As the sun rose over the central Florida prairie on July 16th, history unfolded. A tiny bird, the 1,000th conservation-bred Florida grasshopper sparrow, took its first tentative hop into the wild, marking a significant milestone for one of North America’s most endangered birds. This special sparrow, accompanied by nine others, joined its wild counterparts at Avon Park Air Force Range.
A Decade of Dedicated Conservation
Ten years ago, the Florida grasshopper sparrow was teetering on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss and other threats. In response, a coalition of dedicated organizations—including the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, White Oak Conservation, Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida, U.S. Air Force, and other partners—launched an ambitious conservation and recovery program.
“The recovery and release program diverted the extinction of the Florida grasshopper sparrow,” said Adrienne Fitzwilliam, Lead Sparrow Research Scientist at the FWC’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. “The success of such a considerable effort has been possible due to continued collaboration.” Significant resources, including funds from our Foundation’s “Conserve Wildlife” license plate, have been dedicated to this cause, resulting in a remarkable impact.
Population Growth and Success
Since the releases began in May 2019, the wild sparrow population has more than doubled. At the initial release site, Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area, the population increased from only 11 breeding pairs in 2018 to at least 37 in 2023. Birds released as juveniles not only survived but also successfully mated and produced offspring. Although releases are not a long-term solution, the population increase allows partners time to research possible landscape-level solutions.
In 2021, Avon Park Air Force Range was added as a release site. “The release of the 1,000th Florida grasshopper sparrow at Avon Park Air Force Range is a great example of the Air Force’s ability to enhance our wildlife and natural resources on Department of Defense land while providing sustainable, world-class military training,” said Dr. Kris Pitcher, Natural Resource Manager at Avon Park Air Force Range. The population at the range has adjusted quickly, with released birds remaining onsite and successfully breeding.
The Future of Florida Grasshopper Sparrows
In addition to expanding partnerships and conservation efforts like nest protection, the fate of the Florida grasshopper sparrow is tied to habitat conservation. A crown jewel in that effort is the protection of the 27,000-acre DeLuca Preserve in Osceola County, which includes 6,000 acres of sparrow habitat and is home to one of the largest known breeding populations at a critical location in the Florida Wildlife Corridor. “Conserving land is pivotal in saving the Florida grasshopper sparrow from extinction,” said Andrew Walker, President & CEO of our Foundation. “These little birds represent a big beacon of hope that our commitment, partnership, and holistic approach can save vulnerable wildlife from the brink of extinction.”
The release of the 1,000th conservation-bred Florida grasshopper sparrow is a testament to the power of collaboration, dedication, and innovation in wildlife conservation. With continued efforts and support, the Florida grasshopper sparrow’s song will echo across the prairies for generations to come.
