Polk Small Farms: New and Revised Environment Publications, February 2011

This email lists new and revised EDIS publications that have been released to the public in February 2011. They are now available on the World Wide Web at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. This mailing only includes publications in the Environment program area. Please see separate mailings for publications in other program areas.

Ecosystems & Species

Possible Florida Invader: Ball Python (WEC296/UW341)

Sightings of this nocturnal predator that is usually only three to four feet long, not established in Florida but very common in the pet trade, should be reported immediately to 1-888-IveGot1 or www.IveGot1.org. This 2-page fact sheet written by Steve Johnson and Monica McGarrity provides pictures and information to aid identification. Published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, February 2011.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw341

Florida Invader: Common Boa (WEC297/UW342)

Sightings of this large, nocturnal predator that may grow to 15 feet long and kills its prey by constriction, established in Miami, should be reported immediately to 1-888-IveGot1 or www.IveGot1.org. This 2-page fact sheet written by Steve Johnson and Monica McGarrity provides pictures and information to aid identification. Published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, February 2011.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw342

Florida Invader: Cuban Treefrog (WEC301/UW346)

Do you now how to tell the difference between an invasive Cuban Treefrog and a native treefrog? This 2-page fact sheet will help you correctly identify and humanely euthanize this invasive frog that preys on several species of native tree frogs. It was written by Steve Johnson and Monica McGarrity, and published by the UF Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, November 2010.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw346

Urban Soils in Gainesville, Florida and Their Implications for Environmental Quality and Management (FOR275/FR337)

It is frequently assumed that urban soils are homogenous, heavily disturbed, or of low fertility. But recent studies show that urban soils are highly variable, ranging from highly modified to nearly undisturbed. Still, there are observable trends and patterns in urban soil characteristics have been observed. This 6-page fact sheet sheds light on how and why soil properties vary across Gainesville and provides useful information on the sustainable management of urban soils. It was written by Donald Hagan, Cynnamon Dobbs, Francisco Escobedo, Wayne Zipperer, and Zoltan Szantoi, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation, November 2010.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fr337

Forensic Entomology (4HENL41/4H310) [curriculum]

Forensics is a hot topic, with many movies and popular television shows (such as “CSI”) introducing youth to the tools, processes, and critical thinking skills needed to solve various crimes. Within this world, insects have a growing presence. The field of forensic entomology focuses on the information that insects provide investigators about the time, location, and criminal negligence within a wide variety of criminal cases. This curriculum is a tool for teaching youth grades 6–8 about the contributions that insects make to the world of forensics. This three-week series of lesson activities is designed for use in after-school programs, summer day camps, and 4-H clubs. However, this package also includes the Next Generation Sunshine State Standards for teachers within formal classroom settings. It was written by Erika Andersen and Russell Mizell with Jessica Kochert and Joy Jordan, and published by the UF Department of 4-H Youth Development, January 2011.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/4h310

Sharks for the Aquarium and Considerations for Their Selection (FA179)

Sharks are magnificent animals and an exciting group of fishes. And they are becoming increasingly popular as pet animals. The proper care and display of sharks requires great attention to details. This 8-page fact sheet provides critical points aquarists must consider in deciding whether or not to include sharks in their aquaria. A table of the most popular sharks kept in public and home aquariums is provided to facilitate species selection. Written by Alexis L. Morris, Elisa J. Livengood, and Frank A. Chapman, and published by the UF Department of School of Forest Resources and Conservation Program in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, December 2010.

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa179

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