Mark Hostetler

0000-0002-1999-1938

Florida Bird Monitoring Program

Mark E. Hostetler

The Florida Bird Monitoring Program was developed by the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation's Wildlife Extension office in June 2001. The objective of the Florida Bird Monitoring Program is to maintain a website where you can enter and view bird survey data collected by yourself and others. Homeowners as well as participants from natural resource fields, Cooperative Extension, and state education programs are encouraged to participate.

Conservation Subdivision: Design Phase—Location of Conserved Open Spaces

Mark Hostetler

Florida Monitoring Program: Point Count Method to Survey Birds

Mark E. Hostetler and Martin B. Main

Environmental Interpretation: How to Communicate Persuasively

Kara N. Youngentob and Mark E. Hostetler

Bird Monitoring Projects for Youth: Leader's Guide

Mark E. Hostetler

Forest Remnants: Conserving and Observing Bird Diversity in Urban Settings

Dan Dawson and Mark Hostetler

Developing Sign Displays for Conveying Information

Anna M. Prizzia, Mark E. Hostetler, and Martin B. Main

History and Status of Introduced Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta) in Silver Springs State Park, Florida

C. J. Anderson, S. A. Johnson, M. E. Hostetler, and M. G. Summers

How Effective and Humane Is Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) for Feral Cats?

Mark Hostetler, Samantha M. Wisely, Steve Johnson, Elizabeth F. Pienaar, and Martin Main

Conservation Subdivision: Construction Phase—Dark-sky Lighting

Mark Hostetler

A Bird's-Eye View: How Birds Select Habitat

Mark E. Hostetler

Improving, Restoring, and Managing Natural Resources in Florida: Sources of Technical Assistance for Urban Homeowners

Mark Hostetler, Martin Main, and Chris Demers

Conservation Subdivision: Design Phase—Wetland Considerations

Mark Hostetler

Florida Monitoring Program: Transect Method for Surveying Birds

Mark E. Hostetler and Martin B. Main

Covenants, Codes, and Restrictions that Address Environmental Issues in Residential Communities

Mark E. Hostetler

Making Your Community Green: Community-Based Social Marketing for EcoFriendly Communities

Krystal K. Noiseux and Mark E. Hostetler

If Foot-and-Mouth Disease Came to Florida: Potential Impact on White-tailed Deer in Florida

John T. Morgan, John Fischer, and Mark E. Hostetler

Conservation Subdivision: Design Phase—Patch Size and Shape of Conserved Open Spaces

Mark Hostetler and Hal Knowles III

Farmers' Opinions about Bird Conservation and Pest Management on Organic and Conventional North Florida Farms

Susan K. Jacobson, Kathryn E. Sieving, Greg Jones, John McElroy, Beida Chen, Mark E. Hostetler, and Sarah W. Miller

Barred Owl (Strix varia)

Karen Heulett, Mark E. Hostetler, and Ronald F. Labisky

Evaluating Green Communities: Top Eleven Questions to Ask

Mark E. Hostetler

Giant Salamanders of Florida

Kristina Sorensen and Mark E. Hostetler

Living with Alligators: A Florida Reality

Elizabeth Swiman, Mark Hostetler, Sarah Webb Miller, and Martin Main

Conservation Subdivision: Post-Construction Phase—Creating Signs to Educate Residents

Mark Hostetler

Evaluating Private Lands for Conservation of Wildlife

Martin B. Main, Mark E. Hostetler, and Annisa Karim

Conserving Urban Wildlife in the Face of Climate Change

Daniel Feinberg and Mark Hostetler

Virtually all climatologists agree that humans are increasing the rate of the Earth’s warming by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. But you might be surprised to learn that houses and residential neighborhoods are sources of greenhouse gases or carbon because everything in a house that runs on electricity or gas is often derived from burning fossil fuels. This publication describes the connections between climate change, wildlife, and human neighborhoods and presents several ways for residents to live more sustainably.

The Nine-Banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)

Joseph M. Schaefer and Mark E. Hostetler

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. Published by Animal Systems

¿Por qué no debemos alimentar a las aves acuáticas?

