THE POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT HISTORY OF A SUCCESSFUL EXOTIC ERADICATION: THE CASE OF BLACK-TAILED JACKRABBITS IN ONE PART OF FLORIDA

Authors

Richard M. Engeman, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USAFollow
Bernice Constantin, USDA/Wildlife Services, Gainesville, Florida, USA
Jeffrey Bunting, Miami-Dade County Aviation Department, Miami, Florida, USA

Date of this Version

8-1-2007

Comments

Published in: Witmer, G. W., W. C. Pitt, and K. A. Fagerstone, editors. 2007. Managing vertebrate invasive species: proceedings of an international symposium. USDA/APHIS Wildlife Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. Also available online at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife_damage/nwrc/symposia/invasive_symposium/nwrc_TOC_index.shtml

Abstract

Black-tailed jackrabbits are a prolific, mobile species that became established at Miami International Airport, Florida. These animals posed a potential threat for colonization through additional parts of Florida if they were able to spread beyond the expansive airport property. Moreover, their carcasses from collisions with vehicles and aircraft attracted large scavenging and predatory birds to the airport, causing potential airstrike hazards. While the jackrabbits ultimately were successfully eradicated, the political, economic and management paths to that success were convoluted. We describe that history here and how a beneficial outcome was ultimately achieved.