The subtropical climate of the Florida Keys nurtures an astounding variety of land animals, avian species, and marine life. The temperate weather, warm waters, and abundant fishing also draws many humans to live, work, or vacation. Unfortunately, development, pollution, unsound fishing practices, and competition from invasive species may be the downfall of several Keys’ creatures. Here’s some of the Keys’ most unique and imperiled residents.
Endangered Species Found Only in The Florida Keys
Key Deer: These miniature deer are a popular attraction in the Lower Keys. They live solely on Big Pine Key where the Key Deer Refuge is established, and neighboring No Name Key. Key deer are acclimated to human attention, and are often spotted at the side of the road looking for handouts. Every year, several Key deer are killed by motorists. Currently, there are approximately 600 Key deer in existence.
Key Largo Wood Rat: This small rodent lives only in the tropical hardwood hammock of the northernmost portion of Key Largo. They are known for building large stick houses. Loss of habitat has been devastating to the Key Largo wood rat. Attempts to establish a breeding population on nearby Lignumvitae Key have been unsuccessful.
Key Largo Cotton Mouse: Once ranging throughout the tropical hardwood hammocks in the Upper Keys south to near Tavernier, the Key Largo cotton mouse is now restricted to the northernmost portion of Key Largo. They are larger with a more reddish color than other subspecies of cotton mice. These mice are extremely vulnerable to predation and competition by animals associated with humans, such as cats, dogs, and black rats.
Lower Keys Marsh Rabbit: These small, short-eared marsh rabbits can be found only on a few of the larger Lower Keys, specifically, Boca Chica, Saddlebunch, Sugarloaf, and Big Pine Keys and the small islands near these Keys. The primary cause of the rabbits’ decline is habitat loss. Currently, only 81 patches of Lower Keys marsh rabbit habitat remain. Of these, 39 percent are privately owned andmay be vulnerable to urbanization.
Stock Island Tree Snail: Historically, this arboreal snail inhabited the hardwood hammocks of Stock Island and Key West. Introduction of the snails to Key Largo and the southernmost parts of the mainland have met with little success. As of 1996, a small population still lived in Key West, but it is uncertain if they remain. The Stock Island Tree Snail was completely extirpated from Stock Island until, in September of 1998, the FWS provided funding to the Florida Audubon Society and the Key West Garden Club to relocate the snails from other populations back to the Stock Island Botanical Gardens.
Other Endangered Species Found in the Florida Keys
The following species of Federally listed Endangered Species are commonly encountered in the Florida Keys:
- Florida Manatee
- Sea Turtles: Green, Hawksbill, and Kemp's Ridley
- Peregrine Falcon
- Schaus Swallowtail Butterfly
The Keys are also home to many species listed as Threatened or as Species of Special Concern. Obviously, preservation of this fragile ecosystem is of the utmost importance. A complete list of Florida's Imperiled Species is updated frequently via Florida Fish and Wildlife.
 |
 |