Mark E. Hostetler, Martin B. Main y Maena Voigt. Traducido por Alejandra Areingdale y Miguel Acevedo

El propósito de este documento es ayudar a reducir la frecuencia con la que las personas alimentan a las aves que viven cerca del agua en Florida y explicar los impactos negativos de estas acciones. Este documento está dirigido a una audiencia general. Las aves acuáticas viven en o cerca de ambientes acuáticos como el océano, lagos, humedales, pantanos y ríos. Este grupo incluye pelícanos, patos, gansos, garzas, garcetas, gaviotas, charranes, cormoranes, etc.

Conservation Subdivision: Post-construction Phase—Engaging Residents

Daniel Feinberg and Mark Hostetler

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Environmental Literacy and Sustainability

The Northern Cardinal: The Neighborhood Show-off

Mark E. Hostetler, Steven A. Johnson, and Martin B. Main.

The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a widely recognized songbird in Florida and across most of the eastern United States. Its vivid red coloration, clear whistled songs, and year-round presence have made it a common species of backyards, forest edges, and city parks across much of Florida. Northern Cardinals add color and voice to even the quietest corners of urban areas. As an iconic backyard bird, they offer many opportunities for bird watching. This fact sheet explores how to identify a cardinal, the cardinal’s distribution, habitat ecology, diet and foraging strategies, communication, territoriality, reproduction, and interactions with humans. Our objective in this publication is to educate the public about this conspicuous bird.

The Carolina Wren: A Tiny Bird with a Huge Personality

Mark E. Hostetler, Steven A. Johnson, and Martin B. Main

Carolina Wrens (Thryothorus ludovicianus) are year-round residents across the southeastern United States and frequently found around homes in Florida. Here we explore their fascinating natural history, including habitat preferences, feeding habits, nesting behavior, and unique adaptations, all of which make them a common backyard bird. Our objective in this publication is to educate homeowners about this conspicuous bird, which is common in suburban habitats.

Landscaping Backyards for Wildlife: Top Ten Tips for Success

Mark E. Hostetler, Gregg Klowden, Sarah Webb Miller, and Kara N. Youngentob

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Sustainability of production systems and alternatives

Building for Birds Evaluation Tool: Breeding and Wintering Habitat for Forest Birds

Mark Hostetler and Jan-Michael Archer

The "Building for Birds" online tool is designed to help decision makers evaluate different development scenarios and how they affect habitat for different species of forest birds that can use fragmented areas. The tool is most useful for small developments or developments in already fragmented landscapes. This publication explains how the tool can be used for forest birds in fragmented landscapes in any part of the United States.

¿Qué tan eficaz y humanitario es el método Atrapar-Esterilizar-Liberar (TNR) para los gatos salvajes?

Mark Hostetler, Samantha M. Wisely, Steve Johnson, Elizabeth F. Pienaar y Martin Main

A medida que la cantidad de gatos salvajes continúa aumentando, los administradores de tierras, los funcionarios de salud pública y los ciudadanos privados expresan su preocupación sobre cómo abordar las molestias y los impactos en la salud pública, así como las preocupaciones sobre el bienestar animal que crean los gatos salvajes. La estrategia atrapar-esterilizar-liberar (TNR) para el manejo de gatos salvajes está ganando popularidad en Estados Unidos. Sin embargo, ¿será que esta estrategia funcione?

Conservation Subdivision: Post-construction Phase—Urban Trees Can Reduce Household Carbon Footprint

Richard Vaughn, Mark Hostetler, and Francisco Escobedo

During the post-construction phase, the conservation and planting of native trees in individual yards and open spaces can reduce household and neighborhood carbon footprints. This 5-page fact sheet discusses the importance of urban trees and their role in mitigating for climate change by avoiding carbon emissions and removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Atracción de aves al patio: selección del comedero para aves

Emma V. Willcox, Mark E. Hostetler, Martin B. Main y Maena Voigt

La historia de la alimentación de aves en Estados Unidos se remonta al año 1845, cuando Henry David Thoreau les ofreció alimento en Walden Pond. En 1926 se lanzó al mercado el primer comedero comercial diseñado específicamente para colibríes. Hoy en día, más de 50 millones de estadounidenses distribuyen anualmente mil millones de kilos de alimento para aves. Antes de instalar un comedero en su jardín, es importante considerar algunos aspectos clave. Este documento ofrece recomendaciones útiles que sirven como guía general. La mejor manera de descubrir cómo atraer aves a sus comederos es mediante la experimentación. Este documento es el WEC 162, parte de una serie del Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), University of Flolrida. Publicado por primera vez en septiembre de 2003. Revisado en Noviembre 20, 2024.

