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How Does Development and Management of Cities Affect Local Wildlife?
Scott Ostrowski
Mrs. Karlo
6 December 2010
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Table of Contents:
I.
Introduction
Purpose
Research Paper
Hypothesis
pg. 3
pgs. 4-10
pg. 11
II. Experiment
Materials
Procedure
Data
pg. 12
pg. 13
pgs. 14-18
III. Conclusion
Analysis and Conclusions
Works Cited
Abstract
Acknowledgements
pgs. 19-20
pg. 21-23
pg. 24
pg. 25
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Purpose
The purpose of this project is to discover whether or not development and management of
cities affect local wildlife. Using public records and local and state legislation to see if it is
strong enough to protect local wildlife and human safety. In other words, do our local and state
laws do enough to make sure our local wildlife and humans can live together peacefully?
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Review of Literature
Florida was formed over 530 million years ago by volcanic and sedimentation of rock.
Two million years ago, Florida was 3 times the land area as it is today. Savanna conditions
dominated Florida. The Everglades also formed around 4,000-6,000 years ago. The mammoth,
Saber tooth tiger, giant ground sloth, tortoises, and bison roamed Florida. Approximately 10,000
years ago, as the last ice age ended, sea levels rose and Florida decreased in size. The climate
became warmer and habitats changed. Today, Florida has a huge diversity of plants and animals
on 53,926, 82 square miles of land. On the other hand, the population of humans in Florida has
experienced dramatic growth since the 1880s when only 269, 493 people inhabited Florida (U.S.
Census). As the human population is dramatically increasing since the 1880s, Florida’s
ecosystem has had to be protected. More specifically, the quality of life for Floridians and its
animal population has had to be regulated by national, state, and local laws. As of 2000, the
population of Florida was 15, 982,378 and there are 296.4 people per square mile in Florida.
Urbanization sprawl and coexistence with wildlife has contributed to major political,
economical, and social problems and concerns. To address these problems, national, state, and
local laws have been passed to not only protect animals, but to ensure the ecosystem preservation
and human quality of life in Florida. Has urbanization planning and management passed strong
enough laws and has been planned carefully enough to maintain Florida’s ecosystem?
Urban sprawl has forced animals and plants to quickly adapt or face extinction. Without
adequate urban planning and management, the population of wildlife would plummet. At the
same time, careful planning and management will increase the quality of life for humans,
preserve native species, and increase the amount of natural habitat. Stronger conservation laws,
though, may be a necessary inconvenience for humans. For example, where roads and housing
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are built, how land is utilized, and management of energy resources will require environmental
considerations so that humans and Florida’s natural wildlife can coexist peacefully.
For urban planning to take place, an understanding of key classification of wildlife is
necessary. Indicator, keystone, umbrella, and link species should be identified. Indicator species
are animals that can largely show the health of the environment. Indicator species in Florida
include the alligator, green and squirrel tree frogs, and dolphins. Keystone species are animals
that have greater impact on the environment than most species. Gopher tortoises are examples.
Umbrella species are species that require large areas to survive. The Florida panther and the
black bear represent Florida’s umbrella species. Finally, link species perform important
ecological functions and provide critical links for energy transfer. Furthermore, the removal of
link species in the food web would affect multiple species. The Florida alligator represents
Florida’s link species.
As ecosystems have been researched and better understood, conservation efforts have
been enacted at the national, state, and local level. During the 19th century, the U.S. experienced
a conservation artistic and literary movement. In additional to the Public Trust Doctrine of 1882
and Martin vs. Wadell which stated that “ wildlife was held in common ownership by the state
for the benefit of all” ( Florida Habitat 2010), Henry David Thoreau published Walden Pond
which mirrored the naturalistic movement of the northeast before the turn of the 20th century.
The Lacey Act of 1900 made the trading of illegally taken or possessed animals or plants a
crime. Theodore Roosevelt declared Yellowstone Park as a national park in 1903 and created the
U.S. National Forest Service in 1905. Congress passed the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918.
The Animal Danger Act of 1931 regulated dangerous animals. The New Deal continued to bring
conservation into government action. The Clean Water Amendment was passed in 1936. The
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Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940 provided legal protections for the endangered Bald Eagle to
survive from the near certain extinction. Tremendous economic growth and human population
defined the 1950s. Pollution control was evident. Legislation brought minimal protection to
humans and wildlife. The Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 was created to “guide the conservation,
development, and management of the Nation's fish and wildlife resources” (U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service). The Motor Vehicle Act of 1965 was designed to reduce vehicle emissions,
thus reduce air pollution. Since the 1980s, grassroots activism and public apathy has defined
American policy. As global crisis such as Bhopal, Chernobyl, Prince William Sound, and most
recently, the Gulf oil spill of 2010, test current national conservation laws. National laws have
brought change to American policy, but what have state and local laws and legislation done to
protect Florida and Alachua County?
Following national policy, Florida’s conservation movement began in the 1800s with
individuals promoting saving Florida’s ecosystems. During the 19th century, Floridians were
more interested in clearing land for farm land. In fact, the paintings of James Audubon were so
unpopular that Audubon went to Europe to sell his work (Wild Life Foundation of Florida). In
the 1880s, Theodore Roosevelt helped Florida’s Pelican Island to become the first wildlife
preserve in the United States. In the 1920s, Marjory Douglas working for the Miami Herald
promoted the protection of Florida Wildlife. In 1934, the Everglades were finally declared a
national park. Newspapers writers continued the work of conservation. Pulitzer Prizes were won
by Jay Darling, yet meaningful legislation was not passed. Silent Spring, a book written by
Rachel Carson detailed the dangerous effect of chemicals on birds. Chemical companies tried to
disclaim her work, but Carson’s work was accurate. In the 1960s, through the work of Marjorie
Carr, Payne’s Prairie Wildlife Refuge was established.
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Florida, like national policy, has adapted principles or values in conservation policy. These
principles and or values include the following (Florida Habitat):

