Cane toads (Rhinella marina) can be lethal to pets or native wildlife that attack them; they’re an invasive species found throughout portions of Florida. This summer, the Conservancy began a research collaboration with the University of Florida and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to study the effects of cane toads on native wildlife and to help develop control tools for this invasive species. Conservancy Wildlife Biologist Melinda Schuman is studying cane toads using three distinct methods: radio-tracking, trap/lure design testing, and diet analysis.
Click here to read Conservancy Biologist Melinda Schuman's recent note published in Herpetological Review here: https://bit.ly/32vwPJg
Most of this year’s field efforts occurred during the summer breeding season when toads are most active. Researchers hope to gain insight into cane toad movements, habitat utilization, and effects on native wildlife.
This research has the potential to develop future control strategies for this species. Our work represents some of the first scientific data gathered on cane toads in the region, and is just the beginning of the story of how this invasive species interacts with the urban and natural areas within the Southwest Florida ecosystem.
Conservancy scientists, in collaboration with research partners, have learned that Burmese pythons (Python bivittatus) in Southwest Florida often make use of burrows constructed by large, native wildlife.
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Florida Wildlife Commission and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida are working together to train natural resource workers, who may encounter Burmese pythons in the field, how to safely capture them.
The Kemp's ridley turtle is considered the most endangered sea turtle species in the world and also happens to be the most common sea turtle residing in the nearshore waters of Southwest Florida.