A couple of weeks ago Mark was asked if he would mind talking to some of the biologists about possible construction of ocelot crossings at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. We left Santa Ana mid-morning with a car load of biologists and managers and headed for Laguna. Once we got there we met with their refuge manager and the ocelot biologist and we were given a tour of the refuge and possible sites for ocelot crossings.
There is an estimated 50 ocelots left in the US with the majority living in Laguna Atascosa. 50 percent of their fatalities are caused by autos. In the last year two ocelots have been hit and killed inside the wildlife refuge. Although the refuge had lowered the speed limit and put in road humps, there is still a major concern for these beautiful animals.
Of course the biggest hurdle in keeping these animals safe is money. The refuge has several known sites where the ocelots are crossing and want to put in either a bridge or culvert in those areas. They have asked Mark to design and estimate costs.
(Internet Photo)
A lot of wild animals suffer from this problem. Tigers, bears -- I've seen shows depicting this problem with endangered animals in all parts of the world. You know I'm a big cat fan. If Mark can help come up with crossings that will save ocelots, I hope he can do it. 50 ocelots? Why have they waited this long to act?
ReplyDeleteThe other problem is that fractured habitats create such a problem for these animals (as well as others). They get a few square miles here, a few there, etc., no one big piece of habitat, and of course they don't know that, so they try to through other areas that are not conducive to their survival, and they don't survive. I wonder how many species we've taken out just in my lifetime alone?
Hi Julee-
ReplyDeleteIt is the same old story. Competing priorities and lack of $$$. About 95% of the native habitat here in South Texas has been lost to development and agriculture. The parcels that are left are too small and too far apart. The National Wildlfe Refuge folks are fighting the good fight and doing what they can, but it is going to be a long struggle.
Mark
It's sad. I wish we had a clue, but it seems clear we haven't learned much more about conservation than we knew 200 years ago. Well, maybe we KNOW more, but are we doing any better? At least you are trying to help, that's all one individual can do.
ReplyDelete