Endangered Species
Resource Information
We humans may be too successful. In expanding over the earth, we have extinguished many forms of
life and threatened the existence of still others, greatly accelerating the natural rate of extinction. This
weakens the system on which all life depends and impoverishes the quality of our life. Fortunately,
many countries and groups are taking steps to stop this loss. The National Park Service's role is to
provide undisturbed habitat in the United States where all species, including endangered ones, can
continue to exist, subject only to the forces of nature. There have been successes, in parks and
elsewhere, and this is a symbol of hope. For it signifies that we can stop the worldwide slide of
extinction that we started.
The effort to halt human-caused extinctions in the United States is guided by the Endangered Species
Act of 1973. This act defines an "endangered species" as any plant or animal species that is in danger
of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range. A "threatened species" is one that is
likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant
portion of its range. The goal of the act is to restore all federally listed endangered threatened species
to the point where they are again viable, self-sustaining members of ecological communities.
The major federal legislation protecting endangered species is the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Following the Federal Government’s lead, Texas passed its own endangered species laws later that
same year. In general, species that are federally listed as endangered or threatened are also listed by
states. However, a species listed by a state may not be listed federally. This is the case with the black
bear (Ursus americanus) which is uncommon in the park. Only federal legislation, however, mandates
the protection of critical habitat of endangered species, often the key to recovery. In Big Bend National
Park, ALL habitats are protected, benefiting all species irrespective of their status.
Extinct from the park for more than 40 years, black bears migrated from northern Mexico mountains
to reestablish a small population within the park during the late 1980s. Although the Chisos Mountains
are the most likely place in Texas to see a black bear, a key to their success will be managing the
recreational habits of people, namely where and how food and garbage are stored.
Mexican long-nosed bat
© Photo courtesy J. Scott Altenbach
The Mexican Long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris nivalis) occurs in the U.S. only in Big Bend where a
single colony resides in the Chisos Mountains. Their diet consists of flower pollen and nectar and their
migration between the park and Latin America is timed to coincide with the blooming of specific plants,
including the century plant (Agave havardiana).
One problem for bats in general is their bad reputation as vampires and carriers of
rabies, often leading to their mass destruction. An additional problem is the harvesting of
agaves, without re-vegetation, for the production of tequila. Any loss in this food source
is especially critical considering the mammal's high metabolic rate during migration and
while roosting in cool caves. Once populations decrease, recovery is difficult because
each fertile female only produces one offspring each year. In Big Bend, their numbers
appear to fluctuate year to year, but current census techniques may be inaccurate and
the true population status of these bats is unknown. Better census techniques must be
developed to better interpret the status of these bats.
Black-capped vireos are very distinctly marked and have had many successful years recently in Big Bend National Park.
NPS Photo
A number of plants and animals in Big Bend National Park are listed federally for protection. Among
them are the black-capped vireo, Mexican long-nosed bat, Big Bend gambusia, Rio Grande silvery
minnow, and Chisos hedgehog cactus.
Along with these are also species that are listed as threatened or endangered in the state of Texas, by
Texas Parks and Wildlife. This state list includes the above species along with the American black
bear and the Texas horned lizard.
EVERGLADES: THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES
Everglades Snail Kite
courtesy National Park Service
Threatened and Endangered Species
include:
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Plants
American Alligator
American Crocodile
Sea Turtles
Birds
Florida Panther
Manatee
Threatened wildlife includes species, subspecies, or isolated populations that are likely to
become endangered in the near future unless steps are taken to protect and manage the
species and/or its habitat for its survival. A species, subspecies, or isolated population is
considered endangered that is, or soon may be, in immediate danger of extinction unless
the species or its habitat is fully protected. Each species must be listed on the Federal list of
endangered and threatened species before it can receive protection under the Endangered
Species Act. The ESA was enacted in 1973 to conserve and set up recovery plans for listed
species and associated habitats.
Tree Cactus
courtesy U.S. Geological Survey
Plants
Threatened and endangered plantlife of the hardwood hammocks and rocky pinelands
include the brittle thatch palm (Thrinax morrissii), buccaneer palm (Pseudophoenix
sargentii), Florida thatch palm (Thrinax parvitolia), Krug's holly (Ilex krugiana), lignumvitae (Guaiacum sanctum), manchineel (Hippomane mancinella), silver thatch palm
(Coccothrinax argentata), and tree cactus (Cereus robinii).
American Alligator
courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
American alligator and American crocodile
The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is also found in the freshwater marshes of
the Everglades. It was first listed as endangered in 1966 in accordance with the Endangered
Species Act. However, populations quickly recovered resulting in delisting as an endangered
species except for purposes of its similarity of appearance to the American crocodile
(Crocodylus acutus) where the two species share habitat.
