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NATIONAL KEY DEER REFUGE 



The National Key Deer Refuge was established August 22, 1957, by Public 

 Law 85-164,- for the purpose of protecting and maintaining habitat 

 extensively used by the endangered key deer. Acquisition of the refuge has 

 been a fragmented, on-going operation since the refuge was established. 



Preservation of the major habitats for the endangered key deer via 

 acquisition contributes to the overall faunal diversity of Florida and the 

 Nation. No Name Key and Big Pine Key are the two most extensively used 

 Keys in the range of the key deer. Several other rare, endangered, and 

 "special emphasis" species are also found here including the white-crowned 

 pigeon, the mangrove cuckoo, the osprey, the brown pelican, the West Indian 

 manatee, and the American alligator. 



The greatest threat to key deer habitat in this area is habitat 

 modification, with its resulting canals, land clearing, and subsequent 

 increases in road'and dog kills. Developments will continue to escalate 

 when utility lines are constructed. Non-residents, as well as residents, 

 are also a threat to habitat degradation or destruction due to activities 

 such as trash dumping, trai 1 -biking, plant collecting, and wood cutting. 

 This habitat alteration is the apparent reason behind the deer population - 

 decline from 350 in 1982 to 250 in 1983. Habitat must be protected to 

 preserve the integrity of the subspecies within its range. 



Acquisition of No Name Key is identified and recommended in the Fish and 

 Wildlife Service concept plan entitled Significant Wildlife Resource Areas 

 of Florida . Preservation of the No Name Key area will contribute to the 

 long-term stabi 1 ity of the unique key deer population and other important 

 wildlife species as well. 



