A THREATENED SPECIES
The Key Deer is recognized as an endangered species with about 300 to 800 still in existence. Historically this animal was hunted by native tribes, sailors, and settlers as a source for food. In 1939 the hunting of Key Deer was banned, but illegal hunting and habitat loss caused the species to reach a critical population of only 25. The establishment of the National Key Deer Refuge has helped the population of deer rise, but there are still many factors that threaten the species. Destruction of habitat and human interaction combined with the animals low reproduction rate are still making the future of this animal uncertain.

Photo: US Fish and Wildlife Service

CONSERVATION EFFORTS
The National Key Deer Refuge set up by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1957 set aside about 8500 acres of land on Big Pine and No Name Keys. This allowed the Key Deer population to rise throughout the years. Other conservation efforts include the reconfiguration and elevation of US 1 so that the deer can pass safely under the highway. This significantly helps the deer because many of their deaths are attributed to being hit by vehicles while trying to cross the highway.

TRANSLOCATION OF THE KEY DEER
Biologists have also been transporting some of the deer from Big Pine Key to other areas of the Keys because the population at Big Pine has reached its sustainable limit. Researchers catch the Key Deer individuals and record data such as sex, age, and size. Then they may be fitted with tracking devices such as collars or tags. Finally they are moved to other areas of the Keys and released back into the wilderness. The reason for transporting the Key Deer is to help build healthy populations in different locations and to maintain the balance of the Big Pine Key population.

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