Integrating Nonindigenous Aquatic Plant Control with Protection of Snail Kite Nests in Florida

摘要

The endangered snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabi- lis) feeds primarily on the freshwater apple snail(Pomacea paludosa) in Florida. The nonindigenous, floating water hya- cinth (Eichhornia crassipes) and water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) impede kites from finding snails. Effective control of these aquatic plants in the littoral zone of central and south Florida lakes benefits kites by maintaining open foraging habitat.