Progress 02/01/10 to 03/01/15
Outputs
Target Audience:Professional audiences in natural resources and conservation (academic, NGO, Gov't agencies, consultants); Lay audiences (private landowners, citizens, students and teachers) Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The Florida Master Naturalist Program is an conservation education and skills training program for lay and professional audiences. On an annual basis roughly 6% of FMNP graduates report the FMNP helped them obtain a new job, roughly 25% report a promotion and/or pay raise, teachers use the FMNP for obtaining credit toward recertification, and volunteer service contributed by FMNP graduates typically exceeds 30,000 hours per year. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results of the panther depredation study was provided to rancher/NGO/agency working groups in south Florida. FMNP courses are delivered statewide via a network of certified FMNP instructors and training locations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Florida Master Naturalist Program issued 1106 FMNP graduate certificates in 77 classes representing 7 different courses, 29 Extension agents and 25 educators from other agencies and organizations were trained as certified FMNP Instructors. Research on panther depredations on livestock in south Florida and potential compensation strategies for ranchers was incorporated into ongoing efforts to address this issue led by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Jacobs CE, Main MB. 2015. A Conservation-Based Approach to Compensation for Livestock Depredation: The Florida Panther Case Study. PLoS ONE 10(9): e0139203. doi: 10. 1371/journal.pone.0139203
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Jacobs, C. E., M. B. Main and E. F. Pienaar. 2015. Florida Ranchers and Florida Panthers: Risk Perceptions, Support for Recovery, and Evaluation of Potential Livestock Depredation Compensation Programs. Florida Scientist 78(3-4): 130-148.
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Progress 10/01/14 to 03/01/15
Outputs
Target Audience:
Nothing Reported
Changes/Problems:This project is completed and I have accepted an administrative role. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Multiple presentations were provided to state and federal agencies, cattle ranchers, private landowners, extension agents, NGOs, interested public and scientific audiences via a suite of venues, including two national/internatinal conferences (The Wildlife Society and the Society for Conservation Biology meetings) regarding the implications of this research. . How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Multiple presentations were provided to state and federal agencies, cattle ranchers, private landowners, extension agents, NGOs, interested public and scientific audiences via a suite of venues, including two national/internatinal conferences (The Wildlife Society and the Society for Conservation Biology meetings) regarding the implications of this research. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Florida panther (Puma concolor) depredation of livestock was quantified, a habitat and livestock risk model developed, and rancher attitudes towards these issues were surveyed. Information was provided in a Final report and in multiple presentations to state and federal agencies, cattle ranchers, private landowners, extension agents, NGOs, interested public and scientific audiences via a suite of venues, including two national/internatinal conferences (The Wildlife Society and the Society for Conservation Biology meetings).One MS thesis was produced by a graduate student and two peer-reviewed papers were published.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Jacobs CE, Main MB. 2015. A Conservation-Based Approach to Compensation for Livestock Depredation: The Florida Panther Case Study. PLoS ONE 10(9): e0139203. doi: 10. 1371/journal.pone.0139203
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Jacobs, C. E., M. B. Main and E. F. Pienaar. 2015. Florida Ranchers and Florida Panthers: Risk Perceptions, Support for Recovery, and Evaluation of Potential Livestock Depredation Compensation Programs. Florida Scientist 78(3-4): 130-148.
