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Home My WebLink AboutHandouts_Regular_Tab 06_03/14/2013_Tom Paterno Hel lo Kitty! Please �on't Ki I I M�! , �.�3a� v�t1' i�1� ±��'�'�� i u�d�LI�� IZ(`�L �d?!�.1i11�1`1�� C�i�;l�� a.� , 1iL��.� ��LII.�_� ��'��7�, ��. -�-�.. �, - x a ,.� _ _ — - ;; - ..� �t . �.:_ ti.:,�..�,,,_ �; :� ��. �� :� ;4 . . � �. " � .� � . � � � ., ' � .. � - :_,-� � 7f - Y �. 3' �� _�� v � � . •#�,. �...,a � �yy 9� , _ � # � �� . ti� . - � � �§ i. .�. 1 � l,` . . y ... . . . .. ... . . .. . . , � � � ' �.. � Y y �� { ' . �F "' w_':., �. � .�°'% �, _ � � k •_ �a � n'r€".�, �t �' ,: � • �w � � ^ rc �- � ,. �, �`�,� �� .�.'3 � 1" ;r t�' '. ;�� '.;� �'+� f � � �q .: 7 r 4 � x s ,.�. a . . „�, k '4' ,� e �. ,� .,.,�� y� "'�'t�� " r � - �� ,* �,> h � . 't� � +� -� � � r o`} � �� , i �'. �;f�. , � - »c� �' �I f �� £� �� I1 �f I � `�` � }� ;� �3�4 , � t , � � e S a 4 , '.y�*r,?'� - l �' ,p t > 1 ++'� ' .' . k. � ::#S # � �� . . . 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A domestic cat stalks turkeys in Niaines �Catoa Andreassi ��r ��:�<ri�;c��,a! ��eogr�phi� Nsws t�l�ykae th� baatl�� idn°� �� eto �� a� ��t �� e�wd� j � n�v� �t�dy, p�alali�hed J��ar� �9 i� ,.� ; . ,,,'. . , ��a�� t��fi �� r� �esp�¢`�Sik�l� f�r� ki11111g k�ilf9�C�� f b��`ds �6`9�9 91�`��B�B��9� 9h� �`B�� h��eh��h`�� .�, ��(�ye �O��r. �� tir��t�: 1.4� k�illi�r� ta �. A ��19A�� rd t��fis�� ,6�d 6.� �°s86�� .7 �al��o ��e��l�. �ef�r M�rra�, the sei,c�� t��E� �f �h� ��, ��E@��9 �� °��±E�� °°��aa��c�.°" �;}' � t : h�:�� ;�,+�� ;�� .�� '-) oa��r fih� lasfi �0, 30, �� L��, P�� s��, 00 �6�� d�P�� G�� h�� b�� E��f�� e�� a ; � ,- �. _ . , ./�� ; l . i�. i�� ' � max was about 500 ��nillio�." And there are a lot of pote�ti�l feline kill�r�. �ver �G �illion p�t cats r��ide in American homes and a� many as 8Q f��llion more �ie°�y and feral cats sur�ive o�tside. The authors found that the �tray and fera! cais ar� resp�n�ible far rr�ost of the kii(�. �ut pets aren't e�eactly innoc�n�: They �r� blamed for ab�ut a third c�f the bird action, The study also discover�c� th�t the cats mainfy kill native species like chipmunks and house wrens, not invasive pests like the Norway rat (R�ttus norvegicus). (`='��ec� �;� <�� ii�re�= _; , ,,.,, ) 1°he study is {aart of a larg�r effort to quantify the threats t� birds, said Marra, an ecologistwith the �v��., ,,, �� c� ��,'. � 4 ::�_ t� �:..�_ '� �� :r ��.'�� =�i��,.a�;.,. �, .,, < <� � ;� at the �f � �, 3 , � �f �� ;r:�..��i,=� � in Washington, D.�,. Gats happe�ed to be the f6r�t threat ihey eonsidered. Plans are to look at other threats related to humar� activity: wind turbines, buifdings, automobiles, and pesticides, The research i� important, Marra sai�, because "a lot of these causes of mortality may be reversible.°' He hopes the study will aid policymakers and help cat o�ners realize °`c�ts are having a 9ai o�pacf thar� vve thought." So what can be c#on� �b��t �II t�,es� rivild killer cats? Current efforts to rei�a in �r�erica's feral cats are i�suffi��ent. While a f�ral cat management techr�iqu� called Tra�-f��eq�-��turr� ��'�� s��s so�� c�fis from reproducing, it dc�e�n`# �to� t��r��e e�i.� f� �reying a�, ��I�lif�. ��7�: �-_��,��.�r�t: :�f �� ,;-, ,,,; ,, :;' r�;+s� suppart� T�i� as p�rf ofi th� so��tion, bsat �ckr�Q�vledg�s that it will not f�otice�blv rec�c�c� �he ��t ��p�a6ati��. Joh� �ladid�an, a secai�c �c�entisf with the society, notes that TNF� only reaches abo�t finro millio� cats, and 6t car� be °°��r�bersome a�d �xpensive.°° Ne ho�e� tk�at the attenticsn fronn �ape�s lak� �his �rvii� e�cour�g� novel approaches like oral contraceptives for cats, T� some cat observ�rs, the study �ednrs vvas no su��prise. Econorr�ist �ar�th Morgan made headlines arour�d the world las� week rrvhen he 9aunched a proposal to rid i° �.:,r� `:: :i� :� ��.� of cats. M�rgan, vuh�s� vvebsite features a cart�o� kitter� ar1�o��lcir�g "I love to kill," believes that pet cats a�e e�nda�gereng Rlew �ealand°� birds. While his website advocates a Ne�na ��la�� atf�o�at �ats, �n� he v��aa@� I�k� �e�g�le t� rn�ke their curr�nt cat their lasfi, h� says �e r�a�l�a �va�ts �ats E� �e e°egaa��d the �a� �og� �r�. He points to lavv� enact�d �� 1(Ve�ter� A�sst��li� a� �r� exaf��Y�: ��ts �n��t C�� egi�fi�v°�d, ne�atered, �r�� microchipp�d. T�ae ��i�r�chip, � s��ll lde�ta�yan� d��cece e�b��d�d ur�der th� skin, can be defiect�d by ��ts �E° a�thorit�es s� �h�y c�� r��'ste I�ast ��fs �nrith their o�nrrt�rs and diff�r�niia�e betvu�e� �et� and sira�s. "�'rr� `1ot �ayi�� the� sh�uld kill their cats," M�rg�n s�id. '°If the� �re 6 into c�fis, fh��°s fine ��It jp�ll E7illSt C�V'ltf'OI tEi@CYI. Morga� adrr�its this is °°ac� ��otior�al i�sue°' ir� a c�u��°y vvher� ��arly half of th� hous�holds have �t ieast �n� fel�ne. `°It°� �ot t�at cat �v�rner� ��°t car�," IVlorgan said, „ it°� that they hav�n't fihoughi �bo�at i�.°' iVlear�whil�, p��pl� i�> th� 11.5. aren't lik�l� t�a ��a�f� �� a�� ethe�. �at o��ership has incr��s�d frorr� ��uf 5� r�illiod� pefi ��fi� in th� r�id�� 9�� t� th� current count of �0 f 1�Y►�ugh c�t� are v6�v�ed as b�th � c��a��avatio� thr�at �f°�d a h�rrian ��mp�nior�, the Humane Society's Hadidian thinks common ground can be reached. "Both the bird people and the cat people want the same thing," he said, "fewer cats outdoors." 5.4k Like �l ...�4 � U1�� r � `�1111��1*i�illr�lll �<i�� ;�v't•�t�x�1'��Z?. ��?t7t•i7�r{t'�� —, __ ,'_" ` � �� AT� KILL FAR �J�� TINE�ITAL UNITED STA�� `�` � 1�� P��I�� '�:, �� '� ��'�� . ;f�:.� �ti;, �, .�hru�::�� _. ;�;�; _ Un-ov✓s�ed and o�vne�� f��ee-ran�ii�g domestic c�ats kili 6et��een I.4 and 3.7 billion birds and between 6.9 and 20.7 billion sm211 u�amrt�als each year in the contiguous United States, accordiog to Smitl�sonian Conservation l�ioloQy Tnstitt�tc scie«ti�:ts who have completed the first systematic review of publicatians that estimate cats' predation rates. The findings in the study, pubiished online in Na�ure Conanzunications and since covered worldwide by the media, suggest that free-ranging cats may be the largest source of human-related mortality of U.S. birds and mammals. — -------- -- _ __ ---- __ _x.<- __ -- =� � : .;_ =---�»� -- - . _ _ �• � ,� ''.� ;�.: � ; -_;� - ( Y'i .fR �.;, 1 f . .� ( ' �A } � j� . .: : � , . . . �:.,� , � � ( �� . .. . . ��. �.. �M. �`. . � � ..Y�.�.. �� i.. b Y t( r , . r .,. � �� - ,� r � � s s �� , �� .. "�� . . � . ... .. _� . � � . i� �. x{ � ' ; .. � F s; � �� . r �' � �� p . �. � �- �� ;s,� _�; � -, ;�� r i � " � '`�� . � .,� _,. _ � � � . r , �. �' - 0 � -' `" _ � � .