FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute March Research Updates

Celebrating Florida Panther Awareness Month Did you know that Florida Panthers are Federally Protected under the Endangered Species Act and only around 200 are left in the wild? Florida Panthers face threats like habitat loss, vehicle strikes and diseases every day. Head over to our social media pages to learn about conservation and research efforts that help protect these incredible creatures. Our biologists are committed to vital research programs that help us understand Florida panther behavior, habitat requirements, and population health. Through tracking, monitoring, and genetic studies, we’re learning more than ever about how to help recover this population for the future. FACEBOOK Manatee Unusual Mortality Event is Closed The Unusual Mortality Event (UME) along Florida’s East Coast is now officially closed. The elevated mortality numbers decreased three years ago and since then, manatees have continued to show signs of recovery. READ MORE New Research: Using acoustic tracking to measure habitat connectivity How do we know if artificial reefs are effective, or learn how we can prevent habitat fragmentation? Movement data!   READ THE ARTICLE FWRI scientist honored at Florida's Hero Reception  Last March, Andrew Heise, part of our Fisheries Dependent Monitoring team, witnessed a man capsize on his sailboat in Flamingo Marina at Everglades National Park and came over to assist while a park ranger pulled him from the water. After realizing that the man had several major puncture wounds on his leg from a crocodile bite, Heise sprang into action and organized a response to save the mans life. Over the weekend, Heise was honored at the Governor’s mansion in Tallahassee for his heroism at the Florida's Hero Reception. Heise is from Bedford, Florida and was highlighted in their local newspaper as well as dozens of other news reports across the state in the last year.  READ MORE New on MyFWC.com/Research We hope you enjoy these articles that have been recently added/updated on our website: Red Tide Current Status Red Tide-Related Hotlines and Information Sources 2025 Manatee Mortalities Red Tide Manatee Mortalities Annual Rescue Summaries [Manatee] Movement Ecology and Reproductive Resilience (MERR) Laboratory Publications New Publications | FWC Abnormal Fish Behavior Event 2023-present Amphibian & Reptile Publications Meetings of the Harmful Algal Bloom/Red Tide Task Force Commercial Wholesale and Retail Dealers Marine Mammal Publications Status and Trend Report Closed Manatee Mortality Event Along the East Coast Oyster Integrated Mapping and Monitoring Program (OIMMP) Our Mission Through effective research and technical knowledge, we provide timely information and guidance to protect, conserve, and manage Florida's fish and wildlife resources.

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