Evaluating Certified Coffee Programs

Gloria M. Lentijo and Mark Hostetler

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Sustainability of production systems and alternatives

Conservation Subdivision: Construction Phase—Native Landscaping Palette

Mark E. Hostetler and Martin B. Main

WEC284 discusses the importance of emphasizing native plants when selecting a landscape palette. Includes additional resources.

Policies that Address Sustainable Landscaping Practices

Marisa J. Romero and Mark E. Hostetler

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Sustainability of production systems and alternatives

Conservation Subdivision: Construction Phase—Low Impact Development (LID) and Stormwater Treatment

Daniel Penniman, Mark Hostetler, and Glenn Acomb

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Building for Birds Evaluation Tool: Forest Fragments Used as Stopover Sites by Migrant Birds

Mark Hostetler and Jan-Michael Archer

The "Building for Birds" online tool is designed to help decision makers evaluate different development scenarios and how they affect habitat for different species of forest birds that can use fragmented areas. The tool is most useful for small developments or developments in already fragmented landscapes. This publication explains how the tool can help preserve stopover sites for migrating birds.

Birds in the ’Burbs: Do migratory birds prefer urban forest fragments or residential yards?

Ryan Buron, Mark Hostetler, and Michael Andreu

During migration, birds travel from their northern breeding grounds to their southern wintering grounds and vice versa. To understand which urban habitats are valuable for specific migratory species, we compared the diversity of migratory bird species that used urban forest fragments vs residential areas with tree canopy in Gainesville, Florida. Study results summarized in this fact sheet can help inform urban planners, developers, and homeowners about vegetation migratory birds use. Conservation of large, forested areas is important, but fragmented landscapes are not useless, and conserving urban forest fragments and trees in residential areas is also important for bird conservation.

Policies that Address Sustainable Building Practices

Marisa J. Romero and Mark E. Hostetler

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Sustainability of production systems and alternatives

Attracting Backyard Birds: Bird Feeder Selection

Emma V. Willcox, Mark E. Hostetler, Martin B. Main, and Maena Voigt

Before placing bird feeders in your backyard, consider the bird species you would like to attract. Different birds are attracted to different bird feeders and foods. The following suggestions are useful guidelines, but it is best to experiment. Try a variety of feeders and foods located in different spots around your yard.

Blue Land Crab (Cardisoma guanhumi)

Mark E. Hostetler, Frank J. Mazzotti, and Amy K. Taylor

The giant land crab is the largest of Florida's semi-terrestrial crabs. This animal can measure up to 6 in (15 cm) across its carapace (Figure 1). In its juvenile form, the crab is a dark brown, purple, or orange in color. As an adult, it is a bluish-gray color. Females sometimes appear light gray or white. One claw is larger than the other and the walking legs are sparsely hairy.

What Types of Urban Greenspace Are Better for Carbon Dioxide Sequestration?

Mark Hostetler and Francisco Escobedo

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Sustainability of production systems and alternatives

Why Shouldn't We Feed Water Birds?

Mark E. Hostetler, Martin B. Main, and Maena Voigt

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Animal Systems

El Cangrejo Terrestre Azul (Cardisoma guanhami)

Mark E. Hostetler, Frank J. Mazzotti y Amy K. Taylor

El objetivo de este documento es brindar información básica sobre el cangrejo terrestre azul en Florida, está dirigido a una audiencia general.

Improving, Restoring, and Managing Natural Resources on Rural Properties in Florida: Sources of Financial Assistance

Chris Demers, Martin B. Main, and Mark E. Hostetler

The purpose of this publication is to inform landowners about government programs available to help conserve natural resources. In each case we describe the program options, benefits, and requirements and provide information on where to apply.