� , . �,. «..� , ,� „�?�,; � � _ _._.• , _ :,� _� . , �a .,.,:,. :... _ _-,�.: „, � _ � , � — '�_ _ ,�_ _ "Our study shows that the issue of cat predation on birds and mammals is an even bigger environmental and ecological threat than we thought and one that deserves conservation attention," said Scott Loss, SCBI postdoctoral fellow and lead author of the shidy. "Our study provides motivation for further research and for incorporating cat impacts into conseivation and management efforts." The paper's authors built a mathematical model based on 21 publications that estimated free-ranging � , , .. cat predation in the United States and Europe. The reseu•chers took a rigorous and conservative approach, excluding studies that did not distinguish between owned cats and un-owned cats and studies that were based on a smal] sample size or a short sampling period. "When we ran the model, we didn't know what to expect," said Pete Marra, SCBI research scientist and the study's senior author. "We were absolutely stunned by the results" Up to this poin#, it was often assumed that cats killed many fewer birds than other human-related threats, such as building collisions and pesticides, and therefare were unlikely to have a significant effect on mainland vertebrate populations. "Given these results, free-ranging cats ase likely having a population-level impact on native species of birds," Mana said. The study flnds that it is u��-o�ined cats—such as farm and barn cats, strays, colony cats, and feral cats —that cause the majori.ty of the mortality, roughly 69 percent of bird deaths and 89 percent of mammal deaths. Free-ranging domestic cats on islands have contributed to 14 percent of all documented extinctions of birds, mammals and reptiles. Reflecting this toll, domestic cats are on the NCN's list of the top 100 World's Worst Invasive Alien Species. The study states that "despite these harmful effects, policies for management of free-ranging cat populations and regulation of pet ownership beha�iors are dictated by animal welfare issues rather than ecological impacts." The neat step in the research, according to Marra, is to further refine the estimates of how many birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians are killed by feral cats, including those �n Trap-Neuter-Re#urn (TNR) colonies. I`he researchers would also like to determine which wildlife species are most affected by free-ranging cats, the precise numbers of feral cats throughout the country and where they are more and less abundant. The research is also part of a larger three-year Fish and Wildlife Service-funded effort to arrive at more rigorous estimates of the number of birds killed by other human-related threats, including pesticides and collisions with vehicles, wind turbines and windows. In addition to Loss and Marra, the paper's other author is Tom Will in the Division of Migratory Birds at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute plays a key role an the Smithsonian's global efforts to understand and conserve species and train future generations of conservationists. Headquartered in Front Royal, Va., SCBI fac�litates and promotes research programs based at Frant Royal, the National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and at field research stations and training sites worldwide. � i�;ic?;! ::CC{,;';C,J � ,� �T11iE�1:� 1ll�i�11 � �.i�l ��i.��'' ;'��IGfi�a_��t�� ,��,�4 ,�f�t�r.t� �'��°�� ,, �, ; Lindsay Reni�k Mayer (202) 633-3081 �� i� �� I� �� ►�� l�`�' !,' �� A�� R�ISE A � � � � ��'� There comes a time in life for every bird to spread its wings and leave the nest, but for gray catbirds, that might be the beginning of the end. Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute scientists report fledgling catbirds in suburban habitats are at their most vulnerable stage of life, with alrr�ost 80 �c:rc�r�t �:ille.ci l�� pr�eclators beiore they reacl3 adulthood. Almost half of the deatl�s wwere connectc°d tv domestic cats. Urban areas cover more than 100 million acres within the continental United States and are spreading, with an increase of 48 percent from 1982 to 2003. Although urbanization affects ivildlife, ecologists know relatively little about its effect on the productivity and survival of breeding birds. To learn more, a team of scientists at SCBI's Migratory Bird Center studied the gray catbird (Dumatella carolinensis) in three suburban Maryland areas outside of Washingtor�, D.C.—Bethesda, Opal Daniels and Spring Park. The team found that factors such as brood size, sex or hatching date played no significant role in a fledgling's s�.uvival. �'�.�e� 13�ain dete� �ae�a� ��as �redatic�n, «�hic21 accounted for ?� pe.rc�nt of j��venile cat.bird deaths within the te.�an�'s three suburban stticid� sites. Nearfly half (47 percent) of the deaths were attributed to domestic cats in Opal , Daniels and Spring Park. Scientists eithe� witnessed the deaths or determined that they i were cat-related by the condition of the fledglirig's remains, such as a decapitated bird ' wit�i ihe'�c,dy left a.i�ieateil—deii�iii� cliai°aeie o#'� �at ki11. T`�i� reseaichers did not detect domestic cats dulring predator surveys in the t�ird suburban study site, Bethesda. "T'l�e predation Ysy cats vn �ed;;li�� c�atbir�ls ��cle t�iese s�burban areas ecological traps fu3• ��estir��= l��a�cfis," said Peter Marra, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute research scientist. "The habitats looked suitable for breeding birds with lots of shrubs for nesting and areas for feeding, but the presence of cats, a relatively recent phenomenon, isn't a cue birds use when deciding where to nest." Technology made tracking the fledgling catbirds possib�ea The team fitted 69 fledglings with small radio-transmitters. Scientists tracked each individual and recorded its location every other day until they died or left the study area. This detailed type of field research was very limited until recently when transmitters were made small and light enough for songbirds. Tracking the tledglings revealed tl�at 11�e vast Inajoi�i�y oi youiig catbu•d deat�is accurred in the tirst week after a bu•d fleclgc;d fi�am th� Yiest. This was not surprising to the team, given that fledglings beg loudly for food and are not yet alert to predators—making fledglings in suburban environments