Wildlife is a public resource. Common ownership will benefit all.
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Trade markets should be publically managed.
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Public involvement is necessary in creating and managing local wildlife laws.
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Wildlife is not to be killed for frivolous reasons.
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Wildlife resources should be considered international resources.

Science should drive the management of wildlife policies.

Hunting should apply democratic principles- all citizens can participate.
Individual states including Florida also enacted ecological principles for managing land use. The
principles include (Florida Habitat):

The Time Principle- ecological processes occur over time. Effect of land uses can be seen
for generations. Habitats can recover give time. Communities should plan for the long
term, while creating habitat corridors.

Individual species have strong and far reaching affects on ecological processes.

Each geographical region is home to a unique set of organisms, climate conditions, and
geological processes.
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Disturbance Principles. Disturbant events, whether man made or naturally occurring,
strongly affect animal populations. Fires, droughts, roads, water tables, land clearing, and
artificial light are examples that could affect the wildlife population.

Landscape principles- the size and shape of habitat land will affect ecosystems.
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Ecological complexity- ecosystems are very complex.

Large geological areas that contain critical habitats should be preserved.

The introduction and spread of non native species should be controlled and minimized.

Use land management practices that are compatible with natural habitats.
Alachua County, through its Environmental Protection Department, has a vision to
“improve environmentally significant lands to protect water resources, wildlife protection, and
provide natural areas suitable for recreation” (Alachua County Environmental Protection
Department 2010). Founded in 2000, the Alachua County Forever, a 29 million dollar voter
referendum, is currently protecting 150,000 acres of pineland, 108,000 acres of grassland, 93,000
acres of swamp, 72,000 acres of forest land, and 7,000 acres of sandhill. In 2008, Wild Spaces
Public Spaces passed by Alachua County voters, another $15 million dollar to land conversation.
Lands acquired for conservation include the Payne’s Prairie Additions, Austin Cary Flatwoods,
San Felasco Additions, Sante Fe River, and Lochloosa Forest-Levy Prairie Connector (City of
Gainesville, 2010).
Through its growth management plan, Alachua County’s capital plan includes a county
wide vision to adhere to the principles of conservation and planning. Specific plans for 2010 and
beyond include the Mobility Plan that will create more options for people to travel by foot or
bicycle. The plan includes strategies to decrease personal transportation costs, to compact mixed
use areas, to increase public transit, and decrease public dependence on foreign oil. Plans for
natural and human made disaster and improved unified land development codes are being
designed. On the other hand, Alachua County still needs to make progress with increasing non
renewable energy. Currently, Gainesville Regional Utilities has plans to burn wood as an energy
source. Depleting our woodlands could create smaller habitats for wildlife.
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Current Alachua Zoning and wildlife laws do offer some protection to urban sprawl.
Zoning laws include the regulation of natural and historical resources. Population density is
being maintained at 1 person per 5 acres. New developments, whether commercial or
residential, must remove non native vegetation, maintain 20% of tree canopy, with 30% tree
canopy in 30 years from date of construction completion, must provide shade, be insect resistant,
proper storm water drainage, and vegetation on land must have strong root patterns. Driveways
can be no larger than 20 feet. All buildings must be designed to have minimal impact on the
ecosystem. There are fencing regulations that Alachua County citizens must follow- no
