Endangered and Threatened Animals of Florida and Their Habitats

Big Cypress Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger avicennia) 136 Key Largo Wood Rat (Neotoma flohdana smalli) 138 Key Largo Cotton Mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola) 138 Florida's Beach Mice; 5 subspecies (Peromyscus polionotus) 143 Silver Rice Rat (Oryzomys argentatus) 150 Florida Salt Marsh Vole [Microtus pennsylvamicus dukecampbelli) 151 Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirosths) I owe a great deal of thanks to the many people who contributed their time and knowledge to this endeavor. The first group of people I wish to acknowledge merit special recognition for help that far exceeded any reasonable expectations. These individuals are Claudette Scott-Stude,-Britton Jackson,-James G. Duquesnel; Dr. Bobby Hattaway; and finally William Tanner, a good friend, for without his help, this book just may never have been completed. The second and larger group of people also owed an enormous debt of gratitude include numerous field and laboratory biologists of various scientific disciplines, researchers, naturalists, land managers, volunteer editors, friends, and relatives who, among other things, reviewed portions of the manuscript, did their best to help me avoid errors, provided much needed photographs or illustrations, went out of their way to provide me with the latest data available, accompanied me (or allowed me to accompany them) on numerous field expeditions, and frequently provided me with a roof over my head and a cold beer during my many road trips. They are John Anderson, who allowed the use of the lyrics of his wonderful song "Seminole Wind"; Jimmy Buffett, for the constant inspirational support delivered via his many great tunes and my many excursions to that semi-imaginary nirvana Margaritaville; A biological crossroads where temperate gives way to tropical and east blends into west, Florida has over twenty-five primary habitat types, several of which are unique to the state. Within these richly varied natural communities lives an astonishing abundance of animals and plants, making Florida one of the United States' most biologically diverse regions. At the same time, sadly, Florida is also one of the country's most ecologically imperiled regions, second only to California in the number of its animals and plants that have been federally designated as endangered or threatened. This fully illustrated book is a comprehensive, yet convenient and easy-to-understand guide to Florida's endangered and threatened animals and the habitats that support them. Chris Scott covers all 71 species, subspecies, or populations of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, crustaceans, insects, corals, and mollusks. His species accounts describe each animal's listed status, identifying characteristics, historical and current distribution, biology, current threats, and conservation efforts. To make the crucial link between animals and their habitats, Scott also includes extensive discussions of Florida's natural regions; human impacts on the environment, including habitat destruction, pollution, and the introduction of invasive, nonnative species; and ongoing efforts to conserve and restore native plant and animal communities. With this wealth of information available in no other single volume, everyone who cares about the natural environment can help preserve one of America's biological treasurehouses.