In part one we learned of the distinctive characteristics found in the Florida Everglades, including the multiple ecosystems that make up the area. We also explored two endangered species endemic to the Everglades, the Florida Panther and the Florida Black Bear. Now we will look at a few other creatures found only in the Everglades.
The Snail Kite is neither a snail nor a kite, but it does fly. The Rostrhamus Sociabilis is a bird of prey that just happens to be of the same family as eagles, hawks and vultures. This particular predator is not especially colourful or unique. In fact it is distinctive for not being distinctive. The adult male is adorned with dark blue-grey feathers, while the females' plumage is a lighter grey with thin white tips. The ladies have yellow legs, the gentlemen have red legs but the only female has a lovely white face. Their main source of food is the apple snails, which they locate through slow flight while looking down. Although the Snail Kite prefers freshwater wetlands where they roost for the winter, they have been known to take short trips south to South America.
Switching from fauna to flora, we will now explore the wonder of the mangroves. Contrary to common ideas, mangroves are not a singular species of tree. They are a collection of various kinds of trees that prefer to grow in tropical and subtropical habitats where there is a great amount of water. However, it must be said the word mangrove has been used to describe a particular ecosystem, a forest, a swamp, or a family of plants or trees.
The mangroves existing in the Everglades are divided into three groups: Red Mangrove, White Mangrove and Black Mangrove. They are all highly sensitive to temperature, and will die in freezing conditions. The three groups of mangroves in the Everglades are categorized according to their proximity to water. The red grows closest to the water, but only open water, not streams. The black grows in moderate levels of water with prop roots. The white is the most fragile, grows closest to shore and also has prop roots.
Amid all those roots of the mangrove there are hundreds of species of fish, birds, crustaceans, reptiles, insects and so on. The roots provide a sheltered nursery for young fish. Wading birds can safely grow and mature in the mangroves without fear of predators finding them. Below the surface of the water the roots of the mangrove trees provide homes for anemones, corals, mussels, crabs and many more creatures. The Everglades are truly a treasure trove of flora and fauna.
The Snail Kite is neither a snail nor a kite, but it does fly. The Rostrhamus Sociabilis is a bird of prey that just happens to be of the same family as eagles, hawks and vultures. This particular predator is not especially colourful or unique. In fact it is distinctive for not being distinctive. The adult male is adorned with dark blue-grey feathers, while the females' plumage is a lighter grey with thin white tips. The ladies have yellow legs, the gentlemen have red legs but the only female has a lovely white face. Their main source of food is the apple snails, which they locate through slow flight while looking down. Although the Snail Kite prefers freshwater wetlands where they roost for the winter, they have been known to take short trips south to South America.
Switching from fauna to flora, we will now explore the wonder of the mangroves. Contrary to common ideas, mangroves are not a singular species of tree. They are a collection of various kinds of trees that prefer to grow in tropical and subtropical habitats where there is a great amount of water. However, it must be said the word mangrove has been used to describe a particular ecosystem, a forest, a swamp, or a family of plants or trees.
The mangroves existing in the Everglades are divided into three groups: Red Mangrove, White Mangrove and Black Mangrove. They are all highly sensitive to temperature, and will die in freezing conditions. The three groups of mangroves in the Everglades are categorized according to their proximity to water. The red grows closest to the water, but only open water, not streams. The black grows in moderate levels of water with prop roots. The white is the most fragile, grows closest to shore and also has prop roots.
Amid all those roots of the mangrove there are hundreds of species of fish, birds, crustaceans, reptiles, insects and so on. The roots provide a sheltered nursery for young fish. Wading birds can safely grow and mature in the mangroves without fear of predators finding them. Below the surface of the water the roots of the mangrove trees provide homes for anemones, corals, mussels, crabs and many more creatures. The Everglades are truly a treasure trove of flora and fauna.
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