American Born, Limba By Tribe

Nwali nwali, (Limba Greeting)

I’ve been in my community for well over a month now and have begun teaching Integrated Science here in Sierra Leone. I have learned to greet in Tonko Limba, one of 12 dialects of Limba (the oldest language in Sierra Leone). Because of the presence of Missionaries since the 60s it is common for fair-skinned foreigners to be called “Fada” (Father). But most of my community knows me as Dauda or Mr. Matthew (my students). “Sol bag” translates to salt bag in Krio, so I thought it best to use my first name at school. My students will come to know my blog as Tales of the salt bag, which lacks a certain spark I had hoped to achieve in the title. But enough about me, let me tell you more about my community. Cultural exchange is after all, a part of my mission as a Peace Corps Volunteer. My community in northwestern Sierra Leone is primarily Muslim, and I’ve come to love waking up to the prayers from the mosque each morning. I am a mere 10 minutes from the school, but greeting neighbors easily makes for a good walk (greeting is an integral part of the culture). Mango trees and fern-laden palms shade the worn clay paths in my village. As you walk you’ll find a striking contrast between traditional and modern houses. Tin-roofed cement homes adorned with various paints and traditional mud huts with palm-thatched roofs. Anything you encounter resembling a yard is used for agriculture. And if you wander further towards the rice fields you’ll pass through Elephant Grass well over 3 meters tall. It’s a beautiful place full of green and easy to find happiness in the little things.

Classes:
 

Here in Sierra Leone schools are a world apart from what I was brought up with in America. Students in Salone are challenged to learn with limited resources. A black board, chalk, and an immense imagination are the primary tools for education here. Entering the classroom makes for a cool refuge from the sun. The classroom’s cement walls are dimly lit by barred windows. Daylight is our only source of light. Glare on the chalkboard quickly makes an enemy of the students as the white chalk is lost in the phantom’s eerie glow. But this is just one of many challenges. Many students sit 80 to a room on benches and chairs crafted by local carpenters.  There are no pictures, no textbooks, and no equipment in the classroom. Imagine trying to teach concepts like the Earth’s motion, the Solar System, and the Universe. It is hard enough for some students to grasp concepts outside of Africa, so going beyond the Earth poses a significant challenge. But students here are eager to learn! Sierra Leone is a beautiful country full of potential. I am fortunate enough to be teaching at one of the better schools in Sierra Leone. We have a library full of textbooks donated by the Ministry of Education (Sierra Leone) and Kanga Schools (Australia). Even better are the two bookshelves full of fiction books that will open student’s eyes to stories around the world. Though we are currently unable to check books out, students and teachers have the opportunity to come to the library and read during library hours. One of my favorite activities is lugging 40 science books to my class so we can read and answer questions together. I’m working as the Assistant Librarian alongside my colleague Daniel Alimamy Bangura, Head Librarian. We will continue Rachel Murray’s work (previous Peace Corps Volunteer) to further develop the library. Our next task, is a term long computer class for students (a significant challenge with only 4 computers).

 

Student Elections:

Last week I had the privilege of witnessing student elections. I took photos as the entire school gathered around to hear the candidate’s speeches. Four students voiced their strengths and opinions in hopes of earning the student’s votes. I particularly enjoyed watching their friends tuck money in their pockets emphasizing their importance and value to the community. One Head Boy and One Head Girl would be selected to represent the students.
 

Wildlife?


Though I haven’t ventured in the bush as much as I would have liked, I find myself consistently rehabilitating wildlife. I had a small Duiker in my backyard for 2 weeks. A baby antelope no bigger than a rabbit that had been caught by a neighbor’s snare. Much to my disappointment it did not survive. I have however managed to rescue one weaver bird. As soon as they drop from the nest it’s a race against the village children. Young weaver birds make great toys in my village. Bobos (young boys) attached strings to their feet and watch them fly. This usually lasts until I lure them away with biscuits (cookies). It’s cruel… but they are young boys without toys, who can blame them?