regulated tree (Champion and Heritage trees and trees greater than 8 inches in diameter) can be
removed, equipment may not exceed one ton, and no dredging except to install posts.
In addition to zoning laws, there are many animal ordinances enforced in Alachua County
to ensure that humans, domestic animals, and wildlife can mutually coexist. Examples include:
no animal can be a public nuisance, no animal can damage or deposit fecal matter on the
property of others, no biting unless trespassing or purposeful provocation has occurred, no odors
offensive to others, all animals must follow noise ordinances, and no fowl or livestock in
residential areas.
Even with federal, state, and local laws and ordinances, animals have either continued to
coexist with human population or have drastically declined in population. Currently, animal
extinction rates are 100-1,000 times higher than the naturally occurring extinction rate (World
Wildlife Foundation 2010). Animal extinction will impact humans as wildlife contributes to our
breathable air, clean water, food, textile fibers, building materials, medicines, energy, fertile
soils, transportation, and finally, human recreation ( World Wildlife Foundation 2010).
Currently, there are 61 endangered and threatened animal species and 55 endangered and
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threatened plantsin Florida. The majority of these animals are being threatened due to habitat
loss, limited food and fresh water, and mowing and grazing of domestic animals. More work,
whether though legislation or grass roots organization needs to be done to protect the fragile
ecosystems of Florida. As Florida’s ecosystems are preserved, the quality of human life will be
improved.
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Hypothesis
If urbanization is not being planned to take into account the safety and well being of local
wildlife, then the population of wildlife will dramatically decrease. Additionally, the quality
of life of local wildlife and the safety of humans can be affected by poor urban planning.
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Materials
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Laptop with internet access
Microsoft Office
Pencil and pens
Ruler, scissors, and construction paper
Accesses to a nature preserve (i.e. Lake Alice and or Payne’s Prairie)
Digital camera
Research notebook for observations and notes
Reliable website, books, and magazine articles regarding urban planning and
management.
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Procedure
1. Research the conservation movement of the United States from 1800 to present.
2. Research the timeline of the conservation movement in Florida from 1800- present.
3. Review U.S. Census data regarding the population of Florida for each decade from 1880
until 2000.
4.Chart data using Microsoft Excel or by creating hand written charts.
5. Research Alachua County and the City of Gainesville ordinances and current legislation
regarding environmental protection laws.
6. Visit and observe wildlife in local natural preserves. Make notes and take pictures of your
observation.
7. Create graph of Florida population by typing in the population of Florida for each decade
since 1880 until present by using U.S. Census Data.
8. Make data using PowerPoint slides on preselected endangered animals-black bear, panther,
and Florida Grasshopper Sparrows
8. Make data PowerPoint slides on wildlife that are found in urban areas- raccoons, bats,
alligators, and ducks
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Data
Slide 1
U.S. Census Data
Slide 2
 Endangered since 1967
 Threats:
 Habitat loss
 Highways
 Lack of prey
 Loss of genetic diversity
 Humans
 Lack of public support
 Approximately 100-120 Florida panthers are left in
Florida ecosystems.
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Slide 3
 Endangered since 1986
 Threats:
 Habitat loss- 80% of dry prairie lost
 Prescribed forest burns
 Cattle grazing
 Water management hurts nesting areas
 Predators
 No significant improvement in population since 1986.
 Population- less than 1,000
Slide 4
 Endangered since 1986
 Threats:
 Habitat destruction
 Mowing
 Grazing
 Roads and vehicles
 Prescribed burning of forest land
 Species is improving due to land protection and 12
conservation sites.
Slide 5