Conservation Subdivision: Post-construction Phase—Policy Directions and the Importance of Assessing Stakeholder Opinions

Daniel Feinberg and Mark Hostetler

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Informed community decision-making

The Wood Duck

Joseph M. Schaefer, Jennifer Cohen, and Mark E. Hostetler

The wood duck is one of the most colorful of all North American waterfowl, making it the most sought-after duck by hunters and birdwatchers. By the early 1900s, this highly desirable species was near extinction because of improper hunting regulations and habitat loss. With the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918, hunting of these birds was restricted. Also, wildlife officials developed a management program to increase wood duck numbers. Due to the success of this program, the wood duck is now one of the most abundant waterfowl species in North America.

Conservation Subdivision: Construction Phase—Protecting Trees and Conserved Natural Areas

Mark Hostetler and Glenn Acomb

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Sustainability of production systems and alternatives

Potential Breeding Habitat for 3 Forest-Specialist Birds in the Suburbs

Natalie Pegg and Mark Hostetler

Studies report that urban areas may not provide breeding habitat for interior-forest birds, but some residential neighborhoods do have sufficient vegetation to serve as breeding habitat for forest birds and even interior-forest specialists. The authors investigated the occurrence of three interior-forest specialists, pileated woodpeckers, summer tanagers, and northern parulas, during the breeding season in two suburban neighborhoods of Gainesville, Florida, and found that all three species occurred in residential neighborhoods consistently throughout the breeding season and were most often detected in local areas with dense vegetation from the ground to the canopy. Our results suggest that decision-makers can improve the amount of breeding habitat in southeastern cities for these three species by retaining forest fragments, tree canopy, large trees, tree snags, and understory vegetation.

Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)

Muhammad Azeem Akhter and Mark Hostetler

This fact sheet describes a common wintering bird in Florida called the cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum). Information in this fact sheet is relevant to homeowners, backyard bird enthusiasts, and the general public. Written by Muhammad Azeem Akhter and Mark Hostetler, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, June 2024.

Nonnative Monkey Populations of Florida: History, Status, and Potential Impacts

C. Jane Anderson, Audrey C. Wilson, Deborah (Missy) Williams, Mark E. Hostetler, and Steve A. Johnson

At least nine populations of non-human primates have established in Florida since the 1930s. These include three species: rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus sabaeus), and squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sp.). Invasion success has varied among the three species. As of 2021, a single, growing population of rhesus macaques was present in central Florida; a single, stable population of vervet monkeys was present in south Florida; and only two squirrel monkeys remained of a previous population on a private property in south Florida. Demonstrated and potential impacts of the three species also varied. Continued monitoring and research of introduced primate populations in Florida is critical to better understand impacts and management needs.

Conservation Subdivision: Design Phase—Wildlife-Friendly Transportation Network

Mark E. Hostetler and Michael P. Moulton

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Animal Systems

Cues to Care: Are city landowners willing to make ecological landscapes?

Mark Hostetler

The purpose of this fact sheet is to inform homeowners, developers, and city officials about potential considerations to make urban landscapes more eco-friendly, to improve urban biodiversity, and to explore avenues to install more environmentally friendly landscapes that provide wildlife habitat and reduce natural resource consumption.

Commonly Asked Questions About Coyotes in Florida

Martin B. Main, E. Hance Ellington, Mark E. Hostetler, and Steven A. Johnson

There are many perspectives and misconceptions regarding coyotes (Canis latrans) in Florida. Some people enjoy seeing and hearing coyotes and consider them important components of Florida ecosystems. Others consider them a nuisance or a threat. This publication provides basic information about coyotes and specifically addresses questions that we are commonly asked about coyotes. The intended audience is anyone who is concerned about or interested in learning more about coyotes in Florida.

