floridamammals

Hispid Cotton Rat

The Hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) is a species of rodent in the Cricetidae family. **The Cricetidae are a family of rodents in the large and complex superfamily Muroidea. It includes true hamsters, voles, lemmings, muskrats, and New World rats and mice. At almost 608 species, it is the second-largest family of mammals and has members throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. **
Hispid cotton rats are found in North and South America, including the southeastern United States, Mexico, and northern parts of South America. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, and wetlands. It is a medium-sized rodent with a grayish-brown coat and spiky fur on its back, which gives it its name “Hispid” meaning bristly or rough.
Description: Hispid cotton rats have short, coarse fur that is brown or grayish brown on the back and lighter on the belly. They have long, narrow tails that are sparsely haired and ears that are relatively large and round. Adults typically weigh between 50 and 100 grams and measure between 140 and 200 millimeters in total length.
Nesting and Reproduction: Hispid cotton rats build nests in burrows, hollow logs, or under thick vegetation. They are polygamous and breed throughout the year, with females giving birth to litters of 3-8 young after a gestation period of 22-27 days. The young are born hairless and helpless and are weaned at around three weeks of age.
Food: Hispid cotton rats are herbivorous and primarily feed on grasses, seeds, and other plant material. They will also eat some insects and other small animals.
Other Interesting Habits: Hispid cotton rats are primarily nocturnal and spend much of their time foraging for food. They are also good swimmers and climbers and are able to escape predators by climbing trees or diving into the water. In addition, they are known to be relatively aggressive towards other rodents and will fight to defend their territory. Hispid cotton rats play an important ecological role by providing food for predators such as snakes, owls, and other birds of prey.
The Hispid cotton rat is not currently listed as a threatened or endangered species. However, they are still an essential part of the ecosystem, and there are things we can do to help protect them and their habitat.
Some ways to help include advocating for the preservation of natural habitats, especially wetlands, which are essential to their survival. Supporting conservation efforts and raising awareness of the importance of these animals and their role in the ecosystem can also make a significant difference.
Planting native plants in your backyard or community can also help provide suitable habitat and food sources for Hispid cotton rats, as well as other native wildlife. (However as cute as they are I don’t think they would make good pets or neighbors so I’d think twice about that laugh out loud) Additionally, reducing the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals can help protect the ecosystem and the animals that depend on it.
Photo Credit: Andy Waldo
Author: Renada Hill Valencia College
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Brazilian Free-tailed Bat

The Brazilian free-tailed bat, also known as Tadarida brasiliensis, and some even refer to them as Mexican free-tailed is a species of bat found throughout the Americas, from southern Canada to central South America. It is a medium-sized bat with broad ears, large feet, and the end of its tail free, hence the name “Free Tail”. The bat is easily distinguished by its tail which extends for about half its length beyond the tail membrane. They have short, velvety, reddish-to-black-colored fur. Some of them have patches of white scattered throughout their fur. The ears are short, broad, thick, leathery, and separated in the middle of the forehead by a narrow gap. The wings are long and narrow, and the hairs on the toes extend beyond the claws.
With a size no bigger than a pair of thumbs, Adults measure 3.5–4.0 inches in length and weigh 0.4–0.5 ounces. These bats hold the title of the world’s fastest mammals, reaching speeds of up to 99 mph (160 kph) during level flight. These creatures are capable of flying as high as 10,000 feet. Making them small but mighty. The lifespan of these creatures in the wild is about 11 years. Each female gives birth to only one baby per year with the gestational period lasting 2.5-3.5 months. Bats babies are called pups and are born without fur and unable to fly. The pups nurse for about 45 days and within a month after birth, the majority of babies have fur and are nearly full-grown. The first flight occurs at 6-7 weeks.
The subspecies inhabiting the Western region typically roost in caves, whereas the Florida subspecies, due to the excess moisture present in Florida caves, prefer to inhabit man-made structures and trees. As a result, they are frequently spotted in both urban areas and forests. This species has a distinct musk odor that can reveal the roost site. They form relatively large colonies with individuals typically numbering in the hundreds to thousands. Roosting together in large colonies allows baby bats to remain behind in the warmth, comfort, and safety of the colony while the mothers leave the roost to feed.
At dusk, just before dark, Brazilian Free-tailed Bats emerge from their roosts to feed usually on flying insects such as moths, beetles, dragonflies, wasps, and flies as well as other bugs and ants. The seasonal temperature within Florida’s warm climate is minimal, which also allows for year-round availability of food. It has been estimated that they consume about 9,100 metric tons (10,000 tons) of insects per year, thus making them essential in the balance of insect populations and possibly in the control of insect pests which results in farmers saving millions of dollars.
The species is not currently listed as threatened or endangered, but it faces several threats that could impact its population in the future.
Some of the threats to Brazilian free-tailed bats include habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. To help protect this species and other bats, people can take several steps, such as:
Advocate for habitat preservation: Brazilian free-tailed bats depend on natural habitats for food, shelter, and roosting. You can support the conservation of natural habitats by advocating for protected areas, such as national parks or wildlife reserves, and supporting conservation organizations that work to protect bat habitats.
Preserving their natural habitat is crucial.
Plant native: Native plants can provide food and shelter for bats, so consider planting them in your yard or community. You can also support initiatives that promote the use of native plants in landscaping and land management.
Reduce pesticide use: Pesticides can be harmful to bats and their insect prey, so reducing their use can benefit both bats and the environment.
Support research: Research is necessary to better understand bat populations, their behaviors, and the threats they face. You can support organizations that conduct bat research or participate in citizen science projects that collect data on bat populations.
Overall, taking action to protect the Brazilian free-tailed bat and other bat species can help preserve biodiversity and maintain healthy ecosystems.
Video: Aymee Laurain
Author: Renada Hill Valencia College
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Nine-banded armadillo

Nine-banded armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) are a species of mammal native to the southern United States, and Florida is no exception. Armadillos in Florida are found in many areas, from the Everglades to urban regions. These animals have adapted to a wide variety of habitats, from wetlands and forests to grasslands and scrubs. They can be seen foraging for food during the day or night, and their burrows provide them with shelter from predators. In addition to their unique physical traits such as their hard shell, armadillos also play an important role in controlling insect populations. As such, they are an important part of Florida’s natural environment.
Unfortunately, many people villainize armadillos who root around their yards. Since they enjoy, worms and insects brought to the surface through moist soil, a wet yard attracts them. Preventing overwatering can deter them. If you must water, do so in the morning so the top layer can dry during the day. This will make them less likely to come around at night. You can also use a fence to exclude them. Ensure the fence extends at least 18 inches into the ground to prevent digging. A few small changes can help us coexist with our native wildlife.
Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain
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Great White Shark

Great White Sharks, Carcharodon carcharias, are the largest predatory fish that inhabit Earth. They can grow to 20 feet and weigh more than 2.5 tons. These endothermic (warm-blooded) fish are found in cool and tropical coastal waters around the world and have been tracked crossing entire oceans. Great White Sharks migrate across wider geographic areas than any other marine animal and have been tracked swimming from Newfoundland to Florida. This sleek grey shark gets its name from its white underbelly. They can travel at speeds up to 15 miles per hour and breach the surface when preying on a food source at the edge of the water.
Great White Sharks are carnivores. Their good sense of smell and ability to sense an animal’s electromagnetic field helps to locate their prey. Food consists of small fish, sea birds, seals, sea lions, and whales. Their 300 triangular teeth make it easy to hold their prey and rip it apart before swallowing the pieces whole. Researchers have learned that Great White Sharks are social animals. The scientists observed single sharks making a kill and sharing their meal with others. Humans are not on the Great White Shark’s menu. While some humans have been severely injured or killed, these incidents are extremely rare. It is now known that Great White Sharks will take a taste and quickly learn that humans are not suitable prey.
Females are larger than males and give birth to live young. During gestation, the mother does not feed her unborn via a placenta. Instead, she provides her young with unfertilized eggs. The new sharks are born as natural predators and will begin eating coastal fish immediately.
There is no accurate population count of Great White Sharks. They are currently listed as Vulnerable (VU A2bd) on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species. Threats include getting caught in fishing nets, inshore habitat degradation, and overfishing. Unfortunately, Great White Shark jaws and fins are often considered commodities. Killing Great White Sharks can be considered an achievement by unknowing or uncaring humans.
Every animal has an important role in our ecosystems. Refuse to buy animals parts. Educate other people about the importance of respecting Great White Sharks and why we need to peacefully coexist with them.
Photo Credit: Creative Commons ~Elias Levy
References:
National Geographic
Oceana
Marine Bio
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Eastern Cottontail

The Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) is best known for the white puffy fur on its tail’s underside. Cottontails grow to 14 – 17 inches in length and weigh two to four pounds. Their cotton-like tail is most noticeable when they hop.

Cottontails can be found in woodlands, fields, briar patches, bushy areas, and yards. They are herbivores often seen dining on clover, grasses, and other green vegetation. When greens are not available, Cottontails will seek out young woody shoots and bark. You will often see these solitary rabbits in the early morning or evening.

Breeding can occur any time during the year but happens most often in February through September. In about a month, the mother cottontail will give birth to a litter of 4 – 7 rabbit kittens. Female Cottontails can produce 3-4 litters each year.

Cottontails will stand on their hind feet to look for predators such as hawks, foxes, coyotes, or weasels. When one is spotted, these speedy rabbits can run up to 15 miles an hour and hop distances of up to 15 feet in a single leap.

 

 

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Coyote

The coyote (Canis latrans) is a medium-sized omnivore. The average size of a coyote in Florida is about 28 lbs. Fossils of their remains have been found in Florida as far back as 2.6 million years ago. Due to the annihilation of the red wolves in Florida, coyotes are thriving. They are also stepping up to the plate to carry out the ecological task previously carried out by the red wolves. The role of a tertiary predator is important in maintaining balance and order in an ecosystem. They do this by regulating the trophic levels below them. If there are too many primary consumers, the vegetation can be depleted, causing soil and water problems. If there are too many secondary consumers, the primary consumer population can deplete, resulting in overgrowth. If prey isn’t available, coyotes adapt by eating vegetation.

February is part of the mating period. I suppose you could say Valentine’s Day is a romantic time for Coyotes as well as humans. After about a 63 day gestation period, the females will give birth. They will have to rely on the male to provide food for the mother and pups. The pups start weaning between April and May. This is done by eating the regurgitated food of their parents. By July, they are eating solid food. They begin hunting in August and will be ready to venture out on their own by December.

Coyotes are often called “song dogs” because of their variety of sounds. People frequently overestimate the number of coyotes in an area due to their singing. The phenomenon of hearing multiples is called the Beau Geste Effect. This term means “fine gesture” in French and comes from a book published in 1924. The story explains how a group of brothers used dead soldiers to give the illusion of several soldiers in an attempt to intimidate approaching forces.

Coyotes get a bad reputation, but with human behavior changes, we can learn to coexist with them. Don’t leave food out for other animals. Walk dogs on a short leash if you know coyotes are around. Secure trash. Keep your yard clear of any debris they could use as a den: secure livestock and their feed. If you see coyotes, make a loud noise to scare them away. As we learn to live with coyotes, we can learn to appreciate the role they play in keeping Florida’s ecosystems healthy.

Coyotes are a perfect example of an omnivore because they will eat almost anything. Their meals consist of plants, berries, dead things, insects (they love bugs), rodents, foxes, small animals of any kind including birds, small livestock, cats and small dogs, and of course, human and pet food!

Unlike wolves, coyotes do not hunt in packs. However, they will hunt with family members until their siblings go on their way.

Why are we seeing more coyotes in Florida? Humans have killed most of the wolves. Because wolves are now nearly extinct in Florida, coyotes have moved in and become king of the hill. They have no natural predators and will coexist in the wild with other animals, including panthers and bobcats. Coyotes love open grassy areas where rodents and other small animals live. Since man has cleared out many forests to make way for ranching and farming, the coyote has a free-range with plenty of food.

An adult coyote weighs 25 to 40 lbs. At times they may appear to be starving and seem very thin. This is their body build. Since they are extremely adaptable to almost any environmental condition and will eat almost anything, there is never any worry about coyotes finding enough food. When coyotes inhabit a new area, their population will grow quickly. Five to six pups may be born in a single litter. Once an area is established, the coyote population will level off.

Can we send them back to their original range? It has been tried in many states for hundreds of years, and the answer is no. Snare traps will most likely catch some other wild animal or someone’s pet before it captures a coyote. Two Florida black bears were found dead with coyote snares around their necks here in Central Florida. If we kill them, coyotes will just have more pups to repopulate the area quickly. Unless we reintroduce their natural predator, the red or grey wolf, and allow nature to take its course through Trophic Cascade, coyotes are here to stay.

What can you do to keep them wild and in the forests or uninhabited areas? We use the same techniques for coyotes as we do for our amazing Florida Black bears. Take in pet food and bird feeders, secure all attractants, scare that coyote if it is in your yard by yelling at it, making loud noises, etc. Never leave small pets outside unattended. Coyotes don’t know the difference between a small cat or dog and any other prey. It’s our responsibility as pet owners to keep pets safe.

Let’s learn to respect nature, and not fear it, to coexist and not destroy it.

 

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