Black Bears

Bats

Armadillos

Squirrels

Ducks

Snakes

Alligators

Raccoons

Coyotes

Various insects

Butterflies

Bees and Wasp species

Frogs and lizards

Various bird species
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Slide 6
 Largest native land mammal
in Florida.
Population: ~1500
 Located in Apalachicola, Ocala,
Osceola, St. Johns, Big Cypress,
Glades/Highlands
Benefits to humans:
Experience of seeing wildlife,
Umbrella species.
 Threat: Motor vehicles,
Illegal hunting, destruction of
habitat
Slide 7
 Species found in Florida either migrate or remain in
Florida year round.
 One bat can eat 3,000 insects per night.
 Bats eat their body weight per night
 Help the survival of rainforests.
 Threatened due to habitat loss.
Benefits
Risks
Eat insects
Pollinate plants
Help spread seeds
Bat guano-great fertilizer
Carry disease
Bite in self defense
Benefits
Risks
Human interaction with wildlife
Eat insects
Carry disease
Bite in self defense
Damage to water quality ( a duck can
produce 1/3 pound of manure each
day.
Aggressive towards pets and children.
Slide 8
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Slide 9
Benefits
Risks
Fun to watch.
Intelligent.
Part of food chain and represents
food chain.
Carry disease- 65% of cases of rabies
due to raccoons.
Bite in self defense.
Predators to birds and endangered sea
turtle eggs.
Humans should avoid feeding to decrease raccoons becoming nuisance animals.
Slide 10
Benefits
Risks
Link species- alligator population can
be a gauge of ecosystem health.
Have attacked humans, pets, and
livestock- take precautions that are
listed below.
Predator who may eat endangered
fish, birds, or other marine life.
Current population: around a million. Natural fear of humans, but if feed by
humans, will lose this instinct.. Do not walk near shorelines. Do not let pets walk
near shorelines. Do not swim in Florida waters at dusk and dawn. Avoid swimming
in tall weeds.
Slide 11
 Harmless interaction between alligators and turtles.
 Saw 8 different alligators in a 4 hour period.
 Various squirrels were seen through out the trees.
 Mosquitoes present in later part of afternoon.
 Bats seen at sunset flying towards far edge of lake.
 Despite many people coming and going at Lake Alice,
animal life seemed to ignore people and go about their
daily lives.
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Slide 12
 Ants
 Butterflies
 Hummingbirds
 Sparrows, quail, and blue jays
 Grasshoppers
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Analysis
As I researched, I learned the impact of sprawl, fragmentation, city planning and
management. The more I researched, the more I learned that pollution, quality of life, and
preservation of wildlife can be controlled predominately by city planning and management.
In other words building up vs. building out (sprawl) would better accommodate both animals
and humans as humans would have less travel commute, less traffic, and decreased
transportation costs, and less pollution. Wildlife property should increase, not decrease.
Simple strategies such as using bridges underneath roads to prevent animals from being hit
by cars, public wildlife education campaigns, and building houses and commercial buildings
that are friendlier to the environment will help save wildlife. Finally, we need to respect our
ecosystems as our future depends on the health of ecosystems. So in forethought, saving the
environment can be as simple as how you light your homes to as complex as conservation
advocacy and ordinance writing. Be educated and conserve as future generations of humans
and wildlife will benefit.
During my observation at Lake Alice, I noticed larger animals such as alligators and
turtles. There were a variety of birds flying around, some grey squirrels, bats and insects at
dusk. The animals were not bothered by humans, but no interaction was seen. In
comparison, my observation of wildlife in a suburban neighborhood was what I expected. I
saw some birds, squirrels, grasshoppers, and ants. Many birds were being feed by bird
