- Joined
- Jul 1, 2005
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- 71
Might be old news but after I saw one in my backyard yesterday I thought I'd post this article...
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Florida agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is trying to educate people about issues surrounding invasive and exotic species. The first of several public service announcements has now been posted on the Department's Division of Plant Industry Web site.
The PSA features an up-close and personal observation of one of the Mexican red rump tarantulas that have become established in Florida after others of the species were released in St. Lucie County. The tarantula featured in the PSA, named Frida, is held by Department spider expert Dr. G.B. Edwards, who explains how important it is for people to treat exotic pets responsibly.
"Florida is constantly bombarded with the introduction of exotic and invasive species which can harm the environment and people need to be aware of the damage that can be done if they bring in these exotics," Bronson said. "This is the first of a series of video PSAs that focus on a particular exotic but we also want people to use our Web site to educate themselves about all exotic and invasive species."
It is estimated that one third of all plants and insects in Florida are exotic or non-native, and many are invasive exotics -- meaning that due to their rapid growth and spread, they have the potential to alter Florida's natural areas, resulting in economic or environmental harm.
The impact that the Mexican red rump tarantula will have on Florida in the future is unknown. The venom is not dangerous to humans.
Surveys indicate that the tarantula has not migrated far from the original location in the Fort Pierce area where it was first identified in 1998 -- though reliable reports of sightings exist from the late 1980s -- indicating the species may have been in the area for over 20 years.
Entomologists conclude the tarantulas have everything they need where they are, and there seems to be enough natural control over them that they are not overpopulating the area and spreading. Therefore, at this time they are not considered to be invasive. However, the long-term implications are unknown at this time.
The rising popularity of the exotic pet trade has led to the release and spread of many species of unwanted animals including Nile monitor lizards, python snakes, certain varieties of parakeets and parrots, Cuban tree frogs, and others. The FDACS encourages the public to be responsible when choosing to own an exotic pet. People who can no longer keep the pet should return it to the store or find it a good home. Do not release exotic pets into the environment to fend for themselves; in many cases they will, and may quickly multiply creating an imbalance in Florida's natural environment.
The PSA can be viewed at www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/videos.html. For more information, call 888-397-1517.
Linky...
http://www.sun-herald.com/NewsArchive4/110106/tp4de4.htm?date=110106&story=tp4de4.htm
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Florida agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson is trying to educate people about issues surrounding invasive and exotic species. The first of several public service announcements has now been posted on the Department's Division of Plant Industry Web site.
The PSA features an up-close and personal observation of one of the Mexican red rump tarantulas that have become established in Florida after others of the species were released in St. Lucie County. The tarantula featured in the PSA, named Frida, is held by Department spider expert Dr. G.B. Edwards, who explains how important it is for people to treat exotic pets responsibly.
"Florida is constantly bombarded with the introduction of exotic and invasive species which can harm the environment and people need to be aware of the damage that can be done if they bring in these exotics," Bronson said. "This is the first of a series of video PSAs that focus on a particular exotic but we also want people to use our Web site to educate themselves about all exotic and invasive species."
It is estimated that one third of all plants and insects in Florida are exotic or non-native, and many are invasive exotics -- meaning that due to their rapid growth and spread, they have the potential to alter Florida's natural areas, resulting in economic or environmental harm.
The impact that the Mexican red rump tarantula will have on Florida in the future is unknown. The venom is not dangerous to humans.
Surveys indicate that the tarantula has not migrated far from the original location in the Fort Pierce area where it was first identified in 1998 -- though reliable reports of sightings exist from the late 1980s -- indicating the species may have been in the area for over 20 years.
Entomologists conclude the tarantulas have everything they need where they are, and there seems to be enough natural control over them that they are not overpopulating the area and spreading. Therefore, at this time they are not considered to be invasive. However, the long-term implications are unknown at this time.
The rising popularity of the exotic pet trade has led to the release and spread of many species of unwanted animals including Nile monitor lizards, python snakes, certain varieties of parakeets and parrots, Cuban tree frogs, and others. The FDACS encourages the public to be responsible when choosing to own an exotic pet. People who can no longer keep the pet should return it to the store or find it a good home. Do not release exotic pets into the environment to fend for themselves; in many cases they will, and may quickly multiply creating an imbalance in Florida's natural environment.
The PSA can be viewed at www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/videos.html. For more information, call 888-397-1517.
Linky...
http://www.sun-herald.com/NewsArchive4/110106/tp4de4.htm?date=110106&story=tp4de4.htm