 

GLADI:

When Rachel Murray left, my community was under the impression they would be receiving another female volunteer. And despite my thin hair, which to this day my neighbors still associate as a female trait… I am in fact a male. This disappointed a group of girls at my school hoping to continue a girl’s club known as GLADI. GLADI stands for Girls Leadership And Development Initiative. Rachel Murray was responsible for bringing the club to Madina Junction. But even as a male volunteer I decided it best to continue the club. With a strong patriarchal society present in Sierra Leone, men play a key role in supporting such efforts. I hope not only to support the young woman, but to set an example in how they should be treated and respected by men. Some of our topics for the year include:
 

The Difference between Gender Roles and Sex (Biological Identity)
Building Self Esteem
Empowerment
Being a Role Model
Career Exploration
A Healthy Relationship
Play about Making Good Decisions (seen below)

If you are interested in supporting such efforts we can always use more art supplies, paper, and magazines! Feel free to email me at conservation.solberg@gmail.com and I will send you my address in Sierra Leone (when I have internet access).
 

I must say I am increasingly excited for the upcoming holidays. The heat has been the greatest challenge for me, and December in Sierra Leone promises cold winds. I also hope the Holidays will bring more letters ;)

Best wishes to you all, and a special thank you to those that have helped support me through friendship, emails, and mail. It means more than you know.
 

Boku Tenki (Many Thanks in Krio),
Matthew Solberg

 

We A Bin Smol

The past three years of my life people have been telling me I should be a teacher.  So it seems only fitting to combine my passion for wildlife conservation with education. Who says I can’t do both? Peace Corps has offered me a unique opportunity to integrate with the people of Sierra Leone and continue to do what seems to be, what I do best...
and that’s Teachin Science!!!

My first class in Tinkonko, Sierra Leone during training

I landed with 43 other Peace Corps Volunteers in Freetown, Sierra Leone on July 19^th. I believe it’s accurate to say we hit the ground running.
 

Salone 4 at the Independence Day Football Match

 

With my biological family in Oregon, I never considered the possibility of being adopted by another family. But that wasn’t the case when I arrived in Bo for training. Upon arrival I was adopted by a friendly Mende family, the Hotaguas. I remember my 5 year-old sister, Josephine crying as she was thrust into my arms. We have been inseparable since. There is many a time my pale appearance frightens African toddlers. But I believe their parents get as much pleasure out of it as I do. Since move-in, the Hotaguas have managed to tolerate my endless consumption of food, and the presence of toads within their food jars. I am still working with them on snakes.

My sisters Halema and Mami J (Josephine)

My African name is Dauda Hotagua. I have 3 brothers, 3 sisters, 2 grandchildren, several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. I’ve become accustomed to meeting new family members each weekend. I sketched a family tree, but I find myself continuously adding more and more branches. With large extended families in Sierra Leone, it’s more like a forest. And as the first Peace Corps Volunteer to stay with the Hotagua’s, I continue to have countless opportunities for cultural exchange. Thus far I have learned to wash my clothes by hand, beat kasava leaf (kasava and rice are staple foods), juggle boku pikindem (many children), and to always pack extra food and water on long excursions with my friend Jeff.
 

Beating kasava leaf and catchin toads at the house

 

I will be serving as a junior secondary and secondary (middle school and high school) science teacher in Madina Junction, Sierra Leone. Madina is far northwest about 10 miles from the border of Guinea and just a stone’s toss away from the Outamba-Kilimi National Park. OK National Park is home to forest elephants, pygmy hippopotamus, chimpanzee, crocodiles, and countless other critters waiting to be discovered. I have a beautiful science textbook just outside my door! I couldn’t have asked for a better placement!

The children greeting us during our first village visit to Tinkonko

 

The people of Sierra Leone are extremely grateful to have us. Sierra Leone’s education system and infrastructure were greatly affected by the war. Since its stability in 2010, I’m among the 4^th Peace Corps group (Salone 4) to return since the war. During our welcome ceremony Ambassador Steven’s words resonated with me, “Uneducated youth in Sierra Leone are a ticking time bomb, they can be used for any means”. So with our presence along with currently serving Peace Corps Volunteers (and the work from past PCVs), we hope to make a difference through education, integration, community development, and secondary projects. With deforestation, exotic trade, and bush meat prevalent in Sierra Leone I have my work cut out for me.

Language training at its finest

Special Thanks to my uncle and my friend Annie for taking photos!


A wi go si bak (I’ll see you again in Krio),
Matthew Solberg

Follow Solberg on a Survey

Two weeks ago I described some of the work being conducted by Cliff Maehr and Jenna May at the Florida Panther NWR. This week I am excited to take you with me on my Anuran Survey. With our wildlife conservation heroes Batman and Swallowtail…I felt obligated to give myself a catchy conservation-orientated nickname. And thus, Anurman was born! His attention for detail and affiliation for frogs has given Anurman an edge with anurans. Anura is the Order that encompasses all families of frogs and toads. So if you’re not sure whether it’s a frog or a toad, you can call it an Anuran and never be wrong!

