Endangered Snail Kite is Nesting at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Florida Department of Environmental Protection sent this bulletin at 06/21/2018 05:35 PM EDT
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - In response to recent sightings of the endangered snail kite at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection surveyed the park and discovered a nest containing three chicks. Declining snail kite populations led to protection of the species under federal and state law in 1967. In 2016, Alachua County residents spotted a snail kite for the first time in nearly 20 years. Since then, estimates have put the snail kite population in the Paynes Prairie basin in the single digits. Last year, Hurricane Irma destroyed dozens of snail kite nests around Lake Okeechobee, the more common nesting area for the imperiled species. The Paynes Prairie sightings sparked the interest of the Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at the University of Florida. Wildlife biologist Brian Jeffery led the survey expedition along with Florida State Park Environmental Specialist Keith Morin. “The habitat of this bird has improved a lot with our recent efforts to reduce wetland trees, which crowd the areas where these birds hunt,” Morin said. “Water quality also has improved over the past decade as the park has improved treatment marshes. Those factors, coupled with weather conditions that have helped drive up the apple snail population, the snail kite’s primary food source, have benefited the bird greatly.” The state park also partners with the Alachua County Audubon chapter. “They provide us valuable location information on a number of species, including snail kites, through their monitoring and surveys,” Morin said. “Audubon volunteers often alert us when they see a new species present in the area. We can then investigate and survey the area as needed.” "We are absolutely thrilled to see the number of snail kites increase at Paynes Prairie," said Debbie Segal, President of the Alachua Audubon Society. "Not only is this great news for the species, but it is also good for Gainesville's ecotourism industry. Bird watchers from around Florida, Georgia and other southeastern states are visiting Gainesville, specifically to see this iconic bird species." DEP also partners with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Fletcher Lab at the UF Wildlife Ecology and Conservation school to help monitor sensitive wildlife in the Paynes Prairie basin. Florida's system of 175 state parks and trails protect wildlife, habitat, water and other natural resources.
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About Florida State Parks, Greenways and TrailsThe Florida Park Service is the proud recipient of three National Gold Medals for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management, making Florida America’s first three-time Gold Medal winner. The awards were received in 1999, 2005 and 2013 from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association. Florida’s 175 state parks, trails and historic sites inspire residents and visitors with recreation opportunities and scenic beauty that help strengthen families, educate children, expand local economies and foster community pride. With nearly 800,000 acres, 100 miles of beaches and more than 1,500 miles of multi-use trails, residents and visitors should plan to visit soon and often to enjoy Florida’s natural treasures. Download the Florida State Parks Pocket Ranger® mobile app, available on iTunes and Android Market, to plan your trip and enhance your experience. For more information, visit www.FloridaStateParks.org. https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/1f8c14f |
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