Posted by Larry Perez on November 27, 2000 at 09:43:45:
In Reply to: Re: Crandon Gardens posted by Robin Diaz on November 20, 2000 at 09:02:17:
Crandon Gardens is a very interesting place indeed! As noted, they probaby boast the largest collection of introduced reptiles in South Florida. Dick Bartlett (noted Florida herpetologist and former Crandon Zoo curator) has detailed the introduction of a number of these species in the area. As mentioned earlier, the garden supports a HUGE breeding population of green iguanas (Iguana iguana). These are joined in the garden by large populations of spiny-tailed iguanas (Ctenosaur pectinata), South American jungle runners (Ameiva ameiva), northern brown basilisks (Basiliscus vittatus) and the occassional West Indian curly tail (Leiocephalus carinatus). These species are found readily throughout the garden (in addition to whatever someone may have thrown out there that day!)
Poor management of the Crandon Zoo led to the introduction of these species, which now constitute a problem exotic population that must be addressed. Crandon Park now implements a limited program of iguana removal via a company called Natural Selections. Spiny-tail iguanas are the primary targets since they are carnivorous and find their way into the nests of the imported birds. Greens, though primarily vegetatian, are also thinned.
This ought to be an interesting area to watch in the future. With no disrespect to Valerie (whom I've met personally) or the park staff, this is the only area I know of that is managing exotic popuations to allow others to proliferate. Given Crandon's past track record in wildlife management, I worry about further introductions in the park. This underscores the need for more detailed management plans for the county's natural areas.
Nonetheless, the area is intersting for both its ecology and history, and well worth a visit :-) The park staff has been successful at converting the shabby, delapidated area into a lush, tropical landscape for the public to explore :-)
Later!