Secluded 36.6 acres of contiguous mangrove.
the White Crowned Pigeon & the Eastern Indigo Snake, both endangered species, are known habitants of this area.
aerial shot from a helicopter hovering above the north end of Morton Street
Location:
North Drive, off Morton Street MM58.6,
Grassy Key,
Florida,
USA.
Accommodations: Private waterfront home
- 3
Bedrooms
- 2
Bathrooms
(Sleeps 8 )
Description: Lots 1, 2 & 3 Block 5, Crain’s subdivision, Grassy Key. Are considered wetlands. Lots 4,5 & 6 Block 5, Crain’s Subdivision fall within 36.6 acres of contiguous mangrove.**Furthermore, the White Crowned Pigeon and the EasternIndigo Snake, both listed endangered species, are known inhabitants of this area.*** THE WHITE CROWNED PIGEON***(Columbia leucocephala).Population size 550,000.An elegant pigeon of the Caribbean, the White-crowned Pigeon reaches the U.S. only in extreme southern Florida where it can be found in the Everglades and Florida Keys. The species has been the victim of habitat loss in the Florida Keys and throughout the Caribbean. Identification White-crowned Pigeon is an all-dark, slate-gray pigeon with a conspicuous white crown. A scaly nape is iridescent green when seen in good light. Its iris is white. Young birds lack the iridescence on the nape and have a dusky gray crownDistribution and Population Trends. A Caribbean species, the White-crowned Pigeon reaches North America only on the Florida Keys and extreme southern mainland Florida, including Everglades National Park. It is found most often in the Greater Antilles and the Bahamas with scattered distributions in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, Panama, and the Lesser Antilles. It is a resident of Ria Lagartos, a Mexican IBA on coastal Yucatan. Over most of its range, the species is declining. It remains stable or only slightly declining, however, in Florida and JamaicaEcology. This pigeon nests on mangrove islands and feeds in evergreen and semi-evergreen woodlands. A strict frugivore, the partially nomadic White-crowned Pigeon can fly great distances over water. They island hop in the Bahamas and Florida Keys in search of food. Breeding commences in July and August with small clutches of about 2 eggs. Nests are well concealed as they are located in dense mangrove thickets. Up to three broods are possible in one season. Threats-Habitat loss is currently the number one threat to this species. Historically, hunting took great tolls on the Florida population. Caribbean populations in the Bahamas and Cuba are still feeling these effects. Pesticide use in the Keys for mosquito control has limited but tangible effects on White-crowned Pigeons.Conservation-Habitat acquisition has been made the number one priority of the Conservation and Recreational Lands program in Florida. They have proposed that all forest fragments greater than five hectares be purchased and preserved for the protection of the state-listed (threatened) White-crowned Pigeon. Audubon of Florida acts as Trustee for the Florida Keys Environmental Restoration Trust Fund, an entity devoted to the restoration, enhancement and management of Florida Keys natural areas which provide habitat for White-crowned Pigeons. For a listing of the many restoration and enhancement projects undertaken through this fund see http://www.audubonofflorida.org/science/keys.htm. Hunting limitations have been employed in the Bahamas to restrict tourists from hunting. Analysis of these measures has not been documented in the Bahamas, but the pigeons have responded well to habitat preservation and protection from hunting in Florida. This species is also listed as threatened in Mexico.What Can You Do?Visit the Everglades to see first-hand how special it is. Educators or community advocates planning a trip to Florida can take a tour of a restoration site in the Everglades with an Audubon representative by calling 800.753.5499 or e-mailing smayorga@audubon.org. Join the Everglades Conservation Network to receive Restore, a newsletter published by Audubon of Florida, which will keep you current on various Everglades restoration projects, conservation news, and events, as well as provide information on community and technical resources, by visiting: http://www.audubonofflorida.org/leadership/ecn.htm. Everglades restoration relies on funding from the U.S. government and the state of Florida. Each year, for the next two decades, they must allocate funds to keep the $7.8 billion, 38-year project going. Congress has met or minimally exceeded funding requests and last year funded only $15 million out of a requested $75 million for land acquisitions. Let your government representatives know that you support Everglades restoration. For more information visit: http://www.audubonofflorida.org/science/everglades.htm.
