Endangered Species Resource Information

Threatened and endangered plantlife of the hardwood hammocks and rocky pinelands include the brittle thatch palm (Thrinax morrissii), buccaneer palm (Pseudophoenix sargentii), Florida thatch palm (Thrinax parvitolia), Krug's holly (Ilex krugiana), lignum-vitae (Guaiacum sanctum), manchineel (Hippomane mancinella), silver thatch palm (Coccothrinax argentata), and tree cactus (Cereus robinii).

American Alligator courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) is also found in the freshwater marshes of the Everglades. It was first listed as endangered in 1966 in accordance with the Endangered Species Act. However, populations quickly recovered resulting in delisting as an endangered species except for purposes of its similarity of appearance to the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) where the two species share habitat.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle ©George Ryschkewitsch

Marine and estuarine habitats of the Everglades provide habitat for threatened and endangered species. The Florida population of green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) has been considered endangered since 1978. The declining population has been victim to commercial harvesting for eggs and food as well as incidental by-catch in the shrimp fishery. Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), Atlantic Ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii), and leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) are all listed as endangered species while the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) is considered threatened under the protection of the ESA. Recovery plans have been established for all listed sea turtle species.

Piping Plover courtesy Paul Fusco/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Many threatened and endangered species live throughout the Everglades. Threatened and endangered birds include the Everglades snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis), wood stork (Mycteria americana), Cape Sable seaside sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus mirabilis), red-cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis), piping plover (Charadrius melodus), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and roseate tern (Sterna dougallii).

Florida Panther courtesy U.S. Department of Tranportation

Primary threats to the Florida panther's (Felis concolor coryi) survival are loss and degradation of habitat. An initial recovery plan is currently being implemented which identifies, protects, and enhances the existing range and habitats; establishes positive public opinion and support; and reintroduces panthers into areas of suitable habitat. It is estimated there are 70-100 individuals living in the hardwood hammocks of the Everglades.

Manatee courtesy Everglades National Park Photo

Federally listed as endangered, the manatee (Trichechus manatus laterostris) is a large, slow-moving, plant-eating aquatic mammal. Its distribution is determined primarily by water temperature as manatees cannot survive long in water below about 63 °F (17 °C). In Florida, manatees often migrate into warm spring-fed rivers or near the heated discharges of power plants during winter months. As offshore waters warm in late spring and summer, manatees move out into shallow fresh, brackish, and seawater habitats.

For more information on the numerous threatened and endangered species in Florida, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission's List of Florida's Endangered and Threatened Species and Species of Special Concern.