Endangered Species Resource Information

We humans may be too successful. In expanding over the earth, we have extinguished many forms of life and threatened the existence of still others, greatly accelerating the natural rate of extinction. This weakens the system on which all life depends and impoverishes the quality of our life. Fortunately, many countries and groups are taking steps to stop this loss. The National Park Service's role is to provide undisturbed habitat in the United States where all species, including endangered ones, can continue to exist, subject only to the forces of nature. There have been successes, in parks and elsewhere, and this is a symbol of hope. For it signifies that we can stop the worldwide slide of extinction that we started.

The effort to halt human-caused extinctions in the United States is guided by the Endangered Species Act of 1973. This act defines an "endangered species" as any plant or animal species that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. A "threatened species" is one that is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. The goal of the act is to restore all federally listed endangered threatened species to the point where they are again viable, self-sustaining members of ecological communities.

The major federal legislation protecting endangered species is the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Following the Federal Government’s lead, Texas passed its own endangered species laws later that same year. In general, species that are federally listed as endangered or threatened are also listed by states. However, a species listed by a state may not be listed federally. This is the case with the black bear (Ursus americanus) which is uncommon in the park. Only federal legislation, however, mandates the protection of critical habitat of endangered species, often the key to recovery. In Big Bend National Park, ALL habitats are protected, benefiting all species irrespective of their status.

Extinct from the park for more than 40 years, black bears migrated from northern Mexico mountains to reestablish a small population within the park during the late 1980s. Although the Chisos Mountains are the most likely place in Texas to see a black bear, a key to their success will be managing the recreational habits of people, namely where and how food and garbage are stored.

Mexican long-nosed bat © Photo courtesy J. Scott Altenbach The Mexican Long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris nivalis) occurs in the U.S. only in Big Bend where a single colony resides in the Chisos Mountains. Their diet consists of flower pollen and nectar and their migration between the park and Latin America is timed to coincide with the blooming of specific plants, including the century plant (Agave havardiana).

One problem for bats in general is their bad reputation as vampires and carriers of rabies, often leading to their mass destruction. An additional problem is the harvesting of agaves, without re-vegetation, for the production of tequila. Any loss in this food source is especially critical considering the mammal's high metabolic rate during migration and while roosting in cool caves. Once populations decrease, recovery is difficult because each fertile female only produces one offspring each year. In Big Bend, their numbers appear to fluctuate year to year, but current census techniques may be inaccurate and the true population status of these bats is unknown. Better census techniques must be developed to better interpret the status of these bats.

Black-capped vireos are very distinctly marked and have had many successful years recently in Big Bend National Park. NPS Photo A number of plants and animals in Big Bend National Park are listed federally for protection. Among them are the black-capped vireo, Mexican long-nosed bat, Big Bend gambusia, Rio Grande silvery minnow, and Chisos hedgehog cactus.

Along with these are also species that are listed as threatened or endangered in the state of Texas, by Texas Parks and Wildlife. This state list includes the above species along with the American black bear and the Texas horned lizard.

EVERGLADES: THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES

Everglades Snail Kite courtesy National Park Service

Threatened and Endangered Species include:  Plants  American Alligator  American Crocodile  Sea Turtles  Birds  Florida Panther  Manatee Threatened wildlife includes species, subspecies, or isolated populations that are likely to become endangered in the near future unless steps are taken to protect and manage the species and/or its habitat for its survival. A species, subspecies, or isolated population is considered endangered that is, or soon may be, in immediate danger of extinction unless the species or its habitat is fully protected. Each species must be listed on the Federal list of endangered and threatened species before it can receive protection under the Endangered Species Act. The ESA was enacted in 1973 to conserve and set up recovery plans for listed species and associated habitats. Tree Cactus courtesy U.S. Geological Survey

