Manatee Population Growing, Continue Education

Post contributed by Gabriel J. Lopez-Bernal of Transit Miami.

Well, it’s official, manatees and bald eagles have been downgraded from the State’s endangered species list to “threatened.” Though this is a positive step which clearly marks that the animals are rebounding from our former destructive ways, we must continue to educate people on the importance of conservation.

It has taken years of no-wake zones and countless educational programs in order to get manatee populations back up above 3,000. Hopefully the no-wake zone safe guards will remain in effect for years to come in order to protect their growing populations from their deadliest predators: careless humans on boats.

In case you haven’t seen a wild manatee, I suggest you make the effort to see one, the experience is very rewarding and breathtaking (The Deering Estate property in South Dade is a great place to catch your first glimpse.)

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission also moved to protect the Florida gopher tortoise from the senseless deaths their population has experienced in the past years by developers. The new classification would not allow developers to bury the turtles alive the way they have done for the past years. It’s unbelievable that such senseless acts are still commonplace in our local industries. Unfortunately, our local animal species typically have to see their populations be completely decimated before protective measures are taken.

Photo credit: Flickr, E Journeys

Learn more about contributing articles to greenerMIAMI.