration biologists agree that overseeing the adult populations will be the most positively influential to population sizes.

http://www.kenpapai.com/travels/coachella2004.html

            There is only a faint chance of delisting by 2025 because not all the criteria is being met for the Peninsular Bighorn Sheep’s recovery. It is possible that it could take numerous decades before their populations reach full recovery. So what can we do? Because they are so elusive and it is difficult for an individual to alter an entire habitat, our efforts should be put to supporting the organizations with the number and power to make a quicker change. An example would be if you were to volunteer or donate to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Peninsular Desert Bighorn Sheep Program.

-Fun Facts About Peninsular Bighorn Sheep-

                            ~ Provided by "The Nature Conservancy"

• Extreme eyesight: Bighorns see better than most mammals—their vision is about eight times more powerful than that of humans. They can spot a person walking in the desert more than a mile away.
• The battle of the horns: Rams often compete for ewes by participating in head-butting contests. They can charge each other at speeds of more than 20 mph, and when their horns crash it produces a sound that can be heard more than a mile away. These clashes may last as long as 20 hours!
• With rings come wisdom: The age of a bighorn can be determined by counting the rings on its horns—one year for each ring.
• Those hardheaded males: Male sheep horns can weigh as much as 30 pounds and can reach up to 33 inches long! Ewes’ horns typically max out at 8–10 inches in length.
• Girl power: Rams live an average of 9–12 years, while ewes edge them out with an average lifespan of 10–14 years.
• Lean machines: With compact and muscular bodies, mature rams in the peninsular ranges weigh more than 200 pounds; mature ewes weigh 105–130 pounds on average.
• They grow up fast: Young lambs can walk and climb as well as their mothers can within a day, and they remain with their mothers for the first year of their lives.

To donate, volunteer, or find out more visit: https://www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/Bighorn/Desert/Peninsular/

Also try the links below each photo and cited at the at the end!

Works Cited

Bighorn Institute. Endangered Peninsular Bighorn Sheep. 9 July 2015. 19 November 2015 <www.bighorninstitute/endangered.html>.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Peninsular Desert Bighorn Sheep. 4 March 2004. 19 November 2015 <www.dfg.ca.gov/wildlife/bighorn/desert/peninsular>.

Center for Biological Diversity. Biological Diversity. 12 June 2009. 13 November 2015 <www.biologicaldiversity.ore/species/mammals/peninsular_bighorn_sheep/#>.

The Nature Conservancy. Peninsular Bighorn Sheep- Our Majestic Desert Icon. 8 May 2012. 18 November 2015 <www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/california/placesweprotect/the-nature-conservancy-in-california-peninsular-bighorn-sheepour-majest.xml>.

U.S, Fish and Wildlife Service. "Recovery Plan for Bighorn Sheep in the Peninsular Ranges, California." 25 October 2000. Environmental Conservation Online System. Esther Rubin. 7 November 2015 <ecos.fws.gov/docs/recovery_plan/001025.pdf>.