Florida Key Deer Screwworm Final Report (Phase II)

This report provides U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with the final overall report for the contract Screwworm Assessment and Monitoring for Florida Key Deer – Phase II. This report synthesizes all data through 31 August. Successful resolution of the screwworm incident reduced the need for Key deer data collection (i.e., less radiotelemetry and fewer driving surveys) after April 2017. The primary focus changed to monitoring baseline fawn ecology and overall Key deer health using reduced radiotelemetry and driving surveys. Data results can be used by USFWS managers to determine specific recovery actions for the Key deer population in response to the current screwworm incident. The report is divided into 3 primary reporting sections: (1) density estimates/population indictors, (2) radiotelemetry, and (3) screwworm mortalities.