Project Background

Here at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge I’m seeing how many different species of Anurans I can find across different habitats on the refuge. Because frogs and toads have permeable skin and a biphasic life cycle, they are very sensitive to disturbances. Alterations to habitat, pollution, and too much exposure to UV rays are more likely to affect Anurans before they begin affecting other animals like mammals. And because of this sensitivity, Anurans are a great indicator species of ecosystem health. If an area is being affected by a disturbance, Anurans are one of the first to go!

Using Anurans as an indicator species allows one to assess habitat quality and managment applications. In addition, you can prioritize restoration work. This is important when you have little funding and a large area of habitat to manage. This is something I hope to contribute to the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.

So as a very general rule,
Anurans within an Ecosystem = Healthy Ecosystem

However, there are some exceptions to this. Bull frogs and cane toads can be found in high densities in disturbed areas! Sometimes our actions make conditions good for one species. Think about crows, mice, and other generalist species. So by looking at the number of species present or species richness, I am able to get a more accurate representation of ecosystem health. After all, you can’t put all your eggs in one frog…or basket, whichever you prefer!

My neighbor Fred
Southern Toad, Bufo terrestris

So what is the best way to survey Anurans? Some species like this Southern toad vist my house on a daily basis. Fred is easily captured, identified, and extremely predictable. But what about other species? There are a lot of variables to consider:

• Time
• Funding
• Manpower
• Transportation
• Tools
• Accessibility
• Season
• Time of Day
• Weather
• Region
• Habitat
• Site
• Terrestrial Species
• Aquatic Species
• Are Species Active?
• Do Species Call?
• Are Species Easily Captured?
• Can Species be Identified Easily?

Just to name a few…

Although I did some undergraduate work with amphibians, I didn’t realize the extent of surveying Anuran species until I designed my own study! So I did the sensible thing and started Googling.

Once I had the basics, I began conducting some more in-depth research. I found that Florida has 33 species of Anurans! Of these only 17 species occur in the South Florida Region (14 native species and 3 introduced species). Out of these 17 species in South Florida, 5 species are tree frogs (Family Hylidae). That encompasses nearly a third of all the species in my area! So I decided to set my sights on them.

Green Tree Frog, Hyla cinerea

Tree frogs are easily identified by their large toe discs, long limbs, and slender waists. Arboreal creatures, tree frogs spend much of their time inhabiting trees. They often seek refuge in moist tree nooks or within the boots and fronds of palms. Thats not to say they can't be found on the ground! You can often find tree frogs hiding around your garden hose in warmer months. A popular method for catching such frogs is the use of pvc pipe. Small diameter pvc pipes provide a safe refuge that can easily retain moisture and provide a humid home for tree frogs. Few animals can climb up pvc pipe, so this method helps avoid indiscriminate capture. After all, you wouldn’t want to find a venomous snake in your pipe!

Methods

Pvc pipes were cut, drilled, and placed at chosen sites on the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. I chose sites based on habitat type, proximity to water, and accessibility.

Three days a week, I wake up early and hop on the ATV to visit my survey sites. Every morning brings new wildlife encounters and lessons. I have the opportunity to see first-hand how these different habitats change over time. And what’s more exciting than checking the unknown? You never know what you’re going to find at the bottom of a pvc pipe. One morning I found a half-frozen Green Anole lizard. He must have fallen in the pipe scampering up a tree. But a few hours in my pocket had the lil fella good as new, before he was released back into the wild.

During every capture event I record the species, size, weight, pipe, site, and date captured. Weather data is also an integral part of my data collection.

Results

Thus far the only species of tree frog I have captured in my pvc pipe refugia is the Cuban tree frog. They are an invasive species of tree frog introduced from Cuba. These frogs not only out-compete native species but will eat native species as well! So despite my inability to assess habitat quality from one species, my results have opened my eyes to perhaps, a larger issue.

A massive Cuban Tree Frog, Osteopilus septentrionalis

When things don’t go according to plan… take what you can from it and learn. Because you never know where it will take you!

