Protecting Wildlife in Paradise

There’s no question that Marco Island is endowed with some of the most unique views of wildlife: a gopher tortoise slowly making its way across a yard, a flock of shorebirds resting quietly on the beach, or a burrowing owl peering curiously from its home in the ground. These animals aren’t just part of the island’s landscape- they are part of the community. Yet, their survival depends on citizen engagement, and for many species, we are unintentionally putting them at risk.

Field biologist Brittany Piersma of Audubon Western Everglades (AWE) has dedicated her career to understanding and protecting these remarkable creatures. Through her work managing shorebird stewardship, gopher tortoise populations, and burrowing owl programs, she’s encountered a surprising obstacle: common misconceptions that threaten the stability of these species.

"We chose to live in a fragile ecosystem, and whether we realize it or not, we’re sharing them with wildlife," Piersma says, highlighting the delicate balance that exists between urban development and the natural world.

The Gopher Tortoise: Our Underground Engineer

Slow and steady indeed wins the race, with this unassuming reptile serving as a cornerstone of life in Florida. Gopher tortoises are keystone species, with their burrows providing shelter for over 360 other animals.

Though they face a quiet battle for survival. Development often pushes them out of their habitats, and some believe that simply relocating them solves the problem. Piersma, however, paints a different picture. "Relocation is incredibly stressful for gopher tortoises," she explains. "They’re territorial- when moved miles away to unfamiliar places, they try to find their old homes, pacing fence lines or searching for their burrows. Many don’t survive the stress."

Marco Island alone has lost hundreds of tortoises to development in recent years. “Every time a vacant lot is cleared, their population gets pushed into smaller and smaller areas,” Piersma adds. “We’re not just losing tortoises- we’re losing entire ecosystems tied to their burrows.”

But there’s hope. Brittany urges residents to embrace coexistence. "You don’t have to clear-cut your property. Leave some native vegetation. A small change in your yard can make a huge difference for these tortoises."

Shorebirds: Resting Alongside Us

Marco’s scenic beaches are more than tourist destinations for the human kind- they’re essential stopovers for shorebirds as well. These birds travel thousands of miles during migration, arriving on our shores exhausted and hungry. But their need for rest is often interrupted by unintentional human behaviors. "When people walk or run too close to resting flocks, it causes 'flushing'- the birds take flight out of fear," Piersma explains. "It’s exhausting for them. They’re already depleted from migration, and this extra stress can be life-threatening."

Even simple gestures, like feeding the birds, can do harm. "Their diet is specialized for long migrations," Piersma says. "When they eat human food like bread, it fills their stomach but doesn’t provide the nutrients they need. It disrupts their natural behaviors and can even cause them to stop migrating."

Dogs on beaches pose another challenge. To shorebirds, a dog looks like a predator. "Just their presence can cause birds to abandon their nests, leaving eggs exposed to Florida’s scorching sun."

These aren’t easy truths to hear, but they are opportunities for change. "All it takes is awareness," Piersma says. " Keeping a distance and leashing dogs is something people can do to lessen the stress on them.

People will hear their calls as soon as they're getting too close.”

Burrowing Owls: Guardians of Open Spaces

It’s hard not to admire the sight of a burrowing owl standing proudly in its sandy home. These pint-sized predators are resilient, often making their nests in surprising places like front yards, medians, or golf courses. But resilience doesn’t mean immunity to harm.

"People think burrowing owls can live anywhere," Piersma says. "But they’re grassland species. They prefer open areas with short vegetation, and when those spaces are developed or overgrown, they struggle to survive."

AWE has stepped in to create starter burrows in safe locations, but the owls’ success depends on the community. "We need people to avoid rat poison and drive cautiously near nesting sites. These small actions can make all the difference," Piersma assures.

And the benefits go beyond the owls. "They help to eat invasive species, prey on rodents, and maintain ecological balance," she explains. "Let birds of prey do their jobs instead of relying on chemicals that harm more than just pests."

A Call to Coexist

Piersma’s message is clear: coexistence isn’t just possible- it’s essential. "There’s so much we can do to lessen our impact. It starts with awareness, education, and a willingness to share these spaces,” she insists.

Her passion for wildlife is matched by her belief in the Marco Island community. “You come into being a wildlife biologist thinking you’re going to be able to save everything- in urban environments that’s not always the case. It can be frustrating, and you feel like you’re not making an impact at times- but hearing the public be so supportive keeps us going.

Our Shared Future

As Florida grows, the pressures on our wildlife will only increase. But with awareness and action, we can create a future where people and animals coexist. Next time you see a tortoise, a flock of shorebirds, or an owl in its burrow, remember they are our neighbors. Their survival depends on us- and the small choices we make today will ripple out into a better tomorrow. Piersma is hopeful for the future, saying, “- I hope AWE continues to expand our conservation and education efforts. Just a general understanding of these species can create coexistence.”

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, AWE’s programs, and how to engage in their conservation efforts, visit audubonwe.org.

What Can You Do?

Spread Awareness: Talk to your neighbors about how to protect wildlife. Knowledge is the first step to change.

Be a Considerate Neighbor: Give shorebirds space on the beach, avoid mowing near burrows, and create wildlife-friendly yards.

Advocate for Conservation: Support policies that protect habitats and attend local meetings to voice your concerns.