feeders. Again, there was no interaction between humans and animals.
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Conclusion
After my research and observation were completed, I have concluded that my hypothesis is
correct. Wildlife population is being affected by human population and growth. Florida has
exponentially increased in population, while the number of acres for wildlife has decreased.
Although there are national, state, and local laws in place to protect wildlife and allow the
coexistence of animals and humans, there is still much work to be done. The population of
Florida is increasing, but city planners need to reduce sprawl. Use the land that has been
previously developed. Bike and walking paths exist in Alachua County in certain parts of
town, but traffic patterns continue to increase especially in outlying areas. Public education
on wildlife protection needs to increase through public service announcements. Increased
education may lead to better habits for the public. Finally, the public needs to continue to
realize that our survival depends on the survival on Florida’s ecosystem. Conservation
practices in urban and farming areas should be mandatory. Animals and humans can coexist;
however, humans will have to plan for the future if humans are to enjoy the huge variety of
wildlife in Florida.
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Works Cited
"About the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service." U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Home. 20 Apr. 2010.
Web. 05 Dec. 2010. <http://www.fws.gov/help/about_us.html>.
"Alachua County Forever Project List." Alachua County Forever. Web. 15 Nov. 2010.
Allen, Craig. "Sprawl and the Resilience of Humans and Nature: an Introduction to the Special
Feature." Nebraska Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Unit, University of Nebraska, 2006.
Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://www.ecologyandsociety.org/vol11/iss1/art36/>.
"A Brief History of Conservation in Florida." Wildlife Foundation for Florida. Web. 25 Nov.
2010. <http://wildlifefoundationofflorida.com/images/wffconservation.pdf>.
"Chapter 5 - ANIMAL CONTROL." Municode - Search Screen. 23 Oct. 1995. Web. 05 Dec.
2010. <http://library.municode.com/HTML/10819/level2/PTIICOOR_CH5ANCO.html>.
Chavis, Jason. "Wild Animals Displaced by Logging in Cities and Towns." Bright Hub, 9 June
2010. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://www.brighthub.com/environment/scienceenvironmental/articles/73693.aspx>.
Cokler, David. "Nature: Despite Sprawling Urbanization, Animals from Hawks to Deer to
Mountain Lions Still Make Their Homes in Parks and Remote Areas of the Valley." Los
Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 1991. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://articles.latimes.com/1991-0110/news/vw-10989_1_reseda-boulevard-mountain-lions-caballero-canyon>.
"Community Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Framework and Principles." Florida Habitat, 04
Jan. 2004. Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://www.floridahabitat.org/wildlifemanual/conservation-framework>.
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"Envisioning and Planning Wildlife Friendly Communities." Florida Habitat, 23 June 2010.
Web. 26 Oct. 2010. <http://www.floridahabitat.org/wildlife-manual/planningcommunities>.
Ewing, Reid, and John Kostyack. "City Mayors: Urban Development and Wildlife." City Mayors
Development, 23 Jan. 2005. Web. 26 Oct. 2010.
<http://www.citymayors.com/development/urbandevelopment_usa.html>.
"Florida Black Bear." Southwest Florida Water Management District. Web. 05 Dec. 2010.
<http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/education/interactive/springscoast/blackbear.shtml>.
"Florida QuickFacts from the US Census Bureau." State and County QuickFacts. 16 Aug. 2010.
Web. 05 Dec. 2010. <http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/12000.html>.
"Florida's Geological History." University of Florida: Department of Agriculture, 2009. Web. 25
