The Important Bird Areas of Florida - National Audubon Society

The Important Bird Areas of Florida: 2000–2002 – Pranty – 2-Jul-02 192PELICAN ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGEIndian River County5440 acres (2176 ha), with 5175 acres (2070 ha) acquiredLOCATION: east of Sebastian in extreme northeastern Indian River County, located in the Indian RiverLagoon and on the barrier island.DESCRIPTION: a few small keys, adjacent uplands, and much open water encompassing the nation’s firstNational Wildlife Refuge, established in 1903. The Refuge receives 40,000 recreationists annually.OWNERSHIP: U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceHABITATS: *mangrove forest, tidal marsh, estuarine, coastal strand [this is for the island only; habitatsfor the rest of the Refuge will be given later].LAND USE: *conservation, environmental education, recreationIBA CATEGORIES: significant populations of Endangered and Special Concern species; significantnumbers of wading birds; and significant natural habitatsAVIAN DATA: Pelican Island has contained a colonial waterbird rookery since 1858, and supportssignificant populations of several species.SPECIES DATES NUMBERS COMMENTSBrown Pelican 1995–200012 Dec 2001mean of 84 pairs (range of 49–153)442 birdsmean of nearly 2% (B)(N)Reddish Egret 1995–200012 Dec 2001mean of 4 pairs (range of 3–5)20 birds1% (B)(N)White Ibis 12 Dec 2001 449 birds (N)Wood Stork 1995–2001 mean of 146 pairs (range of 90–220) 1–3% (B)Wading birds 1995–200112 Dec 2001mean of 224 pairs (range of 139–355)943 birds