Here in Florida, there is a large diversity of animals that live throughout the different ecosystems that exist here. In southern Florida alone, the Everglades provide different ecosystems that house thousands of unique organisms. In these areas, all organisms serve a valuable purpose in the overall health and balance of the ecosystem. A great example of this is the apex predator- the organism on top of the food chain within that ecosystem. These animals help keep the balance within the food chain in the ecosystem by keeping other organism’s populations at bay. In Florida, we have many examples of apex predators around the state that are vital to maintaining balance in the ecosystem.
American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis
The American alligator is a well-known animal, especially here in Florida. They are seen in local lakes and ponds and have sometimes wound up in pools or backyards. However, this has not always been the case for these reptiles. The American alligator population was almost entirely wiped out because of overhunting and habitat destruction. Although alligators were always hunted by indigenous populations, around a century ago, the skin and meat of alligators proved to be very valuable to the public which led to overhunting. Because of the loss of most of the alligator population, the ecosystem of the Everglades quickly changed. The American alligator was later discovered to be a keystone species or a species within the ecosystem that serves a specific role that affects the overall health or balance of the entire ecosystem. Because of protection afforded to the species through the Endangered Species Act, the populations today have made a comeback and are considered a success story of an endangered animal.
Florida Black Bear, Ursus americanus
The Florida black bear is one of 16 subspecies of the black bear and is the only bear species that is found here in Florida. Florida black bears eat mostly plants, insects, and carrion which does not describe what you typically think of as an apex predator. However, since there are few other animals that hunt and eat black bears in Florida (besides humans), they are at the top of the food chain. While the black bear populations in Florida have diminished over the years, scientists estimate that around 4,000 black bears still reside in Florida today. The main issues that black bear populations face in Florida are urban development and habitat fragmentation. Their habitat has been broken up by roads and development increasing interactions between bears and cars which have caused many casualties. The black bear requires from 15 to 300 miles of habitat to survive depending on food availability and the quality of habitat. Many Florida organizations are working to protect and reconnect land that is still available to help ensure the survival of this population. Work is being done to educate local communities on how to protect the bear populations and learn how to live with them in Florida.
Florida Panther, Puma concolor
The Florida panther is a subspecies of the mountain lion. This species is found in southern Florida around swamplands such as the Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. The species is currently listed as endangered on the endangered species list due to overhunting in the 1960s by ranchers concerned about their cattle. The low population left the species vulnerable to major threats such as mercury pollution, disease, and low genetic diversity. Habitat loss and fragmentation continue to be an issue facing this species with the increase of urban development. The Florida Panther was one of the first animals to be placed on the endangered species list which has helped improve the population over the years. The local populations have grown from around 20-30 wild panthers in the 1970s to around 200 wild panthers statewide today.