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Wildlife Research

Wildlife researchers work throughout the state to collect and provide information related to the population status and threats, habitat requirements, life history, and recovery needs of upland, aquatic, and marine species.

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Photo Credit: FWC

The Wildlife Research Section of the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) acquires and distributes information critical for the science-based management, conservation, restoration, and use of Florida’s wildlife resources. In addition to the Nongame Grants Program, this section comprises five subsections:

The Terrestrial Mammal Research Subsection conducts research on the 78 species and subspecies of mammals that spend all or part of their lives on land in Florida. Many are economically important, and 24 are of special concern, threatened, or endangered.

Information needs associated with the 136 native, non-marine reptiles and amphibians in Florida are the responsibility of the Reptile and Amphibian Research Subsection. Many of these species are harvested for food, the pet trade, or other uses. Twenty-two of these species, in whole or in part, are of special concern, threatened, or endangered.

The Avian Research Subsection is responsible for meeting information needs associated with the management and conservation of over 460 species of birds in Florida, 36 species or subspecies of which are listed by the state or federal government as being of special concern, threatened, or endangered.

The Marine Turtle Research Subsection conducts research necessary for conservation and restoration of the five species of marine turtles that regularly occur in Florida waters, all of which are listed by the state or federal government as threatened or endangered.

The Marine Mammal Research Subsection focuses on research to provide managers with timely information for protecting the North Atlantic right whale and Florida manatee.

Subsection researchers, representing expertise from a broad array of disciplines, study the biology and ecology of wildlife species as well as human dimensions, such as vessel traffic, in order to help managers make informed decisions. Researchers assess species populations through studies of short- and long-term trends in populations and examining essential habitat needs. Research on survival, reproduction, demographics, mortality, habitat requirements, and animal distributions and movement patterns help us monitor and inform management actions and assess progress towards recovery of the species.

Photo Credit: FWC

Data collection in the Section involves use of standard techniques as well as developing new methods when needed. Data are collected through aerial and ground surveys; capturing and marking animals; ground, aerial, and satellite tracking of animals; carcass salvage and necropsy; and genetic typing. Resulting data are analyzed using statistical methods and modeling and geographic information system (GIS) spatial analysis techniques. Based on these analyses, researchers assist in the development of new harvest strategies, assess the status of populations and determine the degree to which species are imperiled, assist in the development of recovery plans for threatened and endangered species, and evaluate the success of animal reintroduction programs and other management actions. This information is also used to develop habitat management and restoration techniques and identify habitat areas in need of management or conservation.

Much of this work is conducted in cooperation with federal and state agencies, local governments, private organizations, and volunteers. In some cases, priority information needs are addressed through solicitation of outside research expertise and subsequent contracting with universities, institutes, or private companies. Results are distributed through preparation and dissemination of annual reports, peer-reviewed scientific publications, GIS and other databases, and technical manuals. Results are also presented at meetings, workshops, and conferences. Information is also shared with the public through the FWRI Web site, popular articles, educational materials, and media and personal presentations.

Additional Information:

• 2007-2008 Wildlife Research Programs (PDF File—538 KB)
• Florida Manatee Research
• Right Whales Research
• Sea Turtles Research
• Wildlife Research 

Learn more about the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.

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