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Wildlife

About Wildlife Research

The Wildlife Research Laboratory is a major field office of the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. Biologists conduct individual research and monitoring projects and participate in cooperative work with other state, federal and university personnel.

Amphibians and Reptiles

Florida is home to 142 native reptile and amphibian species.

Birds

There are 196 species of breeding birds in Florida.

North Atlantic Right Whale

aerial view of right whale mother and calf

The North Atlantic right whale, Eubalaena glacialis, is among the most endangered of the world's large whales with an estimated population of approximately 500 individuals.

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Sea Turtles

turtle hatchling on beach

Florida is an important place for several endangered and threatened sea turtle species. FWRI staff are dedicated to protecting sea turtles in Florida and learning as much as possible about the biology and life history of these elusive animals.

Florida's Sea Turtles
Five species of sea turtles are found swimming in Florida's waters and nesting on Florida's beaches. All sea turtles found in Florida are protected under state statutes.

Terrestrial Mammals

Terrestrial mammals spend all or part of their lives on land. In Florida, this group includes nearly 80 species or subspecies ranging from bats and mice to deer and bears.

bear cubs in green field

Wildlife Health

FWC veterinary staff and wildlife biologists work with state and federal partners to monitor for and respond to many wildlife disease outbreaks.

men on ground conducting health examination of a panther