Fauna of Florida

Aquatic mammal species are represented by the

The native bear population has risen from a historic low of 300 in the 1970s, to 3,000 in 2011.^[18] In Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, The plains bison were reintroduced to the park from the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in 1975, as part of the park service goal of restoring Florida's natural resources to pre-European settler conditions; they roamed this area until the late 18th century. When bison sightings occur, they usually appear along the Cone's Dike trail. The herd was reduced from thirty-five to seven individuals in the mid-1980s after an outbreak of Brucellosis. In the late 1990s, the herd was again reduced after inbreeding concerns. The buffalo herd reached a peak of 70 animals in 2011. The park began culling excessive animals in 2012, allowing a target population of about 8 to 10 bison to be free to roam the Florida prairie.^[19][20][21]

Birds

There have been small numbers of several new species normally native to cooler areas to the north: snowy owls, snow buntings, harlequin ducks, and razorbills. These have been seen in the northern part of the state.^[25]

The American flamingo was also found in South Florida, which was likely the northernmost extent of its distribution.^[26] The study also indicated that these flamingos may be increasing in population and reclaiming their lost land. Large flocks of flamingos are still known to visit Florida from time to time, most notably in 2014, when a very large flock of over 147 flamingos temporarily stayed at Stormwater Treatment Area 2, on Lake Okeechobee, with a few returning the following year.^[27] From a distance, untrained eyes can also confuse it with the roseate spoonbill.^{[28][29][30][31]}

Reptiles

Indigenous reptiles include

Florida is home to forty nine native species of amphibians, including 29 frogs, 19 salamanders and 4 that are of special concern. Examples of amphibians inhabiting Florida include mole salamander, American bullfrog, lesser siren, eastern newt, gopher frog, three-lined salamander and green frog. Specimens belonging to the reticulated siren have been found in the northern part of the state, even though the species was first described in 2018.^[35]

Fish

About 250 different species of fish (including 73 non-native species) inhabit Florida. There are more than 1,000 species of fish occurring in the state's inshore waters.^[36][37]

Crustaceans, Cephalopods, and Medusozoas

There are wide numbers of Crustaceans, Cephalopods, and Medusozoas in the ocean and coral reefs close to Florida.

Florida also has more than 500 nonnative animal species and 1,000 nonnative insects found throughout the state.

Six Red deer were released on Buck Island Breeding Ranch in Highlands County in 1967 or 1968. The herd increased to less than 30 animals. In 1993, 10 animals were seen in the area, and small numbers have been sighted subsequently in the same area.^[46]

Since their accidental importation from South America into North America in the 1930s, the red imported fire ant population has increased its territorial range to include most of the southern United States, including Florida. They are more aggressive than most native ant species and have a painful sting.^[47]

A number of non-native snakes and lizards have been released in the wild.

• Amphibians
• Birds
  • in Biscayne National Park
  • in Dry Tortugas National Park
  • in Everglades National Park
• Fish
• Mammals
• Reptiles
  • Snakes
    • Burmese pythons
• Paleontology in Florida
• List of the prehistoric life of Florida
• List of the Cenozoic life of Florida

There are a number of invasive species in the state:

• Invasive species
  • in the Everglades
  • Fish

See also

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Wildlife regulations in Florida
• List of giant squid specimens and sightings

References