new deck at rear of house overlooking mangrove, good for viewing sky at sunset
Attractions
& Activities: EASTERN INDIGO SNAKE (Drymarchon corais couperi)Status: On threatened register since 1979.DESCRIPTION: The eastern indigo snake is a large, docile, non-poisonous snake growing to a maximum length of about 8 feet. The color in both young and adults is shiny bluish-black, including the belly, with some red or cream coloring about the chin and sides of the head. The indigo subdues its prey (including venomous snakes) through the use of its powerful jaws, swallowing the prey usually still alive. Food items include snakes, frogs, salamanders, toads, small mammals, birds, and occasionally young turtles. REPRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT: Indigo snakes probably reach sexual maturity at 3 to 4 years of age. Based on observations of captive indigos at Auburn University, mating begins in November, peaks in December, and continues into March. Clutches averaging eight to nine eggs laid in late spring hatch approximately 3 months later. The snakes remain active to some degree throughout the winter, often emerging from their dens whenever air temperatures exceed 5O degrees Fahrenheit. RANGE: This species is currently known to occur throughout Florida and in the coastal plain of Georgia. Historically, the range also included southern Alabama, southern Mississippi, and the extreme southeastern portion of South Carolina. HABITAT: The indigo snake seems to be strongly associated with high, dry, well-drained sandy soils, closely paralleling the sandhill habitat preferred by the gopher tortoise. During warmer months, indigos also frequent streams and swamps, and individuals are occasionally found in flat woods. Gopher tortoise burrows and other subterranean cavities are commonly used as dens and for egg laying. The home range of indigos varies considerably according to season. Based on a study conducted in southwest Georgia, Speake et al., (1978) reported an average seasonal range of 4.8 hectares during the winter (December through April), 42.9 hectares during late spring or early summer (May through July), and 97.4 hectares during late summer and fall (August through November). The most extensive monthly movements occurred during August. Of a total of 1O8 den sites located, 77 percent were in gopher tortoise burrows, 18 percent were in or under decayed stumps and logs, and 5 percent were under plant debris. The study area included windrows of debris piled up in the 196O's during site preparation for a slash pine plantation. The snakes showed some tendency to prowl and locate their dens near these windrows. REASONS FOR CURRENT STATUS: The decline is attributed to a loss of habitat due to such uses as farming, construction, forestry, pasture, etc., and to over-collecting for the pet trade. The snake's large size and docile nature have made it much sought after as a pet. The effect of Rattlesnake Roundups on the indigo snake are speculative. Both indigos and rattlers utilize the burrows of gopher tortoises at certain times. Rattlesnake hunters often pour gasoline down these burrows to drive out the snakes. While some indigos may be killed by this practice, the actual degree of impact on the population is unknown. MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION: The ultimate recovery plan objective is to delist the species by insuring that numerous indigo snake populations exist and are reproducing and protected where suitable habitat still exists in the historical range of the species. Before these objectives can be accomplished, research is necessary to: (1) develop population monitoring methods; (2) determine habitat requirements of juveniles; and (3) determine captive breeding and restocking potential of the species. Establishment of protected areas of good habitat as reintroduction sites and sanctuaries is thought to be important, as is the improvement of public attitude and behavior towards the indigo snake. Recovery tasks currently being implemented include habitat management through controlled burning, testing experimental miniature radio transmitters for tracking of juvenile indigo snakes, maintenance of a captive breeding colony at Auburn University, recapture of formerly released snakes to confirm survival in the wild, presentation of education lectures and field trips, and efforts to obtain landowner cooperation in indigo snake conservation efforts.
white crowned pigeon - endangered species - known habitant of this area
Amenities:
Additional Amenities:
heated pool & spa, private beach and boat dock. new 57 inch Sony TV with a great sound system.
eastern indigo snake - endangered species - known habitant of this area
Parking:
Outdoor Area:
Additional Outdoorr
Area: new deck at rear of the house overlooking the mangrove, good for seeing sunsets.
Rates:
(in US. Dollar)
2200
- 2800
per Week
(year 2012)
2200
- 2800
per Week
(year 2013)
Special notes :
City of Marathon Lic. PLR2011-0359,send me an e-mail to dthomas43@juno.com to discuss weekly rates.
Cats
Allowed: Pls. inquire
Dogs Allowed:
Pls. inquire
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Air Conditioning