Plants Threatened and endangered plantlife of the hardwood hammocks and rocky pinelands include the brittle thatch palm (Thrinax morrissii), buccaneer palm (Pseudophoenix sargentii), Florida thatch palm (Thrinax parvitolia), Krug's holly (Ilex krugiana), lignum- vitae (Guaiacum sanctum), manchineel (Hippomane mancinella), silver thatch palm (Coccothrinax argentata), and tree cactus (Cereus robinii). American Alligator courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

American alligator and American crocodile The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is also found in the freshwater marshes of the Everglades. It was first listed as endangered in 1966 in accordance with the Endangered Species Act. However, populations quickly recovered resulting in delisting as an endangered species except for purposes of its similarity of appearance to the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) where the two species share habitat.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle ©George Ryschkewitsch Sea Turtles Marine and estuarine habitats of the Everglades provide habitat for threatened and endangered species. The Florida population of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) has been considered endangered since 1978. The declining population has been victim to commercial harvesting for eggs and food as well as incidental by-catch in the shrimp fishery. Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Atlantic Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), and leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) are all listed as endangered species while the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is considered threatened under the protection of the ESA. Recovery plans have been established for all listed sea turtle species.

Piping Plover courtesy Paul Fusco/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Birds Many threatened and endangered species live throughout the Everglades. Threatened and endangered birds include the Everglades snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis), wood stork (Mycteria americana), Cape Sable seaside sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis), red- cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis), piping plover (Charadrius melodus), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and roseate tern (Sterna dougallii). Florida Panther courtesy U.S. Department of Tranportation

Florida Panther Primary threats to the Florida panther's (Felis concolor coryi) survival are loss and degradation of habitat. An initial recovery plan is currently being implemented which identifies, protects, and enhances the existing range and habitats; establishes positive public opinion and support; and reintroduces panthers into areas of suitable habitat. It is estimated there are 70-100 individuals living in the hardwood hammocks of the Everglades.

Manatee courtesy Everglades National Park Photo

Manatee Federally listed as endangered, the manatee (Trichechus manatus laterostris) is a large, slow-moving, plant-eating aquatic mammal. Its distribution is determined primarily by water temperature as manatees cannot survive long in water below about 63 °F (17 °C). In Florida, manatees often migrate into warm spring-fed rivers or near the heated discharges of power plants during winter months. As offshore waters warm in late spring and summer, manatees move out into shallow fresh, brackish, and seawater habitats.

For more information on the numerous threatened and endangered species in Florida, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission's List of Florida's Endangered and Threatened Species and Species of Special Concern.

Inventory of Threatened and Endangered Species in South Florida National Parks Glossary of Terms Endangered - a species, subspecies or isolated population that is, or soon may be, in immediate danger of extinction unless the species or its habitat is fully protected and managed for its survival.

Threatened - a species, subspecies or isolated population that is very likely to become endangered in the near future unless the species or its habitat is fully protected and managed for its survival

South Florida National Parks: BICY - Big Cypress National Preserve BISC - Biscayne National Park DRTO - Dry Tortugas National Park EVER - Everglades National Park

Special Note: This list includes only Federally listed species, and does not list candidate or state-listed species.

Species Federal Status Park Current Situation

American Alligator, Threatened BICY Breeding

Alligator mississippiensis BISC Casual DRTO -- EVER Breeding American Crocodile, Threatened BICY -- Crocodylus acutus BISC Casual DRTO Reported EVER Breeding Artic Peregrine Falcon, Threatened BICY Migrant Falco peregrinus tundrius BISC Wintering DRTO Migrant EVER Wintering Atlantic Ridley Turtle, Endangered BICY -- Lepidochelys kempi BISC -- DRTO Casual EVER Casual Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow, Endangered BICY Breeding Ammodramus maritime mirabilis BISC -- DRTO -- EVER Breeding Crenulate Lead Plant, Endangered BICY -- Amorpha crenulata BISC -- DRTO -- EVER Resident Eastern Indigo Snake, Threatened BICY Breeding Drymarchon corias couperi BISC Casual DRTO -- EVER Breeding Florida Panther, Endangered BICY Breeding Puma concolor coryi BISC -- DRTO -- EVER Breeding Garber's Spurge, Endangered BICY --