particularly prone to visual predators such as domestic cats. Domestic cats in suburban areas that are allowed outside spend the major�ty of time in their own or adjacent yards, so they are likely able to intensely monitor, locate and hunt inexperienced juvenile birds. The researchers found that rats and crows were also sign�ficant suburban threats to fledgling catbirds. �,�, ;j � �� "Cats are natural predators of not just birds but also mammals—killing is what they are meant to do and it's not their fault," said Marra. "Removing both pet and feral cats from outdoor environments is a simple solution to a major problem impacting our native wildlife." The scientists' findings were published in the .Iournal of Ornithology, January 2011. The Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute serves as an umbrella for the Smithsonian National Zoologzcal Park's global effort to understand and conserve species and train future generations of conservationists. Headquartered in Front Royal, Virginia, SCBI facilitates and promotes research programs based at Front Royal, the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, D.C., and atfield research stations and training sites worldwzde. ### � " .. �.. �.. C�cds @e�ailey On Now � ��'� �V�� Up Next ; / � Full Program Schedule � �J r�c ., P� "�� t� .� c�, �.��. Coe'ro�erofis Sent9 PeiroB Share Recotra�ree�� 1°weeE � �lr�„� � Cats lall billions of birds each year, study says �� J �,. �,,�, , � Researchers estimate cats Idll more Uirds than �vind turbines, buildings, pesticides ^��U� � 9 �<<�'�� '''aa a�`:_ � i'�='� January 31, 2013 E3y: Chris Bentley 04 " .'_ _"_..__._. _..._ ..____. _._. .._._.. _. _ . ' l, . . _ _ . . ... _ . _ _ .. . _. .... _. . _ _. _ . . .. , �� - lr�� ! .=l�i�f!�.�s�.)i��l�..(_ � ry, �i � � • �. _ . _ �_ . � !. _ ' � ��' • � �:I',=11'_' i : t —�� I-: -�1!_i � �=.�.i��=�1'ti I�?-�°?t�?I '�.-LL�_� - i:-i' F �rr-:=. �.- _ . 1Pt�l`'I!_ ',._.�,_ �„� _ �r �s ;� � Qfc� ti� � ` .� y�.�.� ri � � �.. � \ " _ � y. S f r�.c, _ � ..+d1 � . .. � a ,`�`^ .. . .� � � � "�",y �� s. ��' _ l t t� � � �. :3� � Tt —� _ � a.. .._ _ .. - _. -__ i � t �;S� Qtir!: i!�1ciViahon via Flicl:r) � N . : I can haz 2.4 billion birds? �—..r.-. sc _ - . _ --..a_ N✓ild, outdoo�� caY� could be killing far more 4�irds arrd marnrnais tharr previously estirnai�d — at least 1.4 billion birds and at leasf 6.9 billion rnammals each yea��. � hat's �cco� di�g io a that says cai preda�ion is fh� single gre�test cause o`r birci deaths linked to human setYlemeni: — more than huilcling collisions, pesticides orr winci 4urhines. Previous assessmen[s have , i�ut neve� by so wide a ma� Th� „�udy estimated ihat ihe meclian number of bir�ds I<illed uy cats annually is 2.�: billion and the m:�cii�in r;��mber oi rnarnmals kille�i is 12 3 billion �Jiosi oi ihai is i�om feral (siiayj cats, so ci�r�"� scolci :,;��fvUail)ust yez There am rncre Yr�:r and ir� ih� U S. according to the Hi.irnant Societ}� oi the Uniied Siates Chir�g_; ;night have a� ma�iy as — an anirn�l welr"a��e c��isis in and of irself. Bui the siudy also calls into question sc,-a,G11ed i �a�- � __ �� - i , " _, �leuter-Return (TNR) policies for manayiny stray animals, which are supposed io rein in the population of r'eral cafs without killing ihern �';'�� I � I I�� c� �` �� , � �� ; � � __ .. ....,_. _. .. � The study's sur�irisinc�ly hic�h estimates of hird and mammal cleaths, hev✓ever �ur��si c t cotuc.l 3 questions, 1 wiii remain nonefheless repres�r�i an invaa�l�r r�rNse��ce in the aJ.S., ��+riti� dire consequences for othzr animai .: �'ii;4 €i °�.. <�cs` _;�-)(r . �.is';, s�.."�-.;: oopulations {'roponents of TNR programs say ihey are successful in ce��tain circumstances, and ` not yet widespread enough to have fhe impact they otherwise could. By comparison, another found each wind turt�ine I<ilis an �v�r�ge of 4.27 birds per : Who set up the I Has the Deep Tunnel year, buf oiher estimafes have been higher — the American Bird Conservancy projects about 'i ; region's first art ' project defivered million total bird deaths due fo wind furbines each year, if 20 percent of ihe courrt�y's electr icity ; gallery? ' significant benefits comes from wind power by 2030. Other esfimates have puf fhaf figu� lowe��. ; other than employment, and at (Wind turbines can also disrupt mating patterns and habitaf for some bird species, as well as kill ' what cost to residents? birds of prey larger than mos� cafs would have the mettle to take on. I here has been, however, -- --,. __._ _ __._ some . And fossii fuel-based ener9Y produc4ion is no _......_ __......_ _..._ __ ..._.. .. friend of the birds — - ) �� r ,.� .. A R - = - _ II Another r'ollowing collisions �n�ith l�uilolings, by some estimaies, which rnakes s(<yscrapers a major c�use of bird deaths. 14 is worth no4ing that pinning down the number of dead birds and small mammals is , �`� . i he new study is the mosi comprehensive yet, and was led by researchers from ,�CA D E M i C � ihe Smifhsonian Conservation Biology instiYute and the U.S. Fish and 4Niidlife Service. � , �ALL-AMERICANS �.. , �i��;i'��1,, , Cl�TEGORIES ' lil ' � � � f 4 ..:;n; 9F7..° ., .. Previous post uca 'sentley Next post ira = is BenNe:; :;he a�iswer ta 7ac�: r�rncrr=., �vaezoNFaceaoorc ; m€:r�t.; � ��9'�G'41��'�� Leave a message... �usce�s�=.�s o thafs freaky ��d killir�g k�illions per year? intei�se! • Reply • Sharc � I ihlfl{( Ii COOI ° Re�l� • Sha�e� 6n the �rCicle ir staFes "6y cornparison, another stucly in f�aiu� e`ro��ncl e�ch wind iurbines l.ill ?�i ave��ge oi 4.2% I�irds �e�� year" . ..................... ! his staterneni is all pari o'r C�d1�1 r� � � a� �i�lc� � Feral cat population, left unchecked, a real threat to the environment Cat lovers, I know, will hate what I have to say. °That°s just the way it is with the issue of trap-neuter-return. People don't come at it from different perspectives, but from different planets. I le�a•ned this �y �itti�g through a tdvo�hour forum Tuesday night in Spring H�11 that �vas called to disct�ss TNP. as � way to contr�l the population of feral cats in Hernando County — a discussion that's going on all over �he countay, � couldn't understand why so �nany people were fired up to save cats when they'd passed fihe same signs on the way t� the meeting that I had, the ones advertising the sale of intelligent, highly evolved anirnais slaughtered and butchered, to eate I don't g�t why talking about our responsibility to cats would cause anyone°s voice to quaver, which happened at tY?