Loggerhead Sea Turtle
©George Ryschkewitsch
Sea Turtles
Marine and estuarine habitats of the Everglades provide habitat for threatened and
endangered species. The Florida population of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) has been
considered endangered since 1978. The declining population has been victim to commercial
harvesting for eggs and food as well as incidental by-catch in the shrimp fishery. Hawksbill
sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Atlantic Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), and
leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) are all listed as endangered species while the
loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is considered threatened under the protection of the
ESA. Recovery plans have been established for all listed sea turtle species.
Piping Plover
courtesy Paul Fusco/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Birds
Many threatened and endangered species live throughout the Everglades. Threatened and
endangered birds include the Everglades snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis), wood stork
(Mycteria americana), Cape Sable seaside sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis), redcockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis), piping plover (Charadrius melodus), bald eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and roseate tern (Sterna dougallii).
Florida Panther
courtesy U.S. Department of Tranportation
Florida Panther
Primary threats to the Florida panther's (Felis concolor coryi) survival are loss and
degradation of habitat. An initial recovery plan is currently being implemented which
identifies, protects, and enhances the existing range and habitats; establishes positive
public opinion and support; and reintroduces panthers into areas of suitable habitat. It is
estimated there are 70-100 individuals living in the hardwood hammocks of the Everglades.
Manatee
courtesy Everglades National Park Photo
Manatee
Federally listed as endangered, the manatee (Trichechus manatus laterostris) is a large,
slow-moving, plant-eating aquatic mammal. Its distribution is determined primarily by
water temperature as manatees cannot survive long in water below about 63 °F (17 °C). In
Florida, manatees often migrate into warm spring-fed rivers or near the heated discharges
of power plants during winter months. As offshore waters warm in late spring and summer,
manatees move out into shallow fresh, brackish, and seawater habitats.
For more information on the numerous threatened and endangered species in Florida, visit
the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission's List of Florida's Endangered and Threatened
Species and Species of Special Concern.
Inventory of Threatened and
Endangered Species in South Florida
National Parks
Glossary of Terms
Endangered - a species, subspecies or isolated population that is, or soon may be, in immediate
danger of extinction unless the species or its habitat is fully protected and managed for its survival.
Threatened - a species, subspecies or isolated population that is very likely to become endangered
in the near future unless the species or its habitat is fully protected and managed for its survival
South Florida National Parks:
BICY - Big Cypress National Preserve
BISC - Biscayne National Park
DRTO - Dry Tortugas National Park
EVER - Everglades National Park
Special Note: This list includes only Federally listed species, and does not list candidate or
state-listed species.
Species
Federal Status
Park
Current Situation
American Alligator,
Threatened
BICY
Breeding
BISC
DRTO
EVER
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
Casual
-Breeding
-Casual
Reported
Breeding
Migrant
Wintering
Migrant
Wintering
Alligator mississippiensis
American Crocodile,
Crocodylus acutus
Threatened
Artic Peregrine Falcon,
Falco peregrinus tundrius
Threatened
Atlantic Ridley Turtle,
Lepidochelys kempi
Endangered
Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow,
Ammodramus maritime mirabilis
Endangered
Crenulate Lead Plant,
Amorpha crenulata
Endangered
Eastern Indigo Snake,
Drymarchon corias couperi
Threatened
Florida Panther,
Puma concolor coryi
Endangered
Garber's Spurge,
Chamaesyce garberi
Endangered
Green Turtle,
Chelonia mydas
Endangered
Hawksbill Turtle,
Eretmochelys imbricata
Endangered
Key Largo Cotton Mouse,
Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola
Endangered
Key Largo Woodrat,
Neotoma floridana smaili
Endangered
Leatherback Turtle,
Dermochelys coriacea
Endangered
Loggerhead Turtle,
Caretta caretta
Endangered
Piping Plover,
Charadrius melodus
Threatened
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
--Casual
Casual
Breeding
--Breeding
---Resident
Breeding
Casual
-Breeding
Breeding
--Breeding
---Resident
-Casual
Breeding
Casual
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
-Resident
Resident
Casual
---Casual?
---Casual?
-Breeding
Casual?
Casual?
-Breeding
Breeding
Breeding
--Wintering
Migrant
Red-Cockaded Woodpecker,
Picoides borealis
Endangered
Roseate Tern,
Sterna dougailii
Threatened
Schaus Swallowtail Butterfly,
Papilio aristodemus ponceanus
Endangered
Snail (Everglades) Kite,
Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus
Endangered
Stock Island Tree Snail,
Orthalicus resee
Threatened
West Indian Manatee,
Trichechus manatus
Endangered
Wood Stork,
Mycteria americana
Endangered
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
BICY
BISC
DRTO
EVER
Breeding
--Formerly
--Breeding
Wintering
-Breeding
-Casual?
Casual
--Breeding
---Introduced
Casual
Resident
Reported
Breeding
Breeding
Casual
-Breeding