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The responsible stewardship of our beautiful islands
includes a
continuing
dedication
to
protecting
the critters
amongst us.
Bobcats and
butterflies,
shorebirds,
tortoises,
birds of
prey,
armadillos.
Each time we
cut or
remove plant
life, we are
at risk of
diminishing
their food
source and
their
shelter.
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One of the most beneficial things we can do is to
retain or
create
buffer zones
(corridors)
for these
critters to
move about
in, feed in,
breed in,
find shelter
or
protection.
Landscaping
for wildlife
involves
preserving
existing
vegetation
as well as
choosing
additional
plantings
that will
meet the
habitat
needs for
food, cover
and water.
Remember … all wildlife species decline in numbers due
to habitat
loss. |
Great White
Egret |
Did you know
that gopher
tortoises’
burrows,
breeding places
and feeding
territory can be
as large as two
acres? And that
70 other species
also find
shelter in their
burrows? It
takes so little
of your
yard—just the
perimeter—and
the benefit can
be grand,
beautiful and
private.
Speaking of
tortoises, if
you’re putting
in fencing,
keeping it a
foot above the
ground can help
our tortoises
find their way
in and out. And
when you’re
driving, watch
for slow moving
tortoises
crossing the
road.
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If you live
on a
waterway or
harbor,
there’s a
good chance
the coastal
mangroves
which
protect the
shorelines
are
providing
roosting,
nesting,
feeding and
breeding
grounds for
herons,
egrets
and other
birds.
Butterflies
thrive when
you plant
butterfly
gardens with
native and
Florida
friendly
plants.
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The
endangered
Buckeye
Butterfly |
The 9-banded armadillo is the only Florida mammal with
an “exo-skeleton:”
its body,
top of head
and tail are
covered with
silver-
brown bony
plates. It
shares its
burrow with
other
mammals as
well as
reptiles.
The
armadillo
mates in the
summer and
bears
quadruplets
in March.
Catching
those four
little ones
not far from
mom
(above)…what
a sight! |
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Oh yes, there are bobcats here too! They’re not
seen too
often, in
part because
they’re
primarily
nocturnal.
But if you
keep your
eyes peeled
and your
camera
ready, you
just may get
an
opportunity
to
photograph
one of these
feline
beauties
roaming
through
thick
foliage of
mangroves
and tall
grasses and
then
crossing
your yard.
Their
primary den
is
constructed
with
vegetation
and leaves,
and is
usually
concealed. |
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As we run
out of
space, let
us remind
you that
there are
over 200
species of
wonderful
critters
that make
part or
full-time
home on our
islands.
A joy to
behold!
Recommended
reading:
National Audobon Society Field Guide to
Florida
Florida’s Fabulous
Series
including -“Mammals”
“Birds”
“Trees“
“Flowers”
“Reptiles
& Amphibians”
“Seashells”
“Waterbirds”
“Butterflies” |
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