What is Killing Key deer?
The population of endangered deer found only in the Florida Keys has taken a significant hit from both New World screwworm and vehicle collisions, an unfortunate reality caused by motorists each year. The estimated pre-screwworm population was 875, Clark said. …
Why are Key deer so important?
Key deer feed on over 160 species of plants, including native red, black and white mangroves and thatch palm berries. As human development has increased within the Key deer’s range, the deer have increased their use of residential and commercial areas to feed on ornamental plants.
Why are Key deer whitetail deer found Florida Keys so small?
Key deer are much smaller in stature and body weight, are adapted to a salt-tolerant island lifestyle with a subtropical climate. This climate allows them to reproduce during any time of the year; however, the peak of fawning occurs during the spring and summer months.
What kind of deer live in the Florida Keys?
The endangered Key deer is the smallest subspecies of the North American white-tailed deer. They are the only large herbivore in the Florida Keys and can be found in every habitat, where they feed on dozens of native plant species.
How many key deers are left?
The Key deer is listed as endangered by the Endangered Species Act. Currently fewer than 1,000 Key deer survive, and their future remains precarious.
Can you pet Key deer?
Key Deer – This miniature white-tailed deer is found only in the middle Florida Keys (mainly Big Pine Key & No Name Key), and they are a highly-endangered species, with less than 800 in the wild. Do not feed, harass, touch, capture, or kill key deer.
How many Key deer are left?
What threatens Key deer?
Threats to Key deer include habitat loss from development of coastal habitats and floodplains, car accidents, disease, illegal feeding by humans, and climate change, which is affecting mangroves. Sometimes called the “toy deer,” the Key deer is the smallest subspecies of white-tailed deer.
What is a ghost deer?
The ghost deer is a whitetailed deer, colored completely white due to a lack of melanin—a natural pigment found in most organisms. It’s a rare recessive gene; and, like humans, only about one out of 20,000 mammals are albino.
How did deer get on deer Key?
History. The Key deer is a subspecies of white-tailed deer which migrated to the Florida Keys from the mainland over a land bridge during the Wisconsin glaciation.
What is the biggest key in Florida?
Key Largo
Largest of the keys is Key Largo, about 30 miles (50 km) long and formerly known for its plantations of key limes (used to make key lime pies).
Are there any deer in the Florida Keys?
The Florida Key Deer is an adorable subspecies of the white-tailed deer, in fact, the smallest one of all. They are unique to the lower Florida Keys, but sadly, their numbers are endangered.
How big does a key deer get to be?
The Key deer is the smallest subspecies of white-tailed deer. The largest bucks grow to less than a yard high at the shoulders and weigh about 80 pounds. The does are 24 to 28 inches at the shoulders and weigh about 65 pounds. Key deer have a light to dark-brown dorsal (back) side, white belly, and black snout.
Where to see deer in Big Pine Key?
The National Key Deer Refuge Visitor Center is located in Big Pine Key, and it is a good starting point with a wealth of information about the Key Deer and the area.
What is the leading cause of death of Florida Key deer?
Collisions with vehicles is the leading cause of death of the Florida Key Deer. According to the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission, road kills account for 70 percent of the annual mortality of Key deer. When approaching the Big Pine Key area slow down!