Collier County Caracara Monitoring
Earth Tech Environmental recently conducted caracara monitoring at three sites in Collier County. Caracara are large raptors that can be found in south central Florida. They are Federally threatened due to habitat loss and specific habitat range. ETE biologists monitored 3 times a week from January to April to observe caracara behavior during nesting season. They noted pairings of adults, nest locations, hatchling observations and when hatchlings fledged using USFWS guidelines. Caracara can be found in prairies with cabbage palms, in improved pastures, and forested areas with saw palmetto and oak trees.
Here are some tips on protecting this species:
- Reduce use of insecticide and pesticide if spotted on property.
- Keep known nesting trees.
- Give them a wide berth. Close human activity can scare them off.
