St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge Predator Control
Implementing Organization
US Department of the Interior
Overview
DWH Project Funding
$580,772
Known Leveraged Funding
$0
Funding Organization
Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees (NRDA)
Funding Program
Natural Resource Damage Assessment NRDA
Details
Project Category
Environmental
Project Actions
Habitat Restoration and Enhancement
Targeted Resources
Other
Project Description
This project will help restore habitat and ecological services to natural resources on St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) through the control of raccoon populations and removal of feral hogs on St. Vincent Island. A key management objective of the St. Vincent NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan, is to reduce habitat deterioration and decrease loss of threatened and endangered species through the control of raccoon populations and removal of feral hogs on St. Vincent Island. Shorebird survey data indicate that raccoons are a significant cause of nest failure to beach-nesting birds. Birds impacted include injured species, such as least tern (LETE), snowy plover (SNPL), wilson’s plover (WIPL), and American oystercatcher (AMOY). Considered the most destructive exotic species on the refuge, feral hogs have destroyed sea turtle nests and depredated shorebird and gopher tortoise eggs and young. In addition, rooting by feral hogs has destroyed wetland vegetation (including rare species), damaged refuge roads and impoundments, and has increased the spread of invasive exotic plants. Control of raccoon populations and removal of feral hogs will help restore habitat and protect natural resources on the island.
Contact
Kate Healy(251) 517-8010
katherine_healy@fws.gov
Project Website
None
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