Florida is home to a rich and diverse range of wildlife due to its geographical location and varied ecosystems that makes Florida’s unique wildlife something to marvel at. From the Everglades to the coastal regions, the state offers a plethora of fascinating and sometimes endangered animal species.
The iconic wildlife found in Florida:
More of Florida’s Unique Wildlife
Florida’s unique wildlife also includes the following:
- Florida Key Deer (Odocoileus virginianus clavium): Found in the lower Florida Keys, the Key Deer is a small subspecies of the white-tailed deer. It is considered endangered making it protected by conservation efforts.
- Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja): Known for its striking pink plumage, this wading bird lives in Florida’s marshes, mangroves, and coastal islands.
- West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris): A subspecies of the manatee, the West Indian Manatee enjoys Florida’s springs, rivers, and coastal waters.
- Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens): This friendly, blue-feathered bird calls Florida’s scrub habitat home. This makes it a state specialty and a focus of conservation efforts.
- American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus): Unlike its cousin, the alligator, the American crocodile calls the saltwater habitats in the southern parts of Florida home, including the Everglades.
- Red-Cockaded Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus borealis): This small woodpecker resides in pine forests and creates cavities in living pine trees for nesting. It’s the only species that exhibits this behavior.
- Florida Black Bear (Ursus americanus floridanus): The Florida Black Bear roams the forests and swamps, primarily in the northern part of the state.
These are just a few examples of the incredible wildlife found we Floridians call ours. The state’s diverse ecosystems provide habitat for many species. Making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and a critical area for conservation efforts.
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