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The specific aim of this study is to establish a baseline of information on the ecological and agricultural impacts of coyotes in south Florida. Although much of this information is available for the coyote from other areas in the U.S., there is no information available from Florida. Furthermore, the information from elsewhere may not be applicable in Florida. For instance, the timing of reproduction of white-tailed deer throughout Florida has been observed to be as much as 6 months asynchronous among herds (Richter and Labisky, 1985). Therefore, it is necessary establish when coyotes are mating and whelping in south Florida, as well as determine the role of coyotes in both an ecological and agricultural context. The study will focus on collecting information on
seasonal:
- dietary habits
- habitat preferences
- social behavior
- movement patterns (particularly in respect to livestock and agricultural operations), and depredation of livestock and damage to agricultural operations.
The study is being coordinated by the Wildlife Ecology, and Range Science Programs at the Southwest Florida Research & Education Center and by the Avon Park U.S. Air Force Base.
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