� meeting. So did the recitation of a multi-stanza poem about the tragic fate of an abandoned cat, Princess. I can't qt�ite say — though I migh� have once or twice, under my breath — that I don°t gflve a flip ab�ut Princess. � l�ke cats `vell enoug� insid� people's houses; there are three of thern �n �ine. And ��ertagnly doa�'t �ant the countg� �� eutha�aize any rriore cats than absolutely necessary. B�t once cats are o�tside, �zey°re nothing but a threat ta the cause that gnakes rri� voice quaver — th� environment. Every feral cat spared fx°om being put down by being trapped, neutered and, most of all, � eturned to the outdoo�•s, rre��s t��e dc�atl� of ma��y fimes that rnany wild anitnals. °I'h4s was doc�arrrflented last pnonth �n a headline-grabbing analysis f�orn the Smithsonian Conservation Biology� Instatute and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. �at Tove�s, pred�ctably, have poked holes in this study by poin�ing to Ilts w�de��a�ggng estIlrgaates m� �e ��m�er �f creatuxes that cats lcill eveay year, � How rna�y birds is it, they ask, i.q billion or 3,7 billion? And do cats slaughte�° 6.9 billaon small marnmals or 2�e� biTlion? Well, no matter what, it's billions. And the American Bird Conservamcy says cats take the lives of more birds tl�an any other killer, includin� wind turbines, skyscrapers, cars or pesticides. Cat lovers are also lovers of wildlife, they say, and I don`t doubt that. At Tuesday's aneeting, I even met a�at rescuer vvho is als� a squirrel rescuera But my interest isn't in advocating for one fluffy or feathered animal aver ��notherf it's in preservang the natu�ra� s��stem, and what this study showed is that cats are disrupting it in a less dra�natie but more widespread way than the Surmese pythons in the Everglades. And at's a system, obviously, that tloesn't need any more dbsruptionso In fact, it seearis to be fading fast. 1'-i � `. ; Cats, on the other hand, are thriving. The national population has tripled in the past 4o years, partly because they are more popular as pets, partly beca.use more people are feeding colonies of feral cats. Which brings us to the main complaint against the research that shows that TNR helps reduce the populations of these colonies. Much of it is based on the counts of people doing the feeding. I think — and it's no surprise that this is the same thing the American Bird Conservancy thinks — that there would be far fewer cats in these colonies if they weren't fed, and that the people most in favor of neutering and releasing feral cats are a big part of the reason the cats are there in the first place. Cat lovers agree with none of this, and can even back up their points with their own research from sympathetic scientists. In fact, I think we agree on just one thing: that irresponsible pet owners are the ultimate cause of all the unnecessary deaths of ca.ts and wildlife. To their credit, cat lovers and organizations full of them, such as the Humane Society of the Nature Coast, already try to spread this message. Maybe, eventually, people who dump unwanted cats, who don't get them spayed or neutered, or who allow them to roam outside, will finally get it. Maybe they'll start to change their behavior. It has happened with people who litter and drink and drive. I'd gladly come to a community forum on that subject — and not say a word under my breath. ,. � . �:: ..z,_: .;,,; . �,,.�,., � ,. ,; .. . �, -: , ,. ;: . 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Editorial: How to cope with �`�� G�_��.��g� Concord's feral cats ��' � �� Thursday, February 21, 2013 �� ` fi `ry - (Published in pnnt: Friday, February 22, 2013) ; � *� ;,� II � I ,,, � � � � °i s . : �'. _. .. s � ■ �� I%3DOCDYQFjABOAo9'o26url%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fv�nnnnr.concordmonitor.com%252Fhome%252F4607870- � � � fi ,,, :DYQFjABOAo°626ur14'o3Dhttp%253A%252F%252Fvwvw.concordmonitor.com°'o252Fhome%252F4607870- MalRetp�a�e (http://classifieds.concordmonitor.c , � Randy Cilley and Carla Cochran have spent years and sacrificed much time and money to cuass�F�eos auros �oes REAL ESfATE improve the living conditions of downtown's feral cat community. While we respect their dedication and sacrifice, the right number of feral cats in Concord is zero. Despite their attempt to capture and neuter as many of the cats as possible, the assistance they provide may be making matters worse, not better. services: (htt p.//classifieds.concordmon itor.com/category/serv The existence of a trap and neuter progran� may a4so er�cour�ge the abar�r��nme��[ of e�� All Wood Floor Refinishing and Install $1.SOSF &up more domestic cats by their owners, sinc� sorne �rfi;1 beiieve that the cats they abandon will 738-3919 Concord NN be cared for. And as with any other creature living in the wild, providing the cats food CornerCupboard: shelter, hay for bedding and other assistance helps the feral cat population increase and (http://classifieds.concordmonitor.com/category/corr with it, the damage the felines do to native species, especially songbirds. Cats, and by that we cupboard) Coffee Table -�20 290-9100 me�n felis catus, the domestic cat, in the wild are an invzsive s�ecies that needs t4 be ��;�,,�;,;i os �eday�s oassifieds» controlled. (h�cp:u: � assh`i2cis.roncordr;�critor.com) r t f � ,� -° r �; f i � .. � � , , �' � � � � �.. Last month, the Smithsonian Conservation Biology fnstitute published a peer-reviewed study Daily Deal that for the first time documented the horrific impact damestic cats, particularly those who (http J/dailydeal.concordmonitor .CC have turned feral or were born to feral parents, inflict on wildlife. The estimated death of Of-tfle-day� birds to the paws of cats, both house cats allowed to roam outdoors and feral cats, is between 1.4 billion and 3.7 billion. For mammals, mice and rats to be sure, but also rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels and other creatures, researchers place the death toll at more than 13 �19 for a NH State Inspection at billion. That count doesn't include the frogs, snakes, insects and other creatures the highly Rountree Ford-Lincoln effective hunters kill in vast numbers. The majority of the damage is done by feral cats, but (http ://dailydeal.concordmonitor .COm house cats do their share and should not be allowed to roam and return. �� Even with assistance, feral