Rebecca G. Harvey – EDIS Update

Everglades Invasive Reptile and Amphibian Monitoring Program: Summary of the First Five Years

South Florida has more nonnative species of reptiles and amphibians than anywhere else in the world. Some of these species become invasive and harm the environment, economy, and/or public health. Once populations are widely established, management becomes expensive, long-term, and often ineffective. Early detection and rapid response offers the best chance to contain or eradicate populations before they can spread and become unmanageable. Toward that end, the Everglades Invasive Reptile and Amphibian Monitoring Program provides a scientific framework for monitoring invasive reptiles and amphibians in south Florida. It also monitors native reptiles, amphibians, and mammals to assess impacts of invasive species.

This 5-page fact sheet written by Rebecca G. Harvey, Mike Rochford, Jennifer Ketterlin Eckles, Edward Metzger III, Jennifer Nestler, and Frank J. Mazzotti and published by the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department lists the objectives, activities, and accomplishments of the program over its first five years, and it describes some ways Floridians and visitors to the state can help with the effort.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw431

Ecological Risk Assessment for Invasive Wildlife in Florida

Global trade and travel transport plants and animals from native ranges to new ecosystems. About 10 to 20% of nonnative (exotic, alien) species that arrive in new locales become invasive, meaning they are likely to harm the environment, economy, or public health. Preventing the introduction of invasive species is the most effective way to protect native biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. Once an invader begins to establish and spread, its control costs increase rapidly. Florida ports are the entry points for about half of the reptiles, arachnids, insects, and crustaceans imported into the United States. These arrivals, coupled with hospitable climate and habitats, have made Florida home to more invasive species than any other state but Hawaii. While it is too late to prevent the invasion of Burmese pythons and Argentine black and white tegus, we can act to prevent other potentially destructive species from establishing. This 6-page fact sheet written by Venetia Briggs-Gonzalez, Kyle Allen, Rebecca G. Harvey, and Frank J. Mazzotti and published by the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation explains how to assess the risk that a given invasive species presents to the environment and how to develop and use risk-screening tools to reduce the harmful effects of invasions or, better yet, prevent them entirely.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw419

The American Crocodile: An Indicator Species for Everglades Restoration

The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is a top predator that lives along the southern tip of peninsular Florida, inhabiting saltwater, brackish water, or freshwater near coastal areas in mangrove-lined ponds, creeks, coves, man-made ponds, and canals. This 3-page fact sheet written by Rebecca G. Harvey, Michiko Squires, Jeff Beauchamp, Frank J. Mazzotti, and Laura A. Brandt and published by the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation explains how monitoring populations of threatened crocodiles can help scientists chart the success of projects to restore the Everglades.
edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW422

The Argentine Black and White Tegu in South Florida: Population Growth, Spread, and Containment

Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) — Robin Bijlani, University of Florida

Florida is home to more nonnative species of reptiles and amphibians than anywhere else in the world because of its subtropical climate, large areas of disturbed habitats, and thriving trade in exotic pets. Although pythons have received the majority of public attention, invasive lizards also pose a significant threat to south Florida’s native wildlife and ecosystems, and a good example is the Argentine black and white tegu. Learn more about this exotic lizard in this 3-page fact sheet written by Rebecca G. Harvey and Frank J. Mazzotti and published by the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw405

Biology of the Hicatee: A Critically Endangered River Turtle of Belize

The hicatee (Dermatemys mawii) is a Central American river turtle and one of the 25 most endangered turtle species in the world. Over-hunting for meat, eggs, and shells is driving the turtles toward extinction. This 3-page fact sheet about the hicatee includes its natural history, reproductive habits, and ecology and describes the international conservation efforts to save the fascinating but fast-disappearing turtle. Written by Venetia Briggs-Gonzalez, Nathan Schwartz, Rebecca G. Harvey, and Frank J. Mazzotti and published in November 2015 by the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw404

The Invasion Curve: A Tool for Understanding Invasive Species Management in South Florida

