Examples Of Invasive Species Affecting The Everglades Ecosystem

There are many invasive species that are affecting the Everglades by invading the ecosystem. Many of these species were brought to the everglades by people and animals. They are changing the ecosystem and are competing with natural native inhabitants of that area. The native species have to adapt to the change or move to another area to survive. Both plant and animal species have invaded the area within the Everglades. One plant example that has invaded the Everglades is the Brazilian Pepper Tree. This was first introduced in the 19th Century and came from areas within Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. This plant species was first brought to the Everglades by birds and then was spread by racoons and possums. It is invasive because it grows very

The increase in the changes of climate is affecting the delicate coral reefs. Coral reefs depend on a balanced temperature to thrive. The increased water temperature due to global warming are causing the coral to become bleached. They turn white and die. This also kills the wildlife and algae that live in them. If the climate continues to rise the coral population could become obsolete and disappear (CREARY, M. (2013). One of the most notable climate changes that damaged the coral reefs was the “El Nino” storm in 1998. This storm caused an extreme increase in the water temperature and bleached one- sixth of the corals in the World (El Niño prolongs longest global coral bleaching event. (n.d.)) Although we cannot prevent the weather, humans can reduce the amount of deforestation in rainforests that will reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that is emitted into the atmosphere. When too many trees are cut down the temperature of the environment increase and it also increases the acidity I the ocean. Both increased temperature and increased acidity in the ocean contribute to the damage to the coral

The laws state that: "No person may take, harass, harm, pursue, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture or attempts to engage in any such conduct to marine turtles, turtle nests, and/or turtle eggs." Any person who knowingly violates any provision of the act may be assessed civil penalties up to $25,000 or criminal penalty up to $100,000 and up to one-year imprisonment.” (Threatened or Endangered Species). I think the laws are helping the sea turtle population and the state is also educating the people about the harm humans can cause to the threatened sea turtles. The state also tries to post signs on beaches around areas where sea turtles lay their eggs, warning people to stay away and not to disturb the nests. They also ask houses around these areas to turn off their outside lights so the turtles are no confused when hatching and going toward the sea. I believe the continued education about the sea turtles will help this threatened