Policies that Address Sustainable Site Development

Marisa J. Romero and Mark E. Hostetler

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by Sustainability of production systems and alternatives

Viviendo con los caimanes: una realidad en Florida

Elizabeth Swiman, Mark Hostetler, Sarah Webb Miller, y Martin Main, y traducido por Alejandra Areingdale, Miguel Acevedo

En Florida compartimos nuestro ambiente con un reptil enorme, el caimán americano (Alligator mississipiensis). Caimanes y humanos interactúan frecuentemente debido al aumento drástico de la población humana; esto ha incrementado la posibilidad de conflicto. Entender dónde habitan los caimanes, cómo se comportan, y qué podemos hacer para evitar conflictos es vital para poder compartir nuestro espacio de forma segura.  Esta es la versión en español del documento originalmente publicado en inglés: "Living with alligators: a reality in Florida" (#WEC203)

Beach Mice

Brittany L. Bird, Deborah L. Miller, Margo A. Stoddard, Lyn C. Branch, and Mark E. Hostetler

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Ospreys and Observing Osprey Behaviors through the University of Florida Osprey Cam

Mark Hostetler, Steven A. Johnson, and Martin B. Main

This publication provides information about ospreys (Pandion haliaetus). Further, it discusses an osprey cam that was placed on several nests at the University of Florida campus in Gainesville. This publication is for anyone interested in learning more about ospreys.

Building for Birds Evaluation Tool: Built Areas as Habitat for Forest Birds

Mark Hostetler and Jan-Michael Archer

A variety of forest birds use trees and shrubs in built areas (urban residential and commercial areas) as summer breeding sites and foraging/shelter sites during winter and spring/fall migration seasons. This publication explains how the "building for birds" online evaluation tool can help assess the impacts of different development plans on bird habitat so that decision makers can explore different designs and determine which may be best and conserve the most—and the best—bird habitat.

How to Modify Habitat to Discourage Nuisance Wildlife in Your Yard

Holly K. Ober and Arlo Kane

Hummingbirds of Florida

Joe Schaefer and Craig N. Huegel

How to Use Deterrents to Stop Damage Caused by Nuisance Wildlife in Your Yard

Holly K. Ober and Arlo Kane

Dealing with Unwanted Wildlife in an Urban Environment

Joe Schaefer

Helping Cavity-Nesters in Florida

Joe Schaefer

Baiting the Nine-Banded Armadillo

Holly K. Ober, Lucas W. DeGroote, and Russell F. Mizell III

What is the tastiest treat to tempt an armadillo? Armadillos are one of the most significant nuisance pests in Florida and much of the Southeast. There are no repellents, toxicants, or fumigants registered for use with them. They are good at both burrowing beneath and climbing over fences. There are also no effective methods for baiting them into traps. So, the authors of this 3-page fact sheet set up a test to determine which materials have the greatest potential to serve as bait.

BioBlitzes: Citizen Science for Biodiversity in Florida

Mathieu Basille and Kathryn Stofer

Overview of How to Stop Damage Caused by Nuisance Wildlife in Your Yard

Holly K. Ober and Arlo Kane

Here we suggest a sequence of steps you can implement when wildlife is causing damage in your yard. These suggestions should help reduce wildlife damage in a practical, humane, and environmentally responsible manner.

Cómo identificar las especies de animales responsables por el daño en tu jardín

Holly K. Ober y Arlo Kane y traducido por Alejandra Areingdale y Miguel Acevedo

Aunque muchos disfrutan de la vida silvestre en sus jardines, hay situaciones donde la presencia de animales puede causar mucho daño a los jardines. Saber identificar las especies responsables de causar estos daños es el primer paso para encontrar una solución al problema. Consulte la publicación de EDIS, WEC323, titulada Overview of How to Stop Damage Caused by Nuisance Wildlife in Your Yard para una guía completa de los pasos a seguir para identificar y solucionar los problemas causados por la vida silvestre en tu jardín. En esta publicación, describimos el primer paso para mitigar los problemas causados por la vida silvestre: identificar el culpable. Aquí proveemos imágenes del daño causado en áreas residenciales para ayudarle a determinar cuáles especies pueden estar causando problemas similares en su jardín.

How to Identify the Wildlife Species Responsible for Damage in Your Yard

Holly K. Ober and Arlo Kane

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Homeowner audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Animal Systems

How to Use Traps to Catch Nuisance Wildlife in Your Yard

Holly K. Ober and Arlo Kane

When wildlife become a nuisance in your yard, there are three general approaches you can take: make habitat modifications, use deterrents, or trap animals. In most residential settings, making habitat modifications or using deterrents will be both simpler and more effective than trapping. But trapping is warranted in certain situations when trying to solve conflicts between people and wildlife. This fact sheet provides information on stopping wildlife damage through the use of trapping.