Threats to Florida’s Unique Ecosystems and Wildlife

Posted by Dawn M. Smith Feb 26, 2009

The Florida Everglades and Its Endangered and Threatened Species

The Florida Everglades, the famous River of Grass, is in the process of recovering from many years of efforts to drain them for agriculture and flood control. This recovery process will take time ad money. Meanwhile, within the Everglades and Big Cypress National Parks, the highly endangered Florida panther’s survival is still in very serious doubt. Meanwhile the American crocodile and its close relative the alligator are making a return.

Endangered and Endemic Florida Keys Species

The isolation of the islands of the Florida Keys has produced a number of endemic species, many of which are endangered or threatened. Development on the Keys will continue to be a problem for these species.

Endangered Species in Florida Waters

In the waters surrounding the state, the Florida subspecies of manatee still faces possible extinction despite efforts to downlist the species from endangered to threatened, although recent manatee survey results are potentially encouraging. Controlling boat traffic in critical manatee habitat will be crucial to their continued existence.

Five species of sea turtle, all of which are listed under the Endangered Species Act, share these waters as well. Loggerhead, green, leatherback, Kemp’s ridley and hawksbill sea turtles all nest on Florida beaches where light pollution remains a significant problem.

These unique species and habitats will continue to be threatened as humans continue to move to Florida in large numbers. Balancing the interests of humans with the needs of these special habitats and wildlife species will require constant vigilance. In the long run those efforts will be worth it.