Wishing you all the best,
Matt Solberg

Biology Team Update

Time has flown here at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge! On March 16th we had a successful Open House event at the refuge. Gates were opened to the public and about 200 hundred people came pouring in for Bird walks, Buggy rides, and Orchid tours! Hunger Game fans joined in, as kids learned archery skills and facts about the Florida panther. I watched as imaginary warriors on armored steeds lit the battlefield with arrows. I couldn’t help but join them, quickly realizing my right-handed, left-eye dominant technique put me at a disadvantage. My first arrow missed the target entirely! I quickly switched hands as the children laughed. Aiming with determination, my next arrow hit the target! I smiled at the little boy next to me and we fought off our imaginary enemies. I was thankful such activities could get children interested and involved in wildlife conservation. I was also thankful that practice left me shooting just as well as the children.

With little staff the event couldn’t have been what is was without help from Friends of the Florida Panther group and volunteers. Our gratitude and thanks goes out to the volunteers, sponsors, and everyone that contributed to the event.  Attendees got a chance to see part of the refuge normally closed to the public. With land set aside for Florida panther habitat, it was a rare opportunity for the public to see first-hand the results of our work. A diversity of habitats, managed by the fire crew and biology team to preserve a natural system. But much of our work is disguised. Management regimes like prescribed burns attempt to mimic natural fires. They maintain a balance by limiting dominating shrubs and exotics and allowing grasses and forbs to grow. With the cycling of nutrients and new growth, prescribed burns offer beneficial foraging opportunities for wildlife. During my anuran (frogs and toads) surveys I find these areas full of activity! Turkey and deer reveal themselves as the sound of the ATV spooks movement. Swallow-tailed kites and red-shouldered hawks fly overhead, foraging. And tracks on the sandy substrate reveal high traffic. Elusive as they are, Florida panthers and bobcat leave traces as they patrol these charred areas. There is much to be seen after a fire.

In addition these series of small fires also reduce the chance of a large wildfire sweeping across southwest Florida. So while benefitting nature, prescribed burns also benefit us. We also practice other management activities such as exotic removal and herbicide treatments. We work to suppress and eliminate invasive exotic plant species that would otherwise take over. And believe me…you should see some of these plants! They quite literally “Take Over”.  Most of our work concerns Brazilian Pepper, Cogon grass, Old world climbing fern (Lygodium microphyllum), and Ceasar weed…to name a few. It’s an endless battle, but if we let these plants sweep across the land then we’re simplifying our world. These invasive exotic plants choke out native plants needed by many of the animals that make use of the refuge. I will make an effort to get some pictures of exotic plants to better illustrate this!

Batman and Swallowtail

The adventures of Batman and Swallowtail begin with two Biological Interns chosen to pick a project to build our understanding of wildlife on the refuge. Cliff Maehr elected to study the Florida Bonneted bat and Jenna May chose to concentrate on Swallow-tailed kites. And thus, Batman and Swallowtail came to be!

Thanks to Cliff Maehr, the support of the Biology team, and advice from local biologists, we were able to confirm the presence of the Florida Bonneted bat on the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge! This was exciting news for a species we still have much to learn from. Using Anabat detectors to pick up the frequencies given off by bat vocalizations, we are able to distinguish bat species without physically seeing them. This proves especially handy when you have furry brown blurs whizzing above your head at dusk! The Florida bonneted bat is Florida’s largest bat and was proposed for protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) on October 3, 2012. Very little is known about this bat’s behavior, range, and roost sites. It has been an amazing opportunity to assist Cliff Maehr placing Anabat detectors in a variety of habitats on the refuge and driving transects at night. We have just touched the surface and I am confident we will walk away knowing more about this bat than much of the scientific community.

 

Florida Bonneted Bat

taken by Kathleen Smith of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

 

