National Key Deer Refuge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids National Key Deer Refuge |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area)
|
|
Male key deer on No Name Key in the Florida Keys.
|
|
 National Key Deer Refuge
Location in Florida
National Key Deer Refuge
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Monroe County, Florida, United States |
| Nearest city | Big Pine Key, Florida |
| Area | 8,542 acres (34.57 km2) |
| Established | 1957 |
| Governing body | U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Website | National Key Deer Refuge |
The National Key Deer Refuge is a special place in the Florida Keys. It covers about 8,542 acres (34.57 km²) of land. This refuge is located on Big Pine Key and No Name Key in Monroe County, Florida. It was created to protect amazing wildlife and their homes.
Contents
Protecting the Key Deer
The main reason this refuge exists is to protect the Key deer. These deer are a very special kind of White-tailed deer. They are a subspecies, which means they are a unique group within the white-tailed deer family. Key deer are also endemic to the Florida Keys. This means they are found naturally nowhere else in the world!
Why Key Deer Need Help
Key deer are an endangered species. This means there are not many of them left. Their population is currently around 800 animals. The refuge helps keep them safe from dangers like cars and loss of their natural habitat.
Other Amazing Animals and Plants
Besides the Key deer, the refuge is home to many other important species. There are 21 other kinds of plants and animals that are either threatened or endangered. This means they also need special protection to survive.
Different Habitats in the Refuge
The National Key Deer Refuge has many different types of natural areas. These different habitats provide homes for all the wildlife.
Forested Uplands
About 2,400 acres (9.7 km²) of the refuge are made up of upland forests. These are higher areas with trees and plants that grow in rocky soil. They are called South Florida rocklands.
Wetlands and Marshes
A large part of the refuge, about 5,100 acres (20.6 km²), is covered by wetlands. These are areas where the land is often wet or covered with water. There are also about 1,050 acres (4.2 km²) of marsh. Marshes are a type of wetland with grassy plants. These wet areas are very important for many animals and birds.
Wilderness Area
A special part of the refuge, about 2,278 acres (9.2 km²), is called a wilderness area. In a wilderness area, nature is left mostly untouched by people. This helps protect the animals and plants in their natural state.
Other Refuges Managed Here
The National Key Deer Refuge also helps manage other important wildlife refuges nearby. These include:
These refuges all work together to protect the unique wildlife of the Florida Keys.