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Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: We provided information regarding livestock depredation by the endangered Florida Panther (Puma concolor) in southwest Florida to federal and state agencies (the U.S. Fish and Wildife Service, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission), non-governemental organizations (the Defenders of Wildlife, the Florida Wildlife Foundation, the Florida Cattlemen's Association,the Florida Farm Bureau), participating landowners, and other interested parties. We developed a panther hunting habitat/livestock depredation risk model using Maxent for the Florida panther priority and dispersal zones that can be used to evaluate and prioritize private landscapes for potential compensation based on ecosystem services (panther habitat) and livestock risk criteria. We surveyed Florida cattle producers to obtain their opinions about panther recovery and livestock loss compensation programs. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? One graduate student received her M.S.and is currently submitting two scientific papers and is under consideration for a Fulbright scholarship. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Yes - Information was provided in a Final report and in multiple presentations to state and federal agencies, cattle ranchers, private landowners, NGOs, interested public and scientific audiences via a suite of venues, including two national/internatinal conferences (The Wildlife Society and the Society for Conservation Biology meetings). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? None - I have taken an Administrative position as: Associate Dean and Program Leader, Natural Resources Extension Associate Director, Florida Sea Grant University of Florida
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Florida panther (Puma concolor) depredation of livestock was quantified, a habitat and livestock risk model developed, and rancher attitudes towards these issues were surveyed. Information was provided in a Final report and in multiple presentations to state and federal agencies, cattle ranchers, private landowners, NGOs, interested public and scientific audiences via a suite of venues, including two national/internatinal conferences (The Wildlife Society and the Society for Conservation Biology meetings).
Publications
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Jacobs, C. 2014. FLORIDA PANTHERS AND CATTLE RANCHERS: CONFLICT ON THE ROAD TO COEXISTENCE. Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. 95 pp.
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Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Florida cattlemen and private landowners US Fish and Wildlife Service Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Defenders of Wildlife and other conservation NGOs Changes/Problems: Assumed role of Interim Dept Chair during June-Dec 2012 and as Associate Dean and Program Leader for Natural Resources Extension and Associate Director of Florida Sea Grant Extension in January 2013 (current position). This position is largely dedicated to faculty and program development. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? One MS graduate student completing USFWS funded study of Florida panther (and other predator) depredation of livestock in southwest Florida. Assumed role of Interim Dept Chair during June-Dec 2012 and as Associate Dean and Program Leader for Natural Resources Extension and Associate Director of Florida Sea Grant Extension in January 2013 (current position). This position is largely dedicated to faculty and program development. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Formal presentations made by graduate student regarding livestock depredation by the Florida panther and other predators to the Florida Cattlemen's Association, Florida Panther Recovery Team, and The Wildlife Society national conference (poster). Provided presentations about coyotes to various groups on coyotes in Florida (e.g., Samsula Hunt Club, Black Bear Festival, South Florida Beef Forage Group, others). What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? GraduateMS graduate student and complete final report, popular article in trade journal, a presentation at a national conference, and at least one journal paper submitted on the study of Florida panther (and other predator) depredation of livestock in southwest Florida. My new adminstrative position as Associate Dean will limit other activities.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Research project quantifying Florida panther and other predator depredations on livestock in southwest Florida completed final field season (total of 409ear tag transmitters were deployed over two field seasons).Modeling of risk factors to livestock associated with habitat variables is in progress. Depredation results presented in 2nd year report to the USFWS, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, landowner cooperators and several NGOs. Served on theFlorida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Coyote Action Committee. I am the creator and program leader of the Florida Master Naturalist Program (masternaturalist.org), which has 7 courses with curricula that are being taught by a network of 127 certified FMNP instructors representing more than 82 organizations statewide. The number of graduates during 2012 was 938 and the total for 2013 exceeded 1,000 graduates. During 2013, I received the Eugene P. Odum Award for Excellence in Ecology Education from the Ecological Society of America for the success and impacts of the Florida Master Naturalist Program.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Soto, J. R., and M. B. Main. 2012. Differences in stakeholder perceptions of jaguars Panthera onca and pumas Puma concolor in the tropical lowlands of Guatemala. Oryx 47:109-112.
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Florida panther livestock depredation study in southwest Florida completed first year of field data collection and initiated second field season. 206 ear tag transmitters were deployed in the first field season and 200 are planned for deployment in the second field season. Two large ranches (combined area ~40,000 ac) were included in the study and collaborators include the University of Florida IFAS, Florida Cooperative Extension, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, private landowners, Florida Cattlemens Association, and Defenders of Wildlife (NGO). Predators responsible for livestock depredations were determined by necropsy of calves and field sign, and by documenting return feeding activity with trail cameras. All suspected panther depredations were also confirmed by Florida FWC panther biologists. All cooperators deemed the first year a successful field season providing reliable information. A survey of Florida cattle ranchers perspectives on predators is also being prepared for 2013. PARTICIPANTS: University of Florida IFAS professor Dr. Martin Main (PI) and MS graduate student Caitlin Jacobs (Dept of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation). Drs. Dave Onorato and Kip Frohlich (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission). Larry Williams and Chris Belden (US Fish and Wildlife Service). The JB Ranch (Russell Priddy) and the Immokalee Ranch (Collier Enterprises, Mike Taylor) owners and managers. TARGET AUDIENCES: Florida cattlemen and private landowners US Fish and Wildlife Service Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Defenders of Wildlife and other conservation NGOs PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
During the first field season depredations included 5 confirmed panther kills, 2 bear kills, and several deaths assigned to abandonment and health issues. The two ranches in the study experienced different levels of panther predation and livestock depredation in general, presumably due to different amounts of suitable habitat for predators. The total depredation rate for tagged calves was 4% and 1% on the two ranches and the combined depredation rate was 3%. Trail cameras documented that calves were killed by both male and female panthers, and that one female had a yearling female panther join in feeding at the kill site. A male panther with a notched ear was implicated in multiple kills. Untagged calves were also killed by predators. Coyotes killed 3 calves killed and vultures may have killed as many as 15 calves, but it was impossible to determine how many calves were already dead or dying of other causes prior to being killed or scavenged by vultures. Health issues and abandonment accounted for 4 calves on the smaller ranch where all calves were tagged and closely monitored and as many as 12 calves on the larger ranch where tagged and untagged calves occurred in the same herd.
Publications
- Sizemore, G. C., and M. B. Main. 2012. Quality of Flooded Rice and Fallow Fields as Foraging Habitat for Little Blue Herons and Great Egrets in the Everglades Agricultural Area, USA. Waterbirds 35:381-393.
- Julian, P., II, Everham E. M. III, and M.B. Main. 2012. Influence of a large-scale removal of an invasive plant (Melaleuca quinquenervia) on home range size and habitat selection by female Florida panthers (Puma concolor coryi) within Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida U.S.A. Southeastern Naturalist 11:337-348.
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During 2010-11 we designed and initiated a livestock depredation research study in southwest Florida to quantify the extent to which livestock are killed by predators, with a particular focus on the endangered Florida panther. During this period the project included multiple events, including demonstrations and presentations to USFWS, FWC, the Florida Cattlemen's Association and NGO's including Defenders of Wildlife, Audubon, National/Florida Wildlife Federation, and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Multiple newspaper articles have been written, including the New York Times blog. During 2010-11 we provided 66 training events through the Florida Master Naturalist Program (www.MasterNaturalist.org). We also completed manuscripts for scientific journals on various projects in Florida, including Neotropical migratory bird use of rare forest habitat in the Florida Keys, distribution of the Big Cypress fox squirrel, wading bird use of the Everglades Agricultural Area and the response of Florida panthers to habitat restoration via removal of the exotic tree, melaleuca. PARTICIPANTS: Collaborators included the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Defenders of Wildlife, private landowners, University of Florida, the Florida State University System, the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Florida Sea Grant, various nature centers and other organizations that help to teach the Florida Master Naturalist Program. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Results from the livestock depredation study are preliminary, but we have determined that the Florida panther occurs on private ranchlands, that panthers sometimes kill calves, that both sexes of panthers kill calves, and that some panthers have been documented to kill calves repeatedly. Training event outcomes/impacts through the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP)resulted in 1,037 graduates and 39,560 contact hours of education. Multiple FMNP courses were taught, and knowledge gain through pre- and post-testing revealed knowledge gains for the Coastal Systems course of 23.8%, the Freshwater Wetlands course of 15.4%, and the Upland Habitats course of 35.0%. A followup survey of FMNP graduates during 2011 revealed 8.8% of survey respondents indicated they had received a new volunteer position as a result of completing an FMNP course, that 2011 FMNP graduates contributed more than 5,000 hours of volunteer service, and that 42% of survey respondents indicated they had received a promotion, pay raise or increased responsibilities as the result of FMNP training during 2011.
