The Glades

The aquatic ecosystems of the southern Florida Everglades support exceptional biodiversity due to their mosaic of freshwater sloughs, marl prairies, mangrove estuaries, and cypress domes, each hosting distinct communities.

These habitats are home to over 60 fish species, including Florida gar and largemouth bass, along with keystone species like the American alligator and invasive threats such as Burmese pythons.

The seasonal hydrology drives population cycles of amphibians and invertebrates—especially crayfish and apple snails—which in turn sustain wading birds like wood storks and roseate spoonbills.

The complex salinity gradients where freshwater meets coastal mangroves also allow both marine and freshwater species to coexist, contributing to the Everglades' role as one of the richest subtropical wetlands in North America.