Tree Islands
South Florida Water Management District
Bromiliad in tree island
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Tree islands comprise less than two percent of the area but are
an integral part of the Everglades ecosystem. These islands vary
in size from less than an acre to several hundred acres. Eighty
percent of Everglades plant diