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The Important Bird Areas of Florida - National Audubon Society

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<strong>The</strong> <strong>Important</strong> <strong>Bird</strong> <strong>Areas</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Florida</strong>: 2000–2002 – Pranty – 2-Jul-02 213WITHLACOOCHEE STATE FOREST (Citrus and Croom tracts)Citrus, Hernando, and Sumter counties64,072 acres (25,628 ha) in these two tracts; 147,893 total acres (59,157 ha) in the ForestLOCATION: in south-central Citrus County, northern and eastern Hernando County, and extreme westernSumter County. Near the Green Swamp Ecosystem IBA to the east. [Need more information]DESCRIPTION: three <strong>of</strong> seven primary units <strong>of</strong> Withlacoochee State Forest, mostly isolated from eachother by private lands and development. All seven primary tracts are part <strong>of</strong> IBAs (see below).Acquisition began in 1936 and additional lands have been acquired as recently as 1999. All tracts <strong>of</strong>the Forest receive a total <strong>of</strong> 300,000 recreationists and ____ hunters annually.OWNERSHIP: <strong>Florida</strong> Division <strong>of</strong> ForestryHABITATS: *longleaf pine flatwoods, *sandhills, pine plantation, xeric oak scrub, sand pine scrub, dryprairie, non-native pasture, hardwood swamp, freshwater marsh, lacustrine, artificialLAND USE: *timber production, conservation, recreation, huntingIBA CATEGORIES: significant populations <strong>of</strong> Endangered and Watch List species; complete diversity <strong>of</strong>longleaf pine flatwoods and sandhills; and significant natural habitatsAVIAN DATA: <strong>The</strong> Forest supports a significant population <strong>of</strong> Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, and containsall species <strong>of</strong> longleaf pine flatwoods and sandhills. [More information] [Is a bird list available for theForest?].SPECIES DATES NUMBERS COMMENTSRed-cockaded Woodpecker 2000 46 clusters, 29 nests 3% (R)Brown-headed Nuthatch 2000 common (R)Bachman's Sparrow 2000 common (R)Data provided by Vince Morris (<strong>Florida</strong> Division <strong>of</strong> Forestry)OTHER RESOURCES: Other upland animals include the pine snake and “Sherman's” fox squirrel. •Withlacoochee State Forest protects one <strong>of</strong> the largest patches <strong>of</strong> sandhills habitat remaining in<strong>Florida</strong>. • Historic cemeteries occur in the Forest.THREATS: *habitat succession, exotic plants, feral hogs, <strong>of</strong>fsite developmentCONSERVATION ISSUES: Prescribed fire frequency is insufficient for maintaining pine flatwoods in anopen condition. • <strong>The</strong> Suncoast Parkway bisects the Forest, which may prevent or hamper movement<strong>of</strong> some species (e.g., black bears) between the Forest and adjacent areas. • <strong>The</strong>re is potential forcontradictory management goals (e.g., timber production vs. wildlife habitat).NOMINATED BY: Vince Morris (<strong>Florida</strong> Division <strong>of</strong> Forestry)WEBSITE: <strong>The</strong> Homosassa Tract <strong>of</strong> Withlacoochee State Forest is part <strong>of</strong> the Chassahowitzka–Weekiwachee IBA,the Richloam Tract is part <strong>of</strong> the Green Swamp IBA, and the Jumper Creek and Two-Mile PrairieTracts are part <strong>of</strong> the Withlacoochee–Panas<strong>of</strong>fkee–Big Scrub IBA.

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