 Swallowtail

 

photo taken by Larry Richardson

February welcomed another species to the refuge! Swallow-tailed kites have migrated hundreds of kilometers to nest here in southwest Florida. A risky journey over the Gulf of Mexico from Central and South America. This beautiful predatory bird sports a 4 foot wingspan. A monogamous bird, kite pairs mate for life. Watching them soar in the air with their forked tail is something else entirely. Like vultures they use the air currents to fly, rarely flapping their blade-like wings. Would you believe they eat and drink on the wing? Have you ever witnessed a barn swallow drinking?  Much like swallows, swallow-tailed kites fly low and skim the surface of the water, dipping their beak. Jenna May has been searching for Swallow-tailed kite nests at Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. Her focus is nest distribution and vegetation surrounding nest sites. I was lucky enough to find our first nest alongside our new expert Jenna May. But marking the nest with the GPS proved even more challenging! Imagine delving into thick hammock trying to keep your eye on a particular tree in the distance. Jenna and I learned the hard way. Locating a nest is far more difficult than it sounds. But hard work reaped rewards! Dr. Kenneth Meyers paid us a visit to inspect the nest. Well known for his work studying Swallow-tailed kites, he was proud to have Jenna May leading further investigation. His passion instilled much of my own for these beautiful birds.

 

photo taken by Larry Richardson

Follow this link to see the southbound Swallow-tailed kite migration: http://arcinst.org/arci-news-blog/NewsBlog/an-ocean-behind-the-andes-ahead


Whats Next?

Well Batman and Swallowtail aren’t the only heroes in this story. There ally has been hard at work studying the diversity of frogs and toads on the refuge. And that is a story that will have to wait until next time! In the mean time, we'll be watching those kites!

 

The Swallow-tailed kite nest Jenna May and I discovered!

 

 Fare thee well friends, More Soon!

Reptiles on the Refuge

February 8^th brought wonderful news when I was officially invited to serve as a Peace Corps Volunteer! I accepted the invitation and am proud for the opportunity to make a difference and represent the United States of America. I will be leaving the states on June 19^th to serve as a Science Educator in Sierra Leone, Africa.

Thus far my time at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge has been full of new experiences and species I never before encountered in the wild! While working to manage the habitat for Florida panthers, we’ve had several run-ins with reptiles (or Non-avian Sauropsids for you science majors). Consequently this blog entry will focus on some of our scaled, cold-blooded land lobbers here in southwest Florida. So what’s the work like?

 Working at Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge is best described as an Indiana Jones movie. Outside of the classroom we’re uncovering clues of an elusive cat. You meet professionals with unique expertise that aid you on your quest. Science, historical records, along with stories passed down help you see the greater ecological picture. You begin to realize there is more to this mysterious cat and its environment. Tracks, scat, and scrapes leave formidable clues. But to find this species you must enter its territory. Here the dense tropical foliage may as well be a jungle. Vines entangle weary explorers and old palm stumps lay pitfall traps. You conquer the labyrinth only to find yourself face to face with the natives (animals). Unknown beasts in the thick hammocks encourage quick progress and monstrous swamp buggies provide a way-out through difficult terrain. There are villains too! Poachers cross this territory and hunt the panther’s prey. But the reward is great! With each adventure a sign of the mysterious Florida panther and a surplus of knowledge follow every step. It doesn’t belong in a museum, but it should be preserved all the same. Here the only difference is our appreciation for snakes!

Yellow Rat Snake
Elaphe obsoleta quadrivittata

The Python Hunt:

 Florida’s presence of pythons has gained attention statewide! As more and more people encounter large exotic snakes, wildlife officials have become increasingly concerned over their effect on the environment. Many have heard ridiculous notions from various sources of media. But the truth remains that there are exotic snake species established in Southern Florida. And the media has done its part in making this known. How many we truly can’t say. But it’s important to conduct surveys in areas where they could become established. So last week we did just that! One of the non-profit organizations setup a python hunt to survey areas believed to have favorable conditions for Burmese python.

Volunteers from a variety of organizations took time out of their day to come support efforts to keep exotic snake species at bay. After a brief training, we split into small groups and set out to survey areas believed to be potential “hot spots” for pythons. Participants brought snacks, shirts, and guides to share. It was a fun, educational experience and truly inspiring what a small group of people can achieve working together!

Our target species was Burmese python (though other exotic snakes such as Yellow Anaconda have been found near Naples, FL). Burmese python are a large constricting species well known for their attractive giraffe-like pattern. They are a favorite pet among reptile enthusiasts until they outgrow their owners. Capable of reaching lengths over 20ft, Burmese python can weigh over 200lbs and have been known to kill prey as large as deer. A lack of natural predators along with Florida’s climate and network of channels seems to have aided their dispersal across southern Florida. Though they can pose a danger to pets and small children, we must understand that these animals are not monsters. These exotic snakes are simply trying to fulfill their ecological role in a foreign environment. Here in Florida their presence is not beneficial and their removal is a necessary consequence of our own actions.  

