Monitoring Wildlife and the Ecosystem of KSC

By Cati Gandolfi, KSC INSPIRE Pre-College Intern

Imagine given a once in a lifetime opportunity to study and explore endangered and threatened species on one of the most fascinating wildlife conservations in our nation. As a young student and NASA intern, I was able to fulfill my dream to work for NASA on 140,000 acres of the Merritt Island Refuge as an ecological intern. Not only was this experience satisfying, but it also provided me with a positive outlook on our environment and why we all need to protect it.

I never realized the importance of our environment and the effects our wildlife has on our ecology until I was fortunate enough to work with some dedicated and experienced Mentors who educated me. My mentors taught me how to protect the threatened Florida scrub jay, beach mice, sea turtles, fish populations, such as the Red Drum, and the American Alligator.

I was given the opportunity to study the smallest rodent on the beach, the beach mouse. While most people would scream seeing these creatures, I actually stared in awe watching them scurry on and off the beach. They are cute furry little rodents, quite harmless, but again another threatened species. The study of the Beach mouse helps scientist determine if the population is dwindling from the coast of Florida. We study the environment, population and nests to determine habitat occupancy. The process for which we used to capture and study these mammals consisted of us baiting traps with sunflower seeds and cotton for nesting material. We collected and recorded data on sex, reproduction condition, age, weight and general condition. The rodents were ear tagged and foot printed for the purpose of tracking movement, growth, identity and health. They were released upon the tagging process and monitored while returning into their natural habitat.

My favorite ecological project that I participated in was the research and tagging of the Red Drum Fish and Lemon Shark. We used the technology of a Vemco Acoustic Transmitter which enabled us to passively monitor the general movements. The red drum is a popular sport fish that’s stock has declined in recent decades. I researched the Red Drum fish to determine reproduction and movement rates during seasonal changes. The Red Drum fish are tagged to detect site fidelity during the season; unfortunately, angling mortality effects their growth and reproduction. Therefore, true data was difficult to collect due to the decrease in population.

I was also given the opportunity to assist in the monitoring of nests of three types of sea turtles on KSC. We marked nests, located clutches, shielded nests potentially impacted by lights, recorded hatchling and inventoried nests after hatchling.

My mentors introduced me to the Florida Scrub Jay and the environment for which they live and survive in. I watched in fascination on day as a scrub jay laded in my hand as if I was one of their protectors.

The greatest excitement of my internship occurred when my mentors asked me to ride with them to study and tag alligators. At first, I thought they were joking, but within thirty minutes of our alligator hunt, I realized they were serious. Can you imagine taping an alligator s mouth, measuring their length and collecting blood samples? With me in my camouflaged pants, snake boots and long sleeve shirt I started thinking I was going to be the endangered one. My Mentor taught me how to safely catch, tag and take blood samples from a Florida Alligator. While this experience stopped my heart momentarily, I began to have more confidence in myself and more respect for this species.

Prior to my Internship, I had not realized why it was so important to protect these species. Most people perceive wildlife to be just that, wildlife; animals that can protect themselves live and die as nature allows. This perception is all wrong; these species need our help to survive, especially to protect them from extinction.

We are slowly destroying our environment and killing off various species from which we can learn. The blood from an Alligator is being tested to use as toxins for hormones.

I want to thank NASA and my mentors for giving me the opportunity to experience this internship. Prior to my internship, I was undecided about a major and life career. My mentors and friends of whom I met while working as an intern gave me a distinct direction in my life, for which I will be indebted too. Furthermore, I didn’t realize the intensity and the importance of monitoring wildlife and the ecosystem of KSC property. I worked for NASA last year as a lab intern, but this year was fulfilling because I learned the forms of wildlife and the dedication it takes to maintain the ecosystem and their natural environment. Thanks to all who gave me this wonderful experience!

By: Catherine Cati Gandolfi