Nov. 2010. <http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw208>.
"FWC - Living with Florida Black Bears." Florida Wildlife Conservation, 2010. Web. 05 Dec.
2010.
<http://myfwc.com/CONSERVATION/ConservationYou_Living_w_Wildlife_bears.htm
>.
"Gainesville Wildlife in Florida Bat Control, Squirrel Trapping, Raccoon, Rat Removal."
Orlando Animal Control - Wildlife, Rat, & Bat Removal. Web. 26 Oct. 2010.
<http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/professional-trapper/wildlife/FL-GainesvilleWildlife.htm>.
"History of Fed Wildlife Law." Michigan State University College of Law. 2010. Web. 05 Dec.
2010.
<http://www.animallaw.info/articles/arusfedwildhistory.htm#_Early_1900s:_First>.
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Kull, Kathy. "Environmentally Friendly Building and Remodeling Materials." Better Homes and
Gardens - Home Decorating and Remodeling Ideas, Gardening, Recipes, and More.
Web. 05 Dec. 2010. <http://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/remodeling/ecofriendly/environmentally-friendly-building-and-remodeling-materials/>.
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<http://ecos.fws.gov/tess_public/pub/stateListingAndOccurrenceIndividual.jsp?state=FL
>.
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Web. 31 Oct. 2010. <http://www.census.gov/dmd/www/resapport/states/florida.pdf>.
"Wildlife & Vegetation Monitoring." City of Gainesville. Web. 26 Oct. 2010.
<http://www.cityofgainesville.org/GOVERNMENT/CityDepartmentsNZ/NatureOperatio
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<http://www.1000fof.org/Panhandle/Wildlife%20Habitat%20PlanningoMarcApril2010.pdf>.
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Abstract
How does development and management of a city affect local wildlife? As human populations
have increased in Florida, wildlife population has decreased and many animals have become
endangered. Conservation efforts, have been historically, slow and insufficient; however, some
animals have increased their population, while other species have been threatened. Currently,
there are over 100 endangered animal and plant species in Florida. Many are endangered due to
lack of habitat and human overpopulation. Animal extinction will impact humans as wildlife
contributes to our breathable air, clean water, food, textile fibers, building materials, medicines,
energy, fertile soils, transportation, and finally, human recreation (World Wildlife Foundation
2010). Urban planning and management has been necessary for humans to safely live with
animals. Construction materials, land zoning, conservation efforts, and public education efforts
have improved, but need to be strengthened. This research includes a brief timeline of
conservation efforts in the United States, Florida, and in Alachua County. Ordinances for
animals in urban areas are examined as well. This project includes observations at Lake Alice
and in a subdivision in Newberry, Florida. My research has concluded that more work, including
conservation, education, and legislation, needs to be done to protect the fragile ecosystems of
Florida.
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Acknowledgements
I would like to thank my mom for helping me research on this topic. This research is
very broad and involves a great deal of research. Thanks mom for helping me navigate the web
and helping to make the PowerPoint slides and the data chart. Mom, thanks to the many hours
you spent helping me. Thanks to Casey for taking pictures, downloading the pictures on the
computer, and ordering them. A big thanks to Casey for helping me organize my researching and
reminding me to work on the project during the weekends. Finally, I am acknowledging that this
is my last middle school science project. I think Mom, Casey, Grandpa, and Grandma are glad
that my projects are completed as they have had to put up with my late nights, cook dinner, and
do my chores. Thanks!
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