In the end we didn’t find any pythons (though we did find two shed skins believed to be Burmese python and several native snake species). Despite returning empty-handed, it still felt like we succeeded. Little sign of pythons was a good sign. Southwest Florida had won the battle! But the question was whether we would win the war.

If you are interested in exploring this topic further, I encourage you to read up on the USGS Fort Collins Research Center Webpage (see link below). Remember the record breaking 17’ 7” Burmese python found in Florida? Upon capture the female was implanted with two radio transmitters, a GPS device, and a motion sensing device. She was then released for 38 days in the hopes of learning more about the movements and behavior of Burmese python. Studies like this have helped the community gain insight to manage Burmese python and mitigate the spread of this exotic species.

USGS Fort Collins Research Center Webpage: http://www.fort.usgs.gov/FLConstrictors/

Record Breaking Burmese Python in Florida: http://gallery.usgs.gov/videos/562

Naturally my favorite activity thus far has been our American alligator survey. During our search for pythons, we decided to search a stretch of canal bordering the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. A Spotlight survey (to see eye shine at night) is a better method to survey Crocodilians (alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and gharials). However, since we were also searching for large exotic snakes we decided to multi-task. We set out on January 30^th around 9am. Fifteen miles of canal lay before us, waiting to be explored.

Canoeing the Crocodilian Canal:

 I was assigned the task of designing the American alligator survey we conducted at the Florida Panther NWR. But I would soon be reminded that nature hardly yields the results we hope for. Immediately it became clear that a daytime canoe survey had its challenges. Judging the size of alligators proved difficult, as most slipped in the water or sunk down once they acknowledged our presence. A few individuals didn’t care, perhaps because of their size. These individuals made data collection easy. It also became clear that some stretches of the canal held substantially fewer gators than others. Although I looked at habitat, bank height, temperature, and time, I couldn’t seem to find a correlation. But some questions are better left unanswered. One stretch of the canal revealed only a handful of alligators under a meter in length. That is until we passed a large culvert. In the midst of the large dark tunnel, a massive beast lay basking in the shallows. All eyes were on him. With a slight whip of his shaded tail he revealed his true power. His girth exceeded the width of our canoe. As for his length…well we weren’t going to stick around to find out. At something over 15 feet in length my survey revealed that Dragons do exist. Or at least a lineage of Arcosaurs that used to prey upon dinosaurs millions of years ago!

American Alligator Ecology:

Typically American alligators dig “gator holes” when waters begin to recede in Florida. Gator holes are depressions dug by alligators to retain water during the dry season. These small ponds allow the alligators, fishes, terrapins, amphibians, invertebrates, and certain plant species to persist throughout the year. This behavior gives the American Alligator an important ecological role. However, the presence of canals has created a permanent water source in Florida. During a spotlight survey, the canal along Florida Panther NWR was found to have over 600 American alligators in a 15 mile stretch. These man-made structures have attracted enormous amounts of American alligators! So is this altering the American alligator’s role in the environment? Florida’s canals have changed Florida's natural flow of water. Now efforts are focusing on the hydrolic restoration of Florida. The trick is finding the balance between people and the preservation of nature.

Do you know what this is?
Hint: It is not a snake!

With each new day, nature reveals more clues to her complex chaos that seems to form a balance I will never understand. Stay tuned because I’ve earned my motorboat operation certification course and I’m bound to run ashore with something soon!

Year of the Panther

After much personal development, soul searching, and pushing myself beyond preconceived limits… I have returned. 2012 was a challenging year, but the challenges I’ve faced and overcome have only increased my perseverance and desire to make a better tomorrow for our planet. And I intend to continue writing about my journey. So if you are interested in the conservation of wildlife, following my career development, or just learning something new with your morning coffee I encourage you to follow my blog. Welcome to Tales of the Solberg and Happy New Year!

 After reaching new heights, distances, and gaining new friendships along the way it’s time once again to return to the dirt and grime I’ve come to love so much. My playground and passion, Mother Nature. Only this time I’ll be working in a new extreme…

 The Sunshine State

I outstretched my arms reaching towards the golden beams shining brightly through the airplane’s small excuse for a window. I looked to the man across from my seat and asked “what’s this”? He laughed, acknowledging my humor. But I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen sunshine like this. I had arrived in Fort Myers, Florida. The sunshine state.

 Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge

On January 12^th 2013, I arrived at a small 3-bedroom house. The description is not important, for what lay beyond the house was far more interesting. Before me lay 26,400 acres of pinewood, prairie, and a variety of wetland habitats. I set my 37lb suitcase down on the small cement steps and swung my backpack off to take everything in. I had arrived at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge! Located deep within the heart of the Big Cypress Basin, the Florida Panther NWR is 20 miles East of Naples in Southwest Florida. Bordering the Everglades, this opportunity fulfills a lifelong dream to work and experience one of world’s most famous wetlands. For the next 5 months I would be living on sight and working to manage the refuge alongside USFWS Biologists. As a Biological Intern I have the privilege of doing a vast array of fieldwork, research, public outreach, and management practices at the refuge. My work will focus on providing optimum habitat conditions for Florida panthers, one of the main goals of the Florida Panther NWR. Though many of the management activities such as prescribed burns do not directly increase Florida panthers. By increasing habitat quality and forage for deer, panthers benefit indirectly due to the increase in deer densities. When it comes to Ecology, you begin to understand how everything is connected!

Staff at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge are a crazy group of personalities thrown together to form a cluster of kindness and support. With a wonderful and knowledgable staff its been an easy transition from Oregon. And upon realizing a “Blue hair” was not a rare species of bird, I quickly learned that the Biologist’s Ashlee and Wade had a great sense of humor! Because down here in Naples, Florida wintering blue hairs and snow birds are abundant. 

A lot of people have been wondering, what exactly is a Florida Panther?

Felis concolor coryi

I can assure you the Florida panther is not a black mythical beast. In fact, they’re not black at all! Florida panthers are a subspecies of mountain lion that inhabit Florida. Though they can still interbreed with our western mountain lions, these cats have been isolated long enough to diverge genetically. These genetic differences along with a few distinct traits earned these cats the classification of subspecies. Florida panthers are slightly smaller, tend to have more of a reddish coat, and have darker facial features than their western counterparts. Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission estimates there are 100-160 Florida panthers left in the wild. Please click the link below to learn more about Florida panthers and how the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission came up with this population estimate.

 http://www.fws.gov/floridapanther/panther_faq.html

Why is protecting the Florida panther so important?

Some people believe that resources and funding is wasted on protecting an animal with such few numbers. However, The Florida panther is an iconic species. Similar to the giant panda, the Florida panther acts like an umbrella species. By protecting this species we are in fact protecting every other living organism that lives within its range. This protects countless endangered species that would not otherwise receive enough attention to persist. Not to mention the thousands of migratory birds who make use of the region seasonally. So by protecting the Florida panther we are in fact protecting everything beneath that umbrella.

According to Michael Crunwald’s “The Swamp. The Everglades, Florida, and the Politics of Paradise”, the same legislature that was in turmoil over George W. Bush and Al Gore had approved the restoration of the Everglades without a single dissenting vote on December 11, 2000.

Amazing what we can achieve together!

A Glimpse Underneath the Umbrella

1/13/2013:

I strapped on my knife not knowing what lay around the bend at the Florida panther National Wildlife Refuge. Some extra security for my first exploration. I began walking through the only jungle I’d ever seen in North America. Pretty special if you ask me. I took in the environment, but I ventured in the hopes of encountering one of its inhabitants. Off the road a clearing in the palms revealed a small body of water. I stopped and admired a pool of life. Insects flew about and fish kissed the surface of the water. But the longer I stood, the more she revealed to me. Birds revealed themselves, and the little anole poked his head above the palm leaf. For a brief moment the noise was broken by stillness. Then I saw it! A water moccasin (Cotton mouth) had slipped into the murky water. Swimming slowly yet gracefully, not breaking a sound and hardly a ripple. Rays of sun revealed a shimmering brown body with broken black circlets dotted at the center. A dark brown eye-stripe crossed through the eye and emphasized the yellow chin. I felt so much respect as I experienced this animal’s beauty and grace. And if you can see the beauty through the irritating plants and biting insects, it is truly a great gift.

Enjoy the Little things!

Stayed tuned. Because I’ve encountered countless critters, venomous snakes, and birds you can hardly pronounce. With Swamp buggies and gators, there’s bound to be a tale or two around the river bend! Feel free to message me questions or comments below!

All the best,
Matthew Solberg