The vast subtropical wetlands ecosystem that makes up the Florida Everglades is a true natural wonder. It is unique, unlike anywhere else in the world, and is one of the most exciting and interesting places to visit in the USA.
The Everglades is crammed with life and is a stunningly rich and biodiverse ecosystem with a vast range of habitats. It is one of the most important and most vulnerable natural places on Earth, a wonderful vacation destination that needs to be treated with the utmost care.
So if you are sailing from Fort Lauderdale and want to discover this natural treasure before you leave, here are a few interesting facts and things you need to know about the Florida Everglades.
It Is One of the Largest Wetlands in the World
The Everglades is absolutely massive, with over 1.5 million acres in total land area. It is the largest remaining subtropical wilderness left in the US and one of the largest wetlands in the world.
Sadly, it used to be even larger, covering nearly a third of Florida and coming in at over 3 million acres. But draining water and land reclamation for agriculture has meant that the wetlands are now roughly half the size they were 200 years ago.
It Is Home to Rare, Endangered Species
Florida’s Everglades boasts a stunning variety of wildlife including some incredible, rare, and endangered species. It is home to the highest concentration of wildlife at threat of extinction in the entire US.
Species like the Florida Panther, American Crocodile, Wood Stork, Snail Kite, and many others are only found in the Everglades, while over 350 species of birds and 300 species of both fresh and saltwater fish are found in its air and waters.
It Provides Water For One in Three Floridians
As well as being a natural reserve, the Everglades is also the source of much of Florida’s drinking water. One out of every three Florida residents drinks water that comes from the Everglades, making it one of the biggest water sources in the US.
The Only Place in the World Where Crocodiles and Alligators Coexist
The Everglades is famous for its gators, but did you know that it is the only place in the world where gators and crocs live side by side? The two species are usually found in different ecosystems, with crocs preferring saltwater while gators prefer freshwater. But in the Everglades, both are found living together in the wild.