cats lead lives that are nasty, brutish and short, lives filled with danger, sufFering and disease. Mother study, published in the American �ournal of Veterinary ' v ra e have 1.4 litters er ear with a median �� Mediane, found that female feral cats, on a e g, p y , c, litter of three cats. Feral cats provided food and shelter are probably more fecund. But the -�" � ( http:J/da ilydeal.concordmonitor.com/da ily_deal� study also found that of the 169 kittens born during the study, 127 died or disappeared within six months of birth. Yet feral cat numbers continued to increase. One estimate places the national population at 80 million, enough to have a serious impact on the ecosystem. Encer your emaii for deai aoerrs: �ats are beautiful, their relationship to humans ancient, their popularity (as millions of views I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy of cat videos attest) unquestioned. But in the wild, or allowed to roam as house cats, they are highly efficient killers that have become one of the single biggest reason for the decline in songbird populations. Leash laws, licensing and other requirements have become common for dogs, but cats have been given a free pass. Requiring that Concord residents license their '�' cats or leash them if alfowed outdoors strikes us as, at this point, as a bridge way too far. But feral cats are not part of the natural environment, and whose numbers should be reduced by every humane means possible. That includes feeding bans and the euthanization ~ ,� ,_:-_� of those that can not be neutered and adopted by owners who will agree to keep them ` ;P, - indoors or, when outdoors, in an enclosure they can't escape. Only that will end the I � a�;�` � '�- i enormous toll cats take on wildlife. � � = y -- � �-- �..-� �: :�c �--,� - — -- - Share Email Print(/home/4607870-95/cats-feral-cat-allowed?print=true) Comments(6) ;:, _ (http:!/www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300&winname=addthis&pub=ra-SOeadd4868b4a4b7&source=tbx-300&Ing=e &ixa= 3A962F5o2Fwvvww.concc allowed&title=Editorial%3A9'o20How9'o20to%20cope4'o20with�/o20Concord°hE2%80;b99s%20feral%20cats�h209'o7C9'o2C�Conc d�5 Monit, -. =AT=ra-SOead�4868b= /51490089e5cc2488/4/4e1f39922609e3a6&frommenu=l&ips=1&uid=4e1f39922609e3a6&ct=1&pre=http %3Fsa%3Dt:b26rct�53 9595252Fcats-feral-cat-allowed9'o26ei°63DbwBBUa0hF4nk8gSE04CYCQ%26usgSo3DAFQjCNHwt7DqCvsC3Ke7LBxGV�N9SDu02C bv.4�287444�62Cd.eh (http:/1www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=300&winname=addthis&pub=ra-SOeadd4868b4a4b7&source=tbx-36D&Ino=eR&s= - ttp�'a,3A%2Fvo2Fwww.o allowed&title=Editorial�'o3A9'o20How°,'o20to3'o20cope�lo20with%20Concord9oE29o80 c� e=A7;a-SOeadd4868b� 151410089e5cc2488l5/4e1f39922609e3a6&frommenu=1&uid=4e1f39922609e3a6&ct=1&pre=httpho3A�62F9o�witi.o le. __ �L�9626rct�i63Dj%26� 95°,6252Fcats-feral-cat-allowed9'o26ei%3DbwBBUaOhF4nk8gSE04CYCQ9'o26usg;'o3DAFQjCNHwt7DqCvsC3Ke7LBxGN.�U9�Du02Cw 963DbJA3287494%2Cd.e�1 6 COt1t�bUt2: Suggest a correction (http://drupaLconcordmonitor.com/forms/send-a-correction) 1 ✓ y� i� Shutters Send a photo (http://drupaLconcordmonitor.com/form/send-a-photo) ��JfJ(,�� Pleated Shc�es Suggest a link (http://drupaLconco�dmonitor.com/forms/suggest-a-link) � tustom Draperies 1�i C Send a news tip (http:/ldrupal.concordmonitor.comfformisend-a-news-tip) ��, ��'Q� [�StI�T1�3f�'� ' $f�o� tif t�ottt� Lettertothe Editor(http://drupaLconcordmonitor.com/forms/letter-to-the-editor) � , t�_Q�� far�i �oos Comments 6 DISCUS510�! GUIDELI�!t5 (/DISCUSSIOi�I-GUID_LI�!ES} rISCUSSION F'�Q (/DISCU5510�I- F �, Q � Today's E-Edition (http://concordmonitor.nh.newsme 0 NHOutdaors wrote: 02/24/2013 You are accusing Mr. Cilley and Ms. Cochran, who feed and neuter feral cats, of contributing to File:Adult Florida scrub jay.jpg From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia �- .w � -� , �� , , �- ; � � - ,�N�_ z _ _ > :�� , ,, .�„" � � � °a, ' ��5; _ , � ...� , �� .. � � � a.zYl � . '� � �. � �:: - � ' I' - . a � �y ,: .� � { . ' �;L 4- . . . . ' � � � y � �. � � ,� ��` � � �, � � ,�� . } `k:31 � �.,' � . � , �v , .' •' 9S ' 6 j � '. i , _ } ��. � �� ; 4 ' �- � a�- � , �` � � �� , ' ',�,:' � � ` . � `. � . ,. � �`.- . :1 '! �� . 'w � � * � ', �� : �: . '-,,�` � �, . ` . r - qt�^. ,w- � � . - �t... .. i . � � ` L � -. .. ` �. �''^ ' 1 ° :a ` �%w . � ,. : � . 4 _.. _ '> � — \S . v+� _ - _ � f : ��' � � - - .: . vl 4 � a,: � � � S ( _:a f" � a` � �.. ?f -s 'M � t... -. P '-': '� � -_ _ _ _ _ - - J� � �� _ _ �" _ �..i�.� a�,., Size of this preview: 471 x 599 pixels. F�11 resolution (1,650 x 2,100 pixels, file size: 2.12 MB, MIME type: image/jpeg) ; This is a file from the Wikirnedia Commons. Information from �ts description p�ge there is ; ��', ; shown below. _ __ _ Comrrtons is a freely licensed media file repository. You can help. Summary Description English: Adult Florida sczub jay at Lyonia Preserve Date 23 May 2008 Source Own work �A'. -% - - / ! ^�+ i � ' � s w. p - • s • s s � • � �; __ , _ ._Search Download PDF Publication #WEC261 Topics: F•��ns�,. :�r� H��jer� �'�iUildlite Ecology and Conserva�ic,�� i�:k�tive 3irds °�°��,� 3='�� x ��` � `�` �°' ..�� " °': ��=An�C1@S 111 PQI"f� 2 _. Steve A. Johnson, Karl E. Niil�er, and Travis Blunden' Of the hundreds of native bird species living in Florida, only one, #he Florida Scrub-Jay, is found n��n�here else--�They ar� tr�e �=;v� idians. The Florida Scrub-Jay is a habitat specialist found only in scrub habitat, the most endangered ecosystem type in Florida. As a result, Florida Scrub-Jay populations have declined dramatically, and this species is now federally listed as threatened. This fact sheet provides biological information about the Florida Scrub-Jay and the unique habitat it depends on for survival. It also includes advice for how people can help c�nserve this unique and imperiled bird. The Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) is similar in size and shape to the more common Blue Jay (Cyahocitta cristata), but differs greatly in color pattern. Like other jays, the Florida Scrub-Jay is a medium-sized bird, approximately 10 inches (26 crn) long. Fiowever, unlike Blue Jays, the Florida Scrub-Jay (Fig. 1) does not ha�re a crest on its head and is predominantly blue and gray with rao bold black markings. The Florida Scrub-Jay has a sky-blue head, wings, and taiB, and its body is pale gray. The front of its Yoead and throat are white, arad it has a blue-gray'°bib.'