Habitats And Found Communities

A drawing of the various habitats of the Everglades viewed from the side showing relative elevation
The Everglades is very low in acme just even slight elevation changes tin can affect which habitats develop in an expanse. This graphic displays habitats past their general top in relation to the others. Click the prototype to learn more.

NPS Graphic

With the dedication of Everglades National Park in 1947, a new precedent was set in the growing conservation movement. For the showtime time in American history, a large tract of wilderness was permanently protected non for its breathtaking value, but for the do good of the unique diversity of life information technology sustained.

The mosaic of habitats plant within the Greater Everglades Ecosystem supports an assemblage of plant and animal species found nowhere else on the planet. While ix distinct habitats have been identified, the landscape remains dynamic. Ecosystems remain in a constant country of flux, subject to the effects of abiotic and biotic factors, like fire, invasive species, water, storms, and climate alter.

  • A view of the understory in a lush, green wooded area.

    Hardwood Hammock

    Dominated by wide-leaf trees, hardwood hammocks have the highest meridian in the Everglades, remaining dry in all but the wettest years.

  • Looking into the open canopy of a pine forest. The tall, slender trees look like green q-tips.

    Pineland

    One of the most endangered plant communities in the earth, pine rocklands are a burn down-dependent ecosystem institute in a small area of the world.

  • Exposed scraggly pale rock with sparse vegetation growing in and around it.

    Freshwater Marl Prairie

    Marl prairies dominate the eastern side of the park. This establish community resembles freshwater sloughs, but it is drier and less vegetated.

  • A flooded plain with grass-like plants growing out of the water.

    Freshwater Slough

    Sloughs are "deep" sections of a wetland that are flooded periodically. In the Everglades, sloughs are the main channels for h2o flow.

  • A copse of trees with brown and green needles in standing water with a dark alligator in it.

    Cypress

    Cypress trees are characteristic wetland trees and are the base of operations of more than than one distinct Everglades plant customs.

  • A verdant green, lush prairie with a line of trees in the distance.

    Coastal Lowland

    Coastal lowlands are characterized by rugged institute communities that can tolerate the harsh growing weather institute there.

  • The front of an orange kayak heads into a tunnel of trees growing out of the water on spindly roots.

    Mangrove

    The Everglades has the largest continuous mangrove ecosystem in the western hemisphere. Mangroves are incredibly important to our coasts.

  • A n expanse of green seagrass with wide, short blades underwater

    Marine And Estuarine

    Many think of the Everglades as a freshwater wetland, but more than ane third of the park is comprised of marine and estuarine ecosystems.

Final updated: Apr 7, 2021