Are Monkeys Found in the Florida Keys? A Comprehensive Guide
The question, Are there monkeys in Florida Keys? is often met with a mixed response. To address this query, we need to explore the presence of wild monkeys in this region, particularly focusing on the introduced rhesus macaques population.
Introduction to Florida Keys
Florida Keys, located in the southeastern United States, is a chain of low-lying islands southeast of Florida's southernmost tip. While not traditionally known for hosting native monkey species, the region has a unique history concerning non-native primate populations.
The Silver Springs State Park: A Unique Habitat
In the heart of central Florida lies Silver Spring State Park—a large patchwork of forests and wetlands with a spring-fed river flowing through it. One of Florida’s first tourist attractions, the park was once renowned for its scenic vistas and native wildlife. However, since the 1930s, the park has been home to one of its most intriguing features: rhesus macaques.
Rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) are native to the south and southeast regions of Asia, but an interesting chapter in their history was penned when they were introduced to Silver Springs State Park in the 1930s. These primates, which are not native to the Florida Keys, have since established a thriving population, earning the park another distinction as a habitat for these unique primates.
The Current State of the Population
Estimates reveal that the monkey population at Silver Springs State Park has grown significantly over the past 80 years. According to a recent study, the population of rhesus macaques has expanded to over 300 individuals. Unless state agencies take control measures, the population is projected to double by 2022. This rapid growth underscores the importance of managing these animals to ensure the ecological balance of the park is maintained.
Islands of Monkeys: Key Lois and Raccoon Key
The islands managed by Charles River Laboratories are Key Lois and Raccoon Key, located approximately 25 miles northeast of Key West. Key Lois, situated on the Caribbean side of the Keys, is home to approximately 75 free-roaming monkeys. Meanwhile, Raccoon Key, on the Gulf side, houses around 880 wandering monkeys. Both islands are part of the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge.
A Historical Perspective
The presence of monkeys in the Florida Keys is particularly noteworthy due to their historical significance. Until 1999, there were two islands in the Lower Keys that hosted breeding colonies of rhesus macaques. These islands were Key Louis (also known as Loggerhead Key) on the Ocean side of Summerland Key and Raccoon Key on the Gulf side. Originally introduced for research purposes by Charles River Laboratories (a subsidiary of the optical giant Bausch and Lomb), the animals were later removed due to their destructive impact on the vegetation of the islands.
It's important to note that, beyond Silver Springs State Park and these specific islands, there are no known wild populations of monkeys in Florida. The legends of other monkey sightings in the Keys are often based on free-ranging animals that have been introduced elsewhere and then escaped or released into the wild.
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that monkeys can also be found along the Silver River in Ocala, Florida. These monkeys are the descendants of those that were used in the filming of Tarzan movies in the 1930s, some of which escaped and have since established a population.
Conclusion
The presence of rhesus macaques in Silver Springs State Park and certain islands in the Florida Keys adds an interesting element to the area's ecology and wildlife. While not native, these primates have taken root and continue to thrive. Understanding their population and the measures being taken to control and manage them ensures the preservation of both the monkeys and the natural habitat of the Florida Keys.