Introduction Climate Projections Freshwater Resources Agriculture Forestry Coastal Development Tourism & Recreation Human Health Fisheries Unique Habitats FL Resources & Links

Unique Habitats
One of Florida's special features is the wide array of unique and biologically diverse habitats found throughout the state. Many natural habitats in Florida harbor threatened or endangered species—such as the Everglades snail kite, the Cape Sable seaside sparrow in south Florida, and the coral reefs off the Florida Keys. Endangered species could become more vulnerable as their preferred habitats change. Habitat losses due to continued human development, combined with climate change impacts, will likely increase the threats to these species and habitats.

The environment of the globally unique Everglades has been seriously impacted by human activities originating outside its boundaries, particularly the use and diversion of water. The Everglades are currently being restored in a multi-billion dollar effort. Yet the restoration plan does not adequately account for global warming. The greatest impacts from climate change are associated with potential reductions in water availability, accelerated sea-level rise, threats from invasive species, and potentially more frequent disturbances such as wildfires.

The Panhandle and Big Bend region is likely to experience increased rates of coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion into freshwater marshes. Reductions in freshwater flow to estuaries such as Apalachicola Bay would degrade the economically important fisheries. If climate-related disturbances increase, invasive species—such as blue tilapia, Brazilian pepper, water hyacinth and others—are likely to spread and become dominant at the expense of the great biodiversity of the region's native species.