Species Restoration

Since the settlement of Florida in the 1800s, at least 34 species of native plants and animals have been forced into extinction. Others--such as the whooping crane, grasshopper sparrow and wild turkey--have been extirpated from part or all of Florida, but continue to persist elsewhere in smaller populations. Commission staff are working hard to restore these and other endangered native species to our wildlife management areas.

Whooping cranes are one of the most endangered species in the world. Although once plentiful, the population was reduced to approximately 20 birds. Thanks to a captive breeding program, this crane is making a slow recovery. Whoopers are being introduced onto the lands in and around Three Lakes WMA, with good success.

Biologists are trying to establish a new population of endangered Florida grasshopper sparrows on Three Lakes WMA. Juvenile birds are trapped and translocated to the desired new location, and their status monitored through tiny radio transmitters.

Biologists are attempting to restore wild turkeys to the Guana River WMA. The release of wild turkeys on this area became a viable option when suitable habitat was again provided and natural repopulation was deemed unlikely due to existing water barriers and expanding human development. Commission biologists are undertaking similar restoration projects at other locations around Florida.

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