IMPACTS OF CITRUS DEVELOPMENT ON HABITATS OF SOWTHWEST FLORIDA

Examining resource management needs at the landscape level has become critical for the conservation of ecosystems and the preservation of sp ecies. Geographic information systems (GIS) that allow for the integra tion of spatially referenced databases are a powerful tool that can be used by resource managers to examine potential impacts and develop st rategies for regional planning. We applied a landscape-level approach to examine the potential impacts of citrus development on habitats and species in southwest Florida. We developed GIS models for panthers, S andhill Cranes, and wading birds that reflect changes in potential hab itats under a series of development scenarios. The models indicate tha t, under the maximum development scenario, 63% of potential panther ha bitat 66% of potential Sandhill Crane habitat and 67% and 33% of poten tial wading bird nesting and foraging habitats could be lost In additi on, the habitat that would remain would be severely fragmented. Severa l key areas were identified that will be critical to the continued exi stence of these species and to maintenance of regional biodiversity. T he areas identified are habitats not represented on the existing publi c lands concentrated in the southern portion of the study area and/or that provide connections among existing natural areas.