° The coloration and markings of male and female Florida 5crub-Jays are the same. The more corramon Blue Jay (Fig. 2) has a prorninent, bright blue crest on its head and a dark "necklace" around its throat that continues onto each side of ats head. The �9ue Jay's back, wings, and tail are bright blue with bold black bars and white tips on the flight feathers. !ts face arad unders�de are grayish-white. �'tr � �<!�� . r.. -- �-. � f ,: �= � ��-° � � `,� ; � ��I '' �� ',� � � ��`` ', � . i " I w �, Figure 1. The Florida Sceuk�-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) is rnostly gray and blue in color, and has a bl�ae neckiace. It iacks the crested head and black-barred wings and tail of the more corrimon Blue Jay. Credit: Craig A. Faulhaber [Click thumbnael to enlarge.] � , - - �� ✓ .�.�'� ,�` � � � � � � � � ,��_ _ _ ^ r '" �` _ . ��.,� -,"`-. - -� � Figure 2. The more common Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is also gray and blue and has a black necklace. It has an obvious crest on the head, and bold black bars on the wing and tail feathers. Credit: Craig A. Faulhaber [Click thumbnail to enlarge.] � �� :; . � � ��.i . .,� Florida Scrub-Jays are endemic to Florida, meaning that they are only found in fhis state. They occur onfy in peninsuiar Florida, and their specific distribution is largely tied to the habitat type that they require. Historically, Florida Scrub-Jays were found in 39 counties in Florida, but currently only 32 counties still support Florida Scrub-Jay populations (Fig. 3), and 9 of these counties have tiny populations of 10 or fewer pairs. During the last century, Florida Scrub-Jay numk,ers declined by 80-90%, and there are oniy an estimated 3,000-4,000 family groups remaining. As a result, the Flar��da ,Scr�sfa�•.Jay is lis#e� �y t!;e f�deral gove��me�t as a tlireatene�4 spec+ss. ,_ ,;' . , �,;,� r � �;� ;�-�~-�; i' � = J � ° r �d,, - ' .i z,� 't'� ._:: ji a _ Figure 3. The range of the Florida Scrub-Jay has declined dramatically, ana these �irds are no longer found throughout most of their historical range. The current range, shown in green (bfack if viewing in black and white), is only a tiny fraction of the historical range, shown in gray. Credit: Monica E. McGarrity [Click thumbnail to enlarge.] As its name implies, the Florida Scnab-Jay requires scrub habitat to survive, and will only five and breed in landscapes that include patches of oak scrub dominated by several species of stunted, low-growing oaks. The height of these oaks is critical for Florida Scrub�Jays, which prefer habitat with oaks that are 3-10 feet (1-3 m) tall, scattered among patches Qf bare sand, palmettos, and other low-growing vegetation (Fig. 4). To provide high-quality habitat f�r Florida Scrub�Jays, the scrub must be maintained with prescribed fire. Historically, periodic natural fires suppressed the growth of the oaks, reducing their height, increasing the diversity of the understory plants, and creating open areas with less canopy cover. If fire is suppressed, over time the oaks and pines grow tall, dominating the habitat, uvhich gradually becomes less and less suitable for Florida Scrub-Jays (Fig. 5). Scrub is an e}ctremely rare type of upland habitat in �lorida. Because much of Florida's scrub has been converted to other land uses and the few remaining areas are also theeatened by development, the Florida Natural Areas Inventor°� considers this habitat type to be imperiled (statewide and globally). Scrub habitat occurs in several different forms, including xeric (dry) oak scrub (Fig. 4), scrubby flatwoods (Fig. 6), and sand pine scrub (Figs. 5 and 7). The Florida Scrub-Jay is the only bird sp�c�es t�ai is compleiely aependent on these scrubs. Nowever, scrub is also home t� a great v�riety of rare pl�nts and ar,ima�s, m�ny of �rrl�ich �fss� d��erd solely c,n this h�bitat for their sur�sival. � ' 3 „�� .: .' � � ��Y��'' �i x z $ ; , � Y �� j .� ;.�_ s* ? f <�, , '`4a . �y 4�? �. . �:.��' . : ti�� . . .� �� . � � . . � t; ; �,.��,`��: *�cr� =-'` Figure 4. Fire-maintained xeric {dry) oak scrub provides excellent habitat for Fiorida Scrub-Jays. This habitat type is dominated by short, stunted scrub oaks scattered among patches of open sand, and lacks an overstory of sand pines (Pinus clausa). The dominant understory plants are myrtle oak (Quercus myrtifolia), Chapman's oak (Q. chapmani�), sand-live oak (Q. geminata), scrub holly (llex opaca var. arenicola), scrub plum (Prunus geniculata), scrub hickory (Carya floridana), rosernary (Ceratiola ericoides), and saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). Credit: Steve A. Johnson [Click thumbnail to eniarqe.] �.. �� } � ti�� r � �� z , 1 ,,. _ . .��, y�`Y��F�� , �. ) i �' fi' r + . � ; � I r �� ,! � � f p. 1 � � F { ��i � T. � }� �� , � S. ��-; � �, y�;s{�'�: {, � . � �� }. j � f.�.y�}�'� ,'1 � � ��i� �: . fi � � `� � S k �, ., -� � � * :.. Figure 5. VVi�en fire is suppressed, as seen in this sand pine scrub habitat at Archbold Biological Station, the pines grow tall and the canopy becomes more closed. The oaks oc� the understory also grow taller, and in tiraie may begin to dominate the habitat. Fire-suppressed scrub habitat does not provide optimal conditions for Florida Scrub-Jays. Credit: Steve A. Johnson [Click thumbnail to enfarge.] '.� :s � r _. ._ � �f ... .. .. _ . .�� x � _ .. �,' �,. 'r. � . ? , . �`_ _ h I ��'� �+ � ' ' :--.. . -,� � -5 ,_�-�3c:__ Figure 6. Scrubby flatwoods habitat has an understory similar to that of oak scrub, and an overstory dominated by slash pine (P. ellioitii) or longleaf pine (Pinus palustris). Scrubby flatwoods can occur in association with many other habitat types Credit: Steve A. Johnson [Click thumbnail to enlarge.] t: � � 1 t��, t � ., s �� . T ; . _ . '"-- � ' e .�'� - -�` � � ,}# 4 { ►��. ' � y '�. � � � •, � .' �r� y , i �.,T . �-- r . �� ¢ �i�R,lf Ar; _',f ` f',y�� Figure 7. Sand pine scrub habitat is dominated by an overstory of sand pine (Pinus ctausa). Important understory plants include myrtle oak (Quercus myrtifolia), Chapman's oak (Q. chapmani�), sand-live oak (Q. geminata), and scrub holly (llex opaca var. arenrcola). Prescribed fire is an important tool for managing this habitat, and sometimes produces even-aged stands of pines as seen here at the Juniper Prairie Wilderness of Ocala Nationai Forest. (Notice the low�growing oaks beneath the pines, and the Florida Scrub-Jay perched in a pine at lower left). Credit: Rolf Muller [Click thumbnail to enlarge.] — s� . The diet of Fiorida Scrub-Jays is quite varied. They spend much of their time hopping along the ground or through vegetation searching in the shrubs or leaf litter for insects and other invertebrates that make up the bulk of their diet. Small vertebrates and some seeds and berries also may be taken, b�at less often. During the winter, v�+hen insects are scarce, Florida Scrub-Jays rely on acorns as their dominant food source. 7hey harvest acoms from the scrub oaks and bury them in open patches of sand during the fall. A single Florida Scrub-Jay can cache (hide) 6,000-8,000 acoms in a single year. The birds are able to remember where they hide most of their acorns and may return to eat them any time of year. ;.. ^� a�r „n � �+)�'s. ��s;i.� , �_+?`= Florida Scrub-Jays live in family groups of varying sizes; each family group occupies a specific territory in the scruk� habitat. Family groups range in size from a single pair (male and female) to as many as eight or more birds. Every g+�aup includes one mated pair, �nd ofiten inc3u�ies ofher r�;f�ted ��dividua3s ca�9ed h�lpers. They are given the �tame "helpers" because they assist in defending the territory and feeding nestlings. These helpers are usually offspring from previous years that do not breed, but remain with their parents and assist in raising their younger siblings. Helpers are very important, since family groups that have helpers are able to produce larger numbers of offspring that survive to adulthood. If a nearby te�ritory becomes open (i.e., the breeder of another family group dies), a helper will attempt to move into that area and assume the role of breeder in the new family group. Florida Scrub-Jays spend most of their time searching for food or watching for predators. Although they forage independently, they often remain close to others in their group. One group member sits on an exposed perch, acting as a sentinel to watch for potential danger while other group members are foraging. If a threat is spotted, such as a hawk or a snake, the sentinel bird gives a distinctive warning calP and the birds quickly find cover. If the predator is on the ground the jays will often gather around the predator, scolding and harassing it, creating a "ruckus" (called mobbing), in an attempt to drive it away. 1'hreats ta �lorida Scrub-Jays ; �,,s , :; r � , ; . _, ;;<� :r;; P��j�:. �f��.<; The long-t�rm surviva! of the Florida Scrub�Jay depends on preservation and restoration of suitable scrub habitat. �crub-Jay populations have declined dramatically, largely because of loss, fragmentation, or modification of scrub habitats. Most of the native scrub habitat has been cleared to make way for citrus groves, housing developments, and shopping centers. The remaining scrub is often modified by fire suppression, and many of these remnants are no longer suitable for Florida Scrub-Jays. Historically, lightning strikes naturally ignited fires in the scrub as well as in other nearby upland habitats, from which fire spread to #he scrub. As the human population of Florida increased, however, these natural fires began to pose a safety risk and were often extinguished. Habitats also became fragmented as portions were converted to other land uses, and fires in these small areas became less frequent and were less likely to spread between patches. Protected Scrub-Jays for foraging and breeding. For more information about how lar�d managers use prescribed fiire safely to restore fihis habitat, .please see the "What You Gan Do" section below. �,. . � � Urban development has greatly affecfied Florida Scrub-Jays. Their habitat has been lost, degraded by fire suppression, and fragmented into smatl patches that are often divided by roadways. In addition to the many chalienges to survival Florida Scrub-Jays face in these small habitat patches, they are often killed by automobile traffic as they fly low across roadways. A recent study published in the joumai, Conservation Bioloav, found that these traffic-related deaths have such intense effects on Florida Scrub-Jays that populations Biving along roadways can only persist if enough individuals immigrate (move in) from other nearby populations. Because there are so many road mortalities, in populations of Florida Scrub-Jays near roads, the number of breeding adults that die each year is much greater than the number of offspring they produce each year. This creates what is known as a population "sink,'° where the populatiora can't sustain itself without a constant influx of newcomers. To make matters worse, birds immigrating from habitat patches without roads are naive #o the dangers of traffic, a��d are ��uch mo�°e likely to be killed by vehicles. Urban development can also have other harmful effects on Florida Scrub-Jay populations. bntrt�r��ce� prs�iators, such as fQrai cats, are common in the human-modifis�i Jandscapes, ,and may prey on Florida Scrub-Jays. In addition, the few remaining patches of suitable habitat are ofiten separated by great stretches of inhospitable land, and it is extremely difficult for Florida Scrub-Jays to move between them. As a result, the genetic diversity ofjays in these isolated populations deteriorates, reducing their ability to adapt, resist disease, and persist. Without a landscape-Bevel effort to preserve Florida Scrub-Jay habitats, maintain conraectivity between patches, and reiinimize the impacts of urbanization, maray of these populatior�s have little chance of long-term survival. - _._ �� I l, i . , f E�` Many people in Florida are working today to devise strategies to protect the Florida Scrub-Jay and other wildlife and to restore and preserve wild9ife habitat. For instance, land rrzanagers faced with the challenge of restoring habitat where fire has been suppressed for maray decades have learned that large trees and uraderbrush may need to be cut down and removed before an area is burned in order to reduce the intensity of the fire and the likelihood that it will endanger humans. In other areas, the large oaks will not catch fire and there is little underbrush for fuel, so the oaks must be cut down before the area will burn. After these initial '°mechanical" �estorations, land maraagers are able to safely use regular, prescribed fires to mainta�n the habitat for Florida Scrub-Jays and other wildlife. Not only professionals but all of Florida's citizens should take action to help eonserve our native habitats, plants, and animals, including the iraiperiied scrub habitat and the wildlife that depends on it for survi�oal. You can do your part by learning more about prescribed fire, supporting the use of controlled burns to maintain conservation larads an your area, and educating others to help increase popular support for this esseratial step in the overall effort to preserve a�d protect our fragile Florida ecosystems. Fforida's citizens also need to take action to help consenre our native habitats, plants, and anirmals, including #he imperiled scrub habitat and the wildlife that depends on it for survival. If you would like to get invo�ved in conservation, you can join one of the raiany coraserva#iora societies, such as The Audubon Society and The Nature Conservancy, which rely on the help of concerned citizens. The Jay Watch Program is coordinated by the Archbold Biological Statiora with support from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission a�d The IVature Conservancy. For raiore information on the Jay Watch program and some of the conservation societies working to protect Florida, see the "References and Resources" section belovv. In addition to becoming an involved citizen, you should learn more about Florida's diverse wildlife, and try to be aware of how your actions impact wildlife. Fvr �.xa��ple, fhe cl�rida Fish and UVildlife Gonservation Gommission estimates that outdo�r cat� (#ain� ar feral) may kill many mill��s �f ?,�vil� a4�zm�ls, incl�adir�g bircls, in �lorida each year. By spaying or neutering your pet and keeping it indoors, you can help to protect wildlife. When driving on Florida's roadways, especially in rural areas and near wetlands, you should also watch out for low-flying birds and for snakes, turtles, and other wildlife attempting to cross--give them a brake! By learneng more about Florida's ecosystems, you can also learn to recognize fragile habitat types like scrub, so that you can be especially careful when traveling through them. An excellent way to learn more about Florida's natural ecosystems and the plants and animals that inhabit them is to become a Master Naturalist by participating in the various learning modules offered by the University of Florida's Master Naturalist Program (FMNP). Visit the FMNP Web site listed below to find a county Extension office or nature center in your area that offers courses for this award-wining program. For more information , on Florida's habitats, prescribed fire, and other topics see the "References and Resources" section below. � :iferences and Res��rc�� , Intemet Resources Florida Master Naturalist Program — University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service I Jay Watch —The Nature Conservancy :: � ,. �;� � 4a,�� a�: ,�,._ - . ,i� � „ �_ i;i: ,:��nca/unitedstates/florida/volunteerljay-watch- '�7!i]t. � .,. i .. ��1il�i:, .C.si1�? r 'J.;<.ili� Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphe%coma coerulescens) — Cornell Lab of Ornithology "AIi About Birds" Online at: � ` I � i�:�� ,�,i;� � � � �.�. 11�,� !11ti� ;.L� k,l;e:: , Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) — excerpted from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Multi-species Recovery Plan for South Flor�da (iii,; r.�;,:t. ,t1 �`.�i==� �,:)�): t:.,c;E_.,k,.�4 f. jir.I; Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens) —U. S. Fish and �idlife Service species report Online at: ' i!'I � � '+^' aC,�`�; � ��'.i�_ � icl , ,. �� . _ _ . _i� , �;r,� i iC .1�; t � ,. — -' , }— FWCC Land Cover/Habitat Classifications — Florida Department of Environmental Protection Online at: ��t±��/lt�,rt�i;� �len_�r�t� fl.uslwateriwetlands/ferilfwcehal�itata.htr�� Audubon of Florida �t . ,. . ..., ;� � , �f��,� ,: � � ;��: t�; f�,' The Nature Conservancy — Profecting Nature, Preserving Life-- �tt;�.ltvv+,vw.nat�ire.r�rg/wherev�ewGrk/r,c�rthamericalstates/floridal 1000 F�i�nds of Florida — Saving Special Places, Fighting Urban Sprawl, and Building Better Communities-- , �i�itis � �_:�:;�;� if _ Florida Wildlife Federation -"Protecting F/orida's Natural Resources for 70 Yearsl"- ��:�p:liwww.fwfonfine.orglindex.htm :,, r ;:� Breininger, D. R., and G. M. Carter, "Territory quality transitions and source-sink dynamics in a Florida Scrub-Jay population,°' Ecological Applications 13 (2003): 516-529. Thaxton, J. �., and T. M. Hingtgen, "Responses of Florida scrub jays to management of previously abandoned habitat, District 4 annual research report,Florida Park Seivice; Taiiahassee, Florida. (1994). Thaxtoro, J.E., and T.M. Hingtgen, "Effects of suburbanization and habita# fragmentation on Florida scrub-jay dispersal," Florida Field Naturalist 24 (1996): 25-60. Woolferaden, G.E., ar�d J.W. Fitzpatrick, "Florida scrub jay," in Rare and endangered biota of Florida, vol. V— Birds, eds. J. A. Rodgers, H. W. Kale, and H. T. Smith (Gainesville, Florida: University Presses of Florida, 1996), 267-280. Woolfenden, G.E., and J.W. Fitzpatrick, "Florida scrub-jay,°' in The birds of North America, eds. A. Poole and F. Gill Washington, D. C.: The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, and The American Ornithologists Union), 1-27. U.S. Fish and Wifdfife Service, Recovery plan for the Florida scrub-jay, (Atlanta, Georgia: U.S. Fish and �Idlife Service, 1990). Mumme, R. L., S. J. Schoech, G. E. Woolfenden, and J. W. Fitzpatrick, "Life and death in the fast lane: Demographic consequences of road mortality in the Florida Scrub-Jay," Conservation Biology 14 (2000}: 501-512. f £_,t�:t; 1. This document is WEC261, one of a series of the Wildlife Ecalogy and Consenration Department, �lorida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date June 2009. Revised July 2012. Visit the EDIS website at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. 2. Steve A. Johnson, associate professor and ��ctension specialist, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Commission, 1105 SW Williston Road, Gainesville, FL 32601; Travis Blunden, former graduate student, Department of Wildlife Ecology and _ Conservation, University of Florida/IFAS, 110 Newins-Ziegler Hall, PO Box 110430, Gainesville, FL 32611. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension pub{ications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Nick T. Place, Dean. ,. 1 ... ii _ �{! 4 ; 13C , . . _ � _ � . _ . ., _ ' _ , _1 . . � t j . k i 3 } ; � . #