Publications
- Main, M. B., Christman, M. C., Karim, A., and M. Hostetler. 2011. Species Richness and Diversity of Resident and Migratory Landbirds in Remnant Forest Patches and Residential Areas in the Florida Keys, USA. International Journal of Ecology, vol. 2011, Article ID 364213, 12 pages, doi:10.1155/2011/364213.
- Cameron Devitt, S.E., J. R. Seavey, S. Claytor, T. Hoctor, M. Main, O. Mbuya, R. Noss, C. Rainyn. 2011. Florida Biodiversity under a Changing Climate. Florida Climate Task Force, 128 pp. [http://floridaclimateinstitute.org/images/reports/CameronDevitt2011B iodiversityWhitepaper.pdf]
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities Mentoring - 2 PhD and 2 MS graduate students, both MS candidates graduated during 2010. Products Published 2 train-the-trainer educational program manuals designed as 3-day workshops, including Powerpoint presentation media discs for each. Programs included: 1) Wildlife Monitoring (Mammals, Birds, Herpetofauna), 136 pp. 2) Habitat Evaluation (Large-scale Habitat Assessment, Local-Scale Habitat Assessment, Evaluating Water Quality), 132 pp. Florida Master Naturalist Program website: http://www.masternaturalist.ifas.ufl.edu/ (www.MasterNaturalist.org). Dissemination During 2010, Florida Master Naturalist Program core courses (40-contact hour courses that provide conservation education and interpretive training for Florida's major biomes)included xxx core courses and produced xxx graduates, these included Coastal Systems (xxx courses, xxx graduates), Freshwater Wetlands (xxx courses, xxx graduates), and Upland Habitats (xxx courses, xxx graduates). Florida Master Naturalist Program also provides special topics courses, which are 24-contact hours. During 2010, FMNP special topics in Conservation Science was taught xxx times with xxx graduates. All FMNP courses include train-the-trainer manuals and distribute course manuals to all participants (Coastal Systems, 2 vol., 1173 pp.; Freshwater Wetlands, 2 vol., 901 pp.; Upland Habitats, 2 vol., 1159 pp.; Conservation Science, 1 vol., 397 pp.). Provided a 5-hr workshop and provided materials (train-the-trainer manual and Powerpoint CD) to Student Chapter representatives of the Society for Conservation Biology at the 24th International Congress for Conservation Biology, July 2-7, Edmonton, Canada. Provided a 2-day workshop training instructors of the Minnesota Master Naturalist Program to provide 2 3-day workshops designed as Master Naturalist Program special topics/advanced training, including program manuals and Powerpoint presentation media discs for each. Programs included: 1) Wildlife Monitoring (Mammals, Birds, Herpetofauna), 136 pp. 2) Habitat Evaluation (Large-scale Habitat Assessment, Local-Scale Habitat Assessment, Evaluating Water Quality), 132 pp. Cathey, J. and M. B. Main. 2010. Promoting Ecosystem Sustainability - An Expert Decision System for Private Landowner Conservation. Co-lead workshop and produced white paper at the 2010 Wildlife and Fisheries Triennial Extension Meeting, Tara, MS. March 6-9. Rager, A., Blair, R., Main, M. Alliance of Natural Resource, Outreach and Service Professionals, Moline IL, September 2010. Advanced Training: Giving volunteers more than they ever knew they wanted. 6th Annual National Conference of the Alliance of Natural Resource Outreach & Service Programs September 20th - September 24th, 2010. Moline, Illinois. C.M. Romagosa, R.N. Reed, K.L. Krysko, D.J. Giardina, R.W. Snow, G.H. Rodda, and M.B. Main. 2010. The Northern African Python (Python sebae) in Southern Florida. Greater Everglades Ecosystem Restoration conference, July 13-16, Naples, Florida. PARTICIPANTS: FMNP Instructor Network - the statewide FMNP instructor network includes county cooperative extension and Sea Grant faculty and environmental education professionals from nature centers, state and federal agencies, academic institutions and other institutions that make environmental education their mission.The FMNP instructor network is a highly dynamic entity that is constantly changing as new people and organizations are added or exit from the program for a multitude of reasons. The statewide FMNP instructor network includes county cooperative extension and Sea Grant faculty and environmental education professionals from nature centers, government agencies, academic institutions and other organizations that make environmental education their mission. At present, there are 132 certified FMNP Instructors representing 76 organizations in 43 counties, which includes 31 county extension and Sea Grant agents from 26 counties. TARGET AUDIENCES: The number of Florida Master Naturalist Program graduate certificates issued in 2010 was 832, representing more than 33,000 contact hours of education. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
Queries for FMNP information: States and Countries seeking information on Master Naturalist Program development included California, Maine, and Vanauatu (Nguna-Pele Marine Protected Area naturalist training programme); Agenices and others seeking assistance from graduates of the Florida Master Naturalist Program to help with projects included Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Friends of Pinellas Master Naturalists, Inc. (FMNP Chapter turned 501c3 organization); Personal success stories related to the Florida Master Naturalist Program: Florida Master Naturalist graduate wins Governor's Point of Light Award for volunteerism, Florida Master Naturalist graduate wins Native Plant Society State Silver Palmetto Award provided for exceptional service as a board member and Conservation Award from the St. John's River Water Management District (personal note from recipient: "Before the Florida Master Naturalist Program, I had no appreciation of the importance of native plants in the environment and developed communities. I was unaware of the FNPS, but I joined while taking the first module. After a year of involvement with the local chapter, I was asked to represent our chapter on the state board. During two years on the FNPS Board, I have found several areas when my help was needed. Awards occur quite infrequently in my life, but I received notice last week that I have been selected for a conservation award from the St. John's River WMD for my work with Florida Scrub-Jays. I am invited to travel to Palatka on June 8th to receive this award from Kirby Green, Executive Director. I am sharing this information with you because these awards reflect the changes in people's lives that are associated with the FMNP and great instructors like the three of you. My life has changed in so many ways since starting the FMNP. I am enjoying a balance of outdoor activities with scrub-jays, red-cockaded woodpeckers, sea turtles and native orchids mixed with indoor activities including speaking at the county commission meetings on conservation issues and organizing a broad range of events.), Florida Master Naturalist graduate secures $25,000 urban wetland restoration grant for Charlotte Co. (personal note: "the EPA Environmental Justice Grant for 25K to start the research on an urban wetland restoration and community education process was awarded to Charlotte County Growth Management Department. This is a great success for the Master Naturalist program because that is where the idea was born."), Florida Master Naturalists organized over 150 volunteers to clean, repair and refurbish the Withlacoochie Gulf Preserve in Levy County.
Publications
- Hostetler, M. E., and M. B. Main. 2010. Native Landscaping vs. Exotic Landscaping: What Should We Recommend Journal of Extension 48(5):COM1. http://www.joe.org/joe/2010october/comm1.php Hostetler, M. E., and M. B. Main. 2010. Tips to Create Biodiverse, Urban Communities. Journal of Extension 48(5):TOT1. http://www.joe.org/joe/2010october/pdf/JOE_v48_5tt1.pdf. Eisenberg, D.A., Noss, R.F. Waterman, J.M., and M.B. Main. 2011 (In press). Distribution and Habitat Use of the Big Cypress Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger avicennia). Southeastern Naturalist. XX:XXX-XXX.
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