USFWS Florida Ecological Services Office

08/03/2026

This beautiful snail kite was hanging out near Lake Kissimmee in Kenansville, Florida.

This summary of snail kites was written by Mallory Fischer: “Unlike many raptors that hunt a variety of prey, the snail kite is highly specialized and feeds almost exclusively on apple snails. Its sharp, curved beak is adapted to extract snails from their shells—something most other birds struggle to do. Snail kites are often considered an indicator species—their population health reflects the overall condition of Florida’s wetland ecosystems. If the wetlands thrive, so do the snail kites, but when water management or pollution harms these habitats, the kites are often the first to show signs of distress.”

(📷: Ken Warren/USFWS)

07/13/2026

This resplendent palamedes swallowtail butterfly was doing its pollinator thing on a patch of lantana flowers recently at the St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park. These butterflies are found throughout mainland Florida and is particularly common in and near swampy woods. (📷: Ken Warren/USFWS)

06/23/2026

The zebra longwing butterfly, designated Florida's official state butterfly in 1996, can live for several months due to its unique ability to digest pollen. Its black wings with yellow bands warn predators of its toxicity, obtained from feeding on toxic passion vine leaves as caterpillars. (📷: Ken Warren/USFWS)

06/09/2026

Did you know that all tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises? For Wild Turtle Week, we’re highlighting the gopher tortoise, one of five North American tortoise species and the only one found east of the Mississippi River. Gopher tortoises are a keystone species, with their burrows providing shelter for commensal species such as burrowing owls, gopher frogs, and indigo snakes. You can help gopher tortoises by helping them cross roads, if it's safe for you to do so. Check out these tips to learn how to do it right: https://www.fws.gov/story/tips-helping-turtle-cross-road



Photo credit: USFWS

05/16/2026

05/08/2026

This week is Public Service Recognition Week, and would like to celebrate our dedicated team at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Florida Ecological Services Office! Every day, these public servants work with the community to help conserve, protect, and enhance our nation’s fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats for the continued benefit of the American people. What we do ranges from large scale habitat management efforts to individual species recovery, and everything in between! It is our honor to serve the American people by taking initiative in protecting our natural resources for generations to come.

All photos courtesy of USFWS.

04/24/2026

Join us at the 2026 Highlands Landowner Assistance Expo!

This one-day event will connect landowners with tools and resources available to ensure working lands stay productive and thriving. The day will be filled with networking, food, and valuable agricultural connections tailored for landowners of all sizes. Explore technical assistance programs, funding and cost-share opportunities, conservation solutions for working lands, diversification strategies, Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES), conservation easements, and long-term land planning.

The USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program will be available to answer your land management questions during this free event.

Coffee, light snacks, and lunch will be provided.

Register by April 27th to secure your spot!

Register here: https://www.cfrpc.org/event-details-registration/2026-landowner-assistance-expo

04/17/2026

Whether you’re looking up or looking down here in the Sunshine State, there’s something wild and wonderful to appreciate—National Crawfish Day and International Bat Appreciation Day! These underrated critters quietly keep Florida’s ecosystems thriving, so let’s give them their moment in the spotlight.

🦞 Crayfish:
Though National Crawfish Day generally celebrates the culinary aspects of crawfish, there are several federally listed species that are not for human consumption! The Panama City crayfish, Black Creek crayfish, and Miami Cave crayfish are all federally listed and all doing big work in our wetlands.
• They’re nature’s cleanup crew, breaking down decaying matter and keeping our waterways healthy.
• They help protect freshwater habitat for other native species.
• And although not the human snack type, they are a favorite treat for lots of Florida wildlife.

🦇 Bats:
Florida is home to several bat species, including the Florida bonneted bat and tricolored bat. Bats are the only mammals that can truly fly, and although some folks jokingly call them “flying rats,” they’re actually closer relatives to humans than to rodents. How cool is that?!
These nighttime ninjas help control insects, pollinate plants, and keep ecosystems balanced—all while staying out of the spotlight.

Photo credits:
Black creek crayfish: Gayle Martin
Panama City crayfish: Sam Hermann
Tricolored bat: Pete Pattavina
Bat house: Courtney Celley