Extension Wildlife IST Gainesville, FL – 4 May 2010

1. Invasive Vertebrate Potpourri: News, Legislation, Products, Resources Extension Wildlife ISTGainesville, FL – 4 May 2010 Dr. Steve A. Johnson Assistant Professor/Extension Specialist Gulf Coast REC and Dept. of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation tadpole@ufl.edu

2. Introduced Vertebrates Birds:~200 species documented in FL About 15 established and breeding species Mammals:~30 species documented in FL About 15 established and breeding species Fish:~100 species documented in FL About 25 established and breeding species *Reptiles: ~125 species documented in FL At least 40 established and breeding species *Amphibians: ~ 10 species documented in FL Three established and breeding species

3. Invasive species:Species, including their seeds, eggs, spores, or other biological material capable of propagating that species, that are not native to the ecosystem in which they are found (human mediated movement implied); and whose introduction does or is likely to cause environmental or economic harm, or negatively impact human health or quality of life. National Invasive Species Council http://www.invasivespecies.gov/

4. Noteworthy News

5. Cold-kills of Introduced Amphibians and Reptiles Pythons Non-burrowing Lizards • Brown Anoles Cuban Treefrogs

6. Another Established Python in Florida? African Rock Python Kendall Lakes, Miami 20 individuals documented • Gravid females • Hatchling shed skin • Possibly dispersing

7. Legislation Updates

8. Florida Legislation & FWC Proposed Rules • Florida Congress • Senate Bill 318 / House Bill 709 • Passed by Congress 27 Apr 2010 • Awaiting Signature by Gov. Crist • Prohibits possession, sale, import, or breeding of current ROCs and conditional or prohibited species (current or future) without FWC permit • Increases penalties/fines for violations • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Draft Rules • Proposed rules passed 28 April 2010 • ROCs will become conditional species • Export will be allowed – with conditions • Strict labeling for wildlife shipments

9. Federal Legislation & USFWS Proposed Rule • Lacey Act – • Injurious wildlife cannot be imported or transported across state lines • Proposed to list several constrictors as injurious: • USFWS • SB 373 / HR 2811* *Originally proposed to list ALL genus Python as injurious • HR 669 - evaluate invasive potential of exotic imports

10. Public comment period regarding Lacey Act • Comment period ends May 11 • Submit comments at • http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#documentDetail?R=0900006480abc25c

11. Invasive Species Resources

12. Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System Find Species Information View Distribution Maps Report New Sightings http://www.eddmaps.org/florida/

13. Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas(CISMAs) http://www.floridainvasives.org/cismas.html

14. Invasive Vertebrate Products Dr. Steve A. Johnson Monica E. McGarrity

15. EDIS Fact Sheets Cuban Treefrog in FL Treefrog House (CTF Trap) Florida’s Introduced Birds And more coming soon… http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_a23708620

16. Cuban Treefrog Citizen Scientist Program Catch Frogs Identify Frogs Euthanize Invasive CTFs Measure Frogs Submit Data Reports Watch for Native Frogs! http://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/citizen_sci.shtml

17. The Invader Updater Quarterly Newsletter Accompanying Website • Focal Species • News • Science • Legislation • Innovation • And more… http://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/InvaderUpdater.shtml

18. Invasive Reptile Early Detection: Observer Training Module Learn to: • Scan Safely • Identify Invaders • Collect Accurate Data • Submit Reports http://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu/reptileobserver.shtml

19. OurUFWILDLIFE website http://ufwildlife.ifas.ufl.edu