South Florida has more than its share of invasive plants, reptiles, amphibians, fish, mammals, birds, and invertebrates. Nonnative species often spread quickly. Research and monitoring can help managers anticipate which species will cause harm before it is too late to remove them. Identifying where a species is on the invasion curve is the first step to taking management action. The invasion curve shows that eradication of an invasive species becomes less likely and control costs increase as an invasive species spreads over time. Prevention is the most cost-effective solution, followed by eradication. If a species is not detected and removed early, intense and long-term control efforts will be unavoidable. This 4-page fact sheet was written by Rebecca G. Harvey and Frank J. Mazzotti, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, November 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw392

Alligator Abundance and Hydrology (2003–2013): What Long-term Monitoring Can Tell Us about Everglades Restoration

The American alligator is a powerful indicator for Everglades restoration. It responds clearly to environmental change and is easy and inexpensive to monitor. As top predators and ecological “engineers,” alligators affect nearly all aquatic life in the ecosystem. Thus, trends in alligator populations can tell us whether restoration projects are successful. Alligators may be monitored for both short-term responses (body condition) and longer-term responses to ecosystem change (abundance). This 3-page fact sheet discusses trends in alligator abundance. It was written by Rebecca G. Harvey, Jeff Beauchamp, Robin Bijlani, Frank J. Mazzotti, and Laura A. Brandt, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, July 2014.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw387

Freshwater Turtles of Belize (WEC328/UW373)

Belize, a country rich in natural resources and diverse wildlife, is home to nine species of freshwater turtles. Among these is the critically endangered hicatee, which has been eliminated in most of its range as a result of hunting and habitat loss. Freshwater turtles live in rivers, creeks, and lagoons, and build their nests on the banks. They eat a variety of plants, aquatic vegetation, and fruits. However, little is known about Belize’s unique turtle species. This 2-page fact sheet will help people identify, understand, and conserve these treasured resources. Written by Venetia Briggs, Lauren Watine, Dustin Smith, Robin Bijlani, Rebecca Harvey, William Giuliano, and Frank Mazzotti, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, January 2013.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw373

The Invasion of Exotic Reptiles and Amphibians in Florida (WEC320/UW365)

Florida has more introduced species of reptiles and amphibians living and breeding in the wild than anywhere else in the world. This 6-page fact sheet summarizes findings from three recent scientific papers describing who these invaders are, their potential ecological impacts, and recommendations for their management and control. Written by Frank J. Mazzotti and Rebecca G. Harvey, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, May 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw365

Climate Change Adaptation: New Perspectives for Natural Resource Management and Conservation (WEC318/UW363)

Climate change is creating new challenges for conservation and management of natural resources. As temperatures, rainfall patterns, and disturbance regimes change and sea levels rise, ecosystems are being transformed. With climate change species and communities may move out of the fixed systems in reserves that were established to protect them, and may not have the needed migration corridors to successfully disperse. The rate at which climate is projected to change in coming decades is likely too fast for many species to genetically adapt or to migrate to new suitable areas. Climate change underscores the need to transform our view of the natural world. While many of our conservation tools and approaches will stay the same, a new perspective will enable us to better apply these tools to meet future challenges. This 3-page fact sheet summarizes recommendations from four recent reviews of the literature on climate change adaptation. Written by Rebecca G. Harvey, Laura A. Brandt, and Frank J. Mazzotti, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, February 2012.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw363

Una Guía para Convivir con Felinos Silvestres (WEC316/UW361)

En Belice, el Centro de Investigaciones de Campo Lamanai (CICL) y la Universidad de la Florida están estudiando los gatos usando trampas-cámaras las cuales se han colocado dentro de varios locales de terrenos privados. Contrario a lo que la gente considera, esta investigación sugiere que existe una mayor cantidad de felinos silvestres habitando cerca de las fincas. This 3-page informational brochure is the Spanish language version of A Guide to Living with Wildcats (WEC314/UW359). It highlights 5 species of wildcats living in the area of the study, tips for keeping livestock safe, and local contacts. Written by Venetia S. Briggs, Rebecca G. Harvey, Frank J. Mazzotti, and William M. Giuliano, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, October 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw361

A Guide to Living with Wildcats [brochure] (WEC314/UW359)

In Belize, the Lamanai Field Research Center and University of Florida are studying cats using camera traps placed in a variety of locations on private lands. This research suggests that more wild cats live near farms than people are aware of. This 3-page informational brochure highlights 5 species of wildcats living in the area of the study, tips for keeping livestock safe, and local contacts. Written by Venetia S. Briggs, Rebecca G. Harvey, Frank J. Mazzotti, and William M. Giuliano, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, October 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw359

The American Alligator: An Indicator Species for Everglades Restoration (WEC313/UW358)

Scientists working on Everglades restoration cannot monitor everything in the ecosystem to determine the effectiveness of their efforts, so they use “ecological indicators” such as the American alligator. Learn how this works in this 3-page fact sheet written by Rebecca G. Harvey, Frank J. Mazzotti, and Laura A. Brandt, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, October 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw358

Effects of Canals and Levees on Everglades Ecosystems [Fact Sheet] (WEC309/UW354)

Canals and levees are the foundation of south Florida’s water management system. However, degradation of Everglades ecosystems has resulted directly from these structures and their effects of drainage and impoundment. This 3-page fact sheet summarizes the science on ecological and hydrological impacts of Everglades canals and levees. Written by Rebecca G. Harvey, William F. Loftus, Jennifer S. Rehage, and Frank J. Mazzotti, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, February 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw354

WEC304/UW349 Effects of Canals and Levees on Everglades Ecosystems

WEC304, a 20-page illustrated fact sheet by Rebecca G. Harvey, William F. Loftus, Jennifer S. Rehage, and Frank J. Mazzotti, comprehensively portrays the hydrological and ecological effects of canals and levees within the EPA landscape and considers ways their impacts may be mitigated. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, December 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw349

WEC291/UW336 Nonnative Reptiles in South Florida: Identification Guide

WEC291, a 3-page illustrated fact sheet by Laura M. Early, Christy A. Harry, Rebecca G. Harvey, and Frank J. Mazzotti, provides color-coded visual reference and details for identification of non-native lizards and snakes and their native look-alikes. Published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, August 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw336

WEC286/UW331 Science Support for Climate Change Adaptation in South Florida

WEC286, a 5-page illustrated fact sheet by Laura M. Early, Rebecca G. Harvey, Laura A. Brandt, James I. Watling, and Frank J. Mazzotti, discusses how climate change will affect sea level and the ecosystem in South Florida and outlines the Department of Interior’s approach to manage public lands and natural resources impacted by climate change. Includes references. Published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, July 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw331

WEC266/UW311 Native Habitats for Monarch Butterflies in South Florida

WEC266, a 5-page illustrated fact sheet by Rebecca G. Harvey, Patricia L. Howell, Carol Morgenstern, and Frank J. Mazzotti, describes the unique migration of the monarch butterfly, an “endangered natural phenomenon,” the monarch population in Florida, the role of milkweeds and other host and nectar plants in appropriate monarch habitats for South Florida. Includes references (in HTML only). Published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, September 2009.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW311

WEC242span/UW288 Pitones Birmanas en Florida del Sur: Soporte Científico para el Manejo de Especies Invasoras

WEC-242-Span, a 10-page illustrated fact sheet by Rebecca G. Harvey, Matthew L. Brien, Michael S. Cherkiss, Michael Dorcas, Mike Rochford, Ray W. Snow, and Frank J. Mazzotti and translated by Marianna Domínguez, is the Spanish language version of WEC-242, Burmese Pythons in South Florida: Scientific Support for Invasive Species Management. It describes the population of Burmese pythons in south Florida, python reproduction, size and appearance, and the work of the Python Science Support Team. Includes information about how Florida residents can help prevent the spread of invasive snakes, and references. Published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, May 2008.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW288

WEC242/UW286 Burmese Pythons in South Florida: Scientific Support for Invasive Species Management

WEC-242, a 9-page illustrated fact sheet by Rebecca G. Harvey, Matthew L. Brien, Michael S. Cherkiss, Michael Dorcas, Mike Rochford, Ray W. Snow, and Frank J. Mazzotti,describes the population of Burmese pythons in south Florida, python reproduction, size and appearance, and the work of the Python Science Support Team. Includes information about how Florida residents can help prevent the spread of invasive snakes, and references. Published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, May 2008.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW286