Initial Status Survey of Nonindigenous Animals in South Florida [Review Draft #2]

Goodyear, Carole

The topic of nonindigenous animals has been identified as an issue by the Working Group (WG) since the beginning of the restoration effort. One of the tasks in the 1993 charter for the former Management Subgroup (December 16, 1993) was to develop a restoration strategy that addresses the spread of invasive exotic plants and animals. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was designated as lead agency for this strategy and submitted a brief strategy report in April1994 (Carroll1994). This report highlighted some of the issues: Only a limited number of species are designated as "nuisance" species and can be prohibited by law; screening processes are deficient; responsibilities remain vague; there is a lack of awareness and knowledge of the harmful impacts; and there is an urgent need for coordination and cooperation to eliminate exotics. The greatest obstacle in combating nonindigenous species was identified as the lack of sufficient funding and manpower to stay ahead of problems. Specific projects listed in this report were all targeted at plants, but most of the approaches suggested are applicable to animals: • Develop a lead agency or group, the Exotic Plant and Animal Working Group, to develop an overall management plan for South Florida based on a comprehensive ecosystem approach, organize management efforts including funding needs and eradication techniques, keep records on areas treated and methods used, initiate legislative concerns and needs, design and implement education programs, determine the extent and magnitude of infestation, give priority attention to critical target areas, and make recommendations for restoration strategies in regard to exotic control. • Integrate nonindigenous plant and animal control efforts and encourage each county to develop management strategies. • Implement effective legislation to support exotic management and eradication, with stricter screening and release regulations. • Encourage and support the option of exotic control in suitable mitigation or compensation plans. • Continue investigating and funding eradication methods, such as biological control research [which involves importing nonindigenous animals to control plants]. • Develop and implement private and public education programs on exotic species.

Initial Status Survey of Nonindigenous Animals in South Florida [Review Draft #2]

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