We can’t wait to see what wildlife the newly installed trail cameras capture!

Lights, camera…black bear? Our East Coast Zoological Foundation is partnering with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Florida Wildlife Watch to participate in important trail camera monitoring at William Beardall Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area in Christmas, Florida.  

Florida Wildlife Watch is a new citizen science opportunity for the public to help identify animal species that have been digitally captured by trail cameras across the FWC’s Wildlife Management Areas, which span more than 6 million acres across the state. Trail cameras are a useful, non-invasive tool for wildlife monitoring as they enable biologists to observe many animals over large areas of land. The cameras help to gather accurate data on animal behavior, movement and populations. In particular, we are hoping our cameras can pick up mink and weasel activity, allowing the FWC to develop more accurate range maps for these species. 

As you might imagine, these cameras capture thousands of photos in a short amount of time. That’s where you come in! Citizen scientists can help out biologists by classifying these wildlife images. Not only does this allow the public to become more engaged with Florida’s incredible biodiversity, but it also helps the FWC monitor wildlife populations, track ecosystem and wildlife health and guide conservation management decisions. 

Florida Wildlife Watch comes after the FWC’s initial Zooniverse project, Everglades Wildlife Watch, which exclusively monitors wildlife across south Florida. Incredibly, these projects have led to the public helping to identify new breeding and nesting sites and certain species and individuals present in areas previously unknown to the FWC.  

We’ve recently deployed cameras that will capture wildlife 24/7. Photos from our cameras will be uploaded to the project’s Zooniverse page where YOU can help us identify all kinds of Florida native species, like bobcats, black bears, white-tailed deer, skunk and more. Images from across Florida are typically uploaded at the beginning of the month, and they run out quickly thanks to ample participation from nature lovers like you.  

We hope the data compiled from our participation in this project will continue to help inform wildlife researchers, biologists and government agencies as we continue to work together to protect the incredible species that call Florida home.

Brevard Zoo is an independent, not-for-profit organization that receives no recurring government funding for our operating costs. Your generous support enables us to continue to serve our community and continue our vital animal wellness, education and conservation programs.