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The Skunk Ape: An ecological perspective on the life history and interspecific interactions of a cryptospecies*

The Skunk Ape: An ecological perspective on the life history and interspecific interactions of a cryptospecies*. Jay Munyon. *Disclaimer: This presentation is a work of fiction to be used as a model for legitimate presentations by students of PCB 3043L – Ecology Lab. Introduction.

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The Skunk Ape: An ecological perspective on the life history and interspecific interactions of a cryptospecies*

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  1. The Skunk Ape: An ecological perspective on the life history and interspecific interactions of a cryptospecies* Jay Munyon *Disclaimer: This presentation is a work of fiction to be used as a model for legitimate presentations by students of PCB 3043L – Ecology Lab

  2. Introduction • Cryptozoology is the study of rare and enigmatic species. The term translates to “the study of hidden animals”. (McDaniels 1985) • The importance of these species is not fully understood • Lack of field observation and often questionable evidence • What role do these species play in food web structure and overall ecosystem status? (Smith 2002)

  3. Introduction • Range • North – Tampa • East – Central FL • South – Big Cypress Preserve (Moreau 2008) • No documented observations within ENP

  4. Life History • By understanding the longevity and reproductive output of the skunk ape, we can estimate potential environmental impacts of the species. • A surge or decline in the skunk ape population could result in significant impacts on the flora and fauna of Big Cypress and the Everglades

  5. Species Interactions • Herbivory • Observed eating palmetto berries • Pine cones (Big Cypress only) • Skunk ape may be the primary means of dispersal for these species • Predation • No direct observation • Dental molds from wound on single cow (Sarasota Gazette 1996)

  6. Cascading Effects • Stable population • Currently not a significant factor in ecological monitoring or restoration projects • Population increase • Changing climate and increased suburban sprawl could change the range of this organism • More suitable climate and increased population size could directly impact food web

  7. Data and Results • Skunk apes are thought to live for ~42 years (Smith 2002) • Optimal age of sexual maturity is ~15 (McDaniels 1985) • Estimations of intrinsic growth rate are between -0.56 and 0.87 (William et al. 2010)

  8. Data and Results • Similar to concerns regarding the increasing Burmese python population, many researchers fear an increase in the skunk ape population could have devastating effects on the populations of both large herbivores and carnivores • Deer, alligators, the endangered Florida Panther, and wading bird populations (Smith 2002, William et al. 2010, Johnson and Masters 1999)

  9. Conclusions • The population appears to be stable. • Potential means of dispersal for saw palmetto and pine trees. • Limited information regarding predation, but could become apex predator.

  10. References (how to cite literature: journal articles, newspapers, and books) • Johnson, L.G. and U.S. Masters. Low Density Populations. London, UK: JWRC Publishers, 1999 • McDaniels, J.C. 1985. Life history of the skunk ape cryptospecies. J. of Mystic Creatures 2: 3-9. • Mesa, Jose. “Cattle attacked by ape man” Sarasota Gazette. [Sarasota, FL] June 21, 1988 p.6 • Moreau, H.G. 2008. Distribution of Florida cryptospecies. J. of Animal Distribution 88: 26-34. • Smith, S.C. 2002. Effect of Myakka Skunk Ape on local flora and fauna. Cryptozoologia 28: 258-267. • William, J.M, E.R. Michael, M. Brian, and M.E. Rodesson. 2010. A review of the life history of the skunk ape. Annual Review of Strange Encounters 189: 3343-3541.

  11. Additional links • Footprints (documentary by FIU students) • Part 1 • http://ka.uvuvideo.org/_Footprints-Part-1-of-2/video/567785/86294.html • Part 2 • http://ka.uvuvideo.org/_Footprints-Part-2-of-2/video/567802/86294.html

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