Mangroves Four species of tropical mangroves can be found around the Gulf of Mexico. Their extensive root systems protect the coast from erosion and storm damage. The mangrove here (inset) is a red mangrove. Red mangrove (Rhizophera mangle) is easily recognized by its distinctive arching roots.

Mangroves Mangrove forests are found in the coastal channels and winding rivers around the tip of South Florida. Red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle), identified by their stilt-like roots, and the black (Avicennia germinans) and white mangroves (Laguncularia racemosa) thrive in tidal waters, where freshwater from the Everglades mixes with saltwater.

Functions & values The importance of mangrove swamps has been well established. They function as nurseries for shrimp and recreational fisheries, exporters of organic matter to adjacent coastal food chains, and enormous sources of valuable nutrients. Their physical stability helps to prevent shoreline erosion, shielding inland areas from severe damage during hurricanes and tidal waves.

Analogy of the importance(s) of a mangrove Match –Cleanse/filters water –nursery for babies –protect land –absorb minerals, pesticides –export organic nutrients –tremendous value

Efforts: planting mangroves

Mangrove juveniles Red MangrovePhotograph By: Jim PhilliRed MangrovePhotograph By: Jim Philli Red Mangrove photograph By: Jim Phillips P

World-wide interest redmangrove.JPG

Status As these wetlands are increasingly threatened by the damming of upstream sources, significant decline in their integrity and productivity has been observed. Mangrove swamps have experienced loss of 3.2 percent since the 1950s. However, efforts are underway to enhance the protection of these valuable ecosystems Several exotic species threaten to displace native plants and animals in the Everglades.

Take an airboat ride through the Everglades and enjoy the awesome images encountered in the Everglades National Park, the only subtropical preserve in North America. As you can see, it was this was a perfect day for an airboat ride.

The Everglades National Park takes up 1,508,529 acres of the Everglades many white mangroves line the waterways.

described as A river of grass 120 miles long and 50 miles wide, but less than a foot deep. Elaborate water controls, such as levees and canals, now disrupt the natural flow. The future of the Everglades is up to us.

This rare ecosystem is threatened with extinction by pollution and water being diverted away from it for human use. Today, the Everglades is no longer a free-flowing river. The only part that truly resembles this "original Everglades river" is 1/10 of the original wetland now found in Everglades National Park.

others living in the mangrove forests

mangrove crabs These little guys live among the mangroves

but, too many people means loss of habitat and water It is home to many endangered species such as the American Crocodile, Florida Panther, and the West Indian Manatee.

Endangered species in Everglades National Park: American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) Atlantic Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempi) Atlantic hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Atlantic leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) Cape Sable seaside sparrow (Ammodramus maritima mirabilis) Snail (Everglades) kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis plumbeus) Wood stork (Mycteria americana)Wood stork West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus)West Indian manatee Florida panther (Felis concolor coryi)Florida panther Key Largo wood rat (Neotoma floridana smalli) Key Largo cotton mouse (Peromyscus gossypinus allapaticola) Red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) Schaus swallowtail butterfly (Papilio aristodemus ponceanus) Garber's Spurge (Chamaesyce garberi)

and where is Everglades National Park, a river of grass Throughout much of the shallow river grows an unusual plant called sawgrass. Watershed begins near Orlando and Disney World and empties into the Gulf of Mexico.

profile Slight changes in elevation (only inches), water salinity, and soil create entirely different landscapes, each with its own community of plants and animals.

uniqueness of the Everglades " There are no other Everglades in the world. They are, they have always been, one of the unique regions of the earth, remote, never wholly known. Nothing anywhere else is like them....“ Marjory Stoneman Douglas

REFERENCES US Environmental Protection Agency, Florida State Watershed, photo/imglg_mangrove.jpg Reef Aquarium Farming News, redmangrove.JPG 2_wrp_ce_photos7.html Everglades National Park, ttp:// Anphog's Wild World of Photography, Photos © Frank Lazeski