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
Tag: Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department
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
Farmer Perceptions of Wildlife Damage to Row Crops in North Florida (WEC311/UW356)
How can we determine the just how much of an impact wildlife damage has on growers? This 4-page fact sheet presents the results of a survey of a sample of growers across the state. Written by Holly K. Ober, Gerald R. Edmondson, William M. Giuliano, David L. Wright, John Atkins, Andy Andreasen, Shep Eubanks, Libbie Johnson, Charles Brasher, and Greg Hicks, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, July 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw356
Management of Pine Forests for Selected Wildlife in Florida (CIR706/UW098)
As the total number of forested acres in Florida goes down, it becomes more important that land being managed for timber production also be able to sustain healthy wildlife populations. This 9-page fact sheet shows how timber and wildlife management can be successfully combined. Written by Wayne R. Marion, George W. Tanner, Holly K. Ober, and Matthew Werner, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, August 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw098
Buyers’ Guide to Pet Reptiles (WEC312/UW357)
When choosing a pet reptile, there are some important questions you should consider.This 3-page fact sheet will provide you with some basic information about reptiles and their care, in order to help you choose an appropriate reptile pet that will suit your lifestyle. Written by Steve A. Johnson, Monica E. McGarrity, and Dustin Smith , and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, August 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw357
Distillation of Essential Oils (WEC310/UW355)
Essential oils are volatile, aromatic oils obtained from plants and used for fragrance, flavoring, and health and beauty applications. Learn about the history of essential oils, plant anatomy, and basics of essential oil distillation in this 4-page fact sheet was written by Elise V. Pearlstine, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, April 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw355
Checklist of Birds of the Everglades Agricultural Area (CIR1444/UW179)
This revised 10-page fact sheet features a checklist of bird species that have been found during eight years of surveys in the Everglades Agricultural Area. Most birds can be associated with a specific habitat such as sugarcane, sod, rice or flooded fields and other agricultural and human-inhabited areas. Written by Elise V. Pearlstine and Frank J. Mazzotti, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, November 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw179
Attracting Backyard Birds: Bird Feeder Selection (WEC162/UW192)
Today, more than 50 million Americans put out a billion pounds of bird food each year. Bird feeders can be used to supplement the food provided by native plantings. They also provide a way to observe birds at close range. This 8-page fact sheet suggests useful guidelines for selecting feeders, food, feeder location, cleaning feeders, and managing for cats and squirrels. Written by Emma V. Willcox, Mark E. Hostetler, Martin B. Main, and Maena Voigt, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, April 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw192
Evaluating Certified Coffee Programs (WEC306/UW351)
In recent years, there has been a growing interest among consumers to buy products that follow strict standards in their production process and that also are healthy and safe. In the case of coffee, people in the United States are not only interested in the quality and origin of coffee, but many are also concerned about the social, economic, and environmental aspects of coffee production. Coffee is taking the lead in developing standards to address these concerns. This 6-page fact sheet explains the certification process and describe the various certification programs and what they mean. Written by Gloria M. Lentijo and Mark Hostetler, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, February 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw351
How to Develop a Marketing Plan for Your Ecotourism Business (FOR278/FR340)
Ecotourism is often seen as a simple business for landowners to begin because little infrastructure is needed; however, certain management skills are needed to effectively operate an ecotourism business. A key business skill is the ability to market one’s ecotourism product or service effectively. This 7-page fact sheet describes the contents of a marketing plan and presents external resources to assist in ecotourism operation marketing. Written by Tinelle D. Bustam and Taylor Stein, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, December 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr340
Quick Reference Guide: Large Lizards in Florida (WEC307/UW352)
The non-native lizards breeding in Florida now outnumber the native species, and there are several large, invasive lizards that are of special concern. This quick reference guide is a quick reference guide to identification of the largest lizards you are likely to see in Florida, and the appropriate action to take in the event of an encounter. Written by Steve A. Johnson and Monica E. McGarrity and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, March 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw352
Quick Reference Guide: Native Snakes Easily Mistaken for Introduced Constrictors in Florida (WEC305/UW350)
Three non-native species of large constrictor snakes are now breeding in Florida, and several others have been encountered but have not yet established wild populations. This quick reference guide to identification of the native snakes you might easily mistake for introduced constrictors in Florida was written by Steve A. Johnson and Monica E. McGarrity, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Januar 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw350
Options for Unwanted Exotic Pets (WEC308/UW353)
Exotic reptiles, birds, and fish are popular pets. However, many species grow large and require special cages or become difficult to handle. If at some point you are no longer able to care for your exotic pet, you have several options that are discussed in this brochure, written by Steve A. Johnson, Monica E. McGarrity, and Dustin Smith, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, March 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw353
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
Possible Florida Invader: Ball Python (WEC296/UW341)
Sightings of this nocturnal predator that is usually only three to four feet long, not established in Florida but very common in the pet trade, should be reported immediately to 1-888-IveGot1 or www.IveGot1.org. This 2-page fact sheet written by Steve Johnson and Monica McGarrity provides pictures and information to aid identification. Published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, February 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw341
Florida Invader: Common Boa (WEC297/UW342)
Sightings of this large, nocturnal predator that may grow to 15 feet long and kills its prey by constriction, established in Miami, should be reported immediately to 1-888-IveGot1 or www.IveGot1.org. This 2-page fact sheet written by Steve Johnson and Monica McGarrity provides pictures and information to aid identification. Published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, February 2011.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw342
Florida Invader: Cuban Treefrog (WEC301/UW346)
Do you now how to tell the difference between an invasive Cuban Treefrog and a native treefrog? This 2-page fact sheet will help you correctly identify and humanely euthanize this invasive frog that preys on several species of native tree frogs. It was written by Steve Johnson and Monica McGarrity, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, November 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw346
Bats of Florida (WEC186/UW203)
Nocturnal habits, affinity for eerie places, and silent, darting flight have made bats the subjects of a great deal of folklore and superstition through the years. Given their ability to function in the dark when and where humans cannot, it is no wonder that bats have long been associated with the supernatural. Bats remain poorly understood even today. This revised 5-page fact sheet describes the species of bats that occur in Florida and provides simple tips for their identification. It was written by Holly K. Ober, Martin B. Main, and Ginger M. Allen and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, November 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw203
Florida Invader: Cane Toad (WEC300/UW345)
Do you now how to tell the difference between a dangerous Cane Toad (a.k.a. “Bufo” Toad or Marine Toad) and a harmless native toad? This 2-page fact sheet will help you correctly identify and humanely euthanize this invasive toad that can kill pets. It was written by Steve Johnson and Monica McGarrity, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, November 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw345
Florida Invader: Tegu Lizard (WEC295/UW340)
Sightings of this large black-and-white invasive lizard, established in areas southeast of Tampa and south of Miami, should be reported immediately to 1-888-IveGot1 or www.IveGot1.org. This 2-page fact sheet, written by Steve Johnson and Monica McGarrity provides pictures and information to aid identification. Published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, November 2010.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw340