From majestic felines to miniature deer, the Sunshine State boasts an exceptional array of wildlife and uncommon species that you won’t encounter anywhere else in the United States.
BIRDS
The Florida Scrub-Jay
The Florida scrub-jay is remarkably uncommon. It stands as the sole bird species completely endemic to Florida, indicating it exists nowhere else globally.With an estimated wild population ranging from just 7,500 to 11,000 individuals, this species is federally recognized as threatened. They are exclusively found in sandy oak-scrub habitats, such as Oscar Scherer State Park or South Venice.
The Florida Grasshopper Sparrow
An extremely endangered, elusive bird species found solely in the dry, treeless prairies of central Florida.It is one of four subspecies of grasshopper sparrows in North America and is considered among the most endangered.
What differentiates a grasshopper sparrow from a Florida grasshopper sparrow? The Florida grasshopper sparrow possesses a longer bill and tarsi than other subspecies and is devoid of reddish streaks on its nape. Its song closely resembles that of a grasshopper, giving it its name.
UNIQUE MAMMALS
Key Deer
These tiny, dog-sized relatives of the white-tailed deer are predominantly situated on Big Pine Key and No Name Key, found only within the chain of islands making up the Florida Keys.Key deer are endangered and are the smallest living deer species in North America. Roughly 700 to 800 Key deer are left in the wild.
The Florida Panther
The last cougar subspecies thriving in the eastern United States, with a wild population numbering only 120 to 230 individuals. You can catch a glimpse of their natural habitat in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park.It is the official state animal of Florida.
Florida Bonneted Bat
The largest bat species native to Florida and the sole bat endemic to the state, confined entirely to Central and South Florida.
It ranks as the rarest bat in the United States – believed to be fewer than 1,000 remaining. Florida bonneted bats can reach a body length of 6.5 inches with a wingspan of up to 20 inches.
UNIQUE SITUATIONS
Gopher Tortoise
The only tortoise species indigenous to Florida and the southeastern United States. They are a keystone species that provide underground habitats for over 350 other creatures.
The gopher tortoise is one of five tortoise species in North America and is the only tortoise found naturally east of the Mississippi River. Its territory extends throughout the southeastern Coastal Plain from southeastern Louisiana east to southern South Carolina and south to Florida.
Gopher tortoises inhabit all 67 Florida counties.
Crocodiles vs. Alligators
While not wholly unique to Florida, the state is the sole place on Earth where the American Alligator and the American Crocodile coexist in the wild.
These distinct creatures represent a small portion of the state’s astonishing biodiversity.
Key differences:
Alligators are generally more reclusive, sluggish, and typically only attack humans when provoked or defending nests. Crocodiles are much more aggressive and territorial.
This article originally appeared on Marco Eagle: From big cats to Key deer, Florida is home to a unique mix of rare species
Reporting by Will Watts, Special to the Eagle / Marco Eagle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Will Watts, Special to the Eagle | USA TODAY Network
