mammalsinflorida

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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American Mink

The elusive American mink, Mustela vison, is a Florida native. Like otters, they are members of the weasel family and therefore, fiercely carnivorous. Dinner consists of fish, snakes, crabs, crayfish, frogs, insects, and small mammals. Minks are smaller than otters, weigh up to 4 pounds, and are only 1 – 2.5 feet long.

Minks are semi-aquatic animals that live in marshes and along the banks of rivers and streams. They have been spotted in salt marshes near the northern Atlantic and Gulf coasts. The Everglades mink, Neovison vison, is state-designated as threatened. They have been documented in freshwater and saltwater marshes in the southern Everglades, Fakahatchee Strand, and Big Cypress Swamp. There have been no current sightings of mink in the freshwater habitats of northern and central Florida.

In the spring, female minks give birth in their dens of hollowed-out logs or under protective tree roots. The 3-6 kits open their eyes at 25 days, are weaned at 5-6 weeks, and stay with their mother until fall. Bobcats, great-horned owls, and foxes prey on mink. Life expectancy is only 3 years. However, humans are the biggest threat to minks. In addition to hunting mink for oil, fur, and to assure a large fish population in human fishing areas, humans have reduced the minks’ habitat and polluted the waters that supply their food.

Minks are fast and incredibly adept at staying out of the sight of humans. Because they hunt in the late evening, during the night, and early mornings, sightings are rare. FWC biologists are seeking help from the public to track mink distribution in Florida. If you see a mink, please report your sighting here: https://public.myfwc.com/hsc/weasel/Default.aspx

Photo Credit: JayStatonPhotography.com

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River Otter

River Otters, Lontra canadensis, are members of the weasel family. They can be found in a variety of freshwater bodies including rivers, creeks, swamps, marshes, ponds, and lakes throughout Florida with the exception of The Keys. Otters love riparian areas where they can make their burrows under tree roots on a bank and slide into the water for a tasty dinner of fish, crustaceans, reptiles, and amphibians. They also dine on insects, birds, and small mammals.

River Otters weigh 15-30 pounds and live to 12 years old, They and are skilled swimmers. When they aren’t playing in the water or mud, you will find them marking their territory with urine, feces, scent glands, and scratch marks on trees. Females give birth to one to six pups in a den dug into the bank of a body of water or a hollow log. When they are two months old, the mother otter pushes her pups into the water where they quickly learn to swim.

Fun Fact: River Otters can hold their breath for 8 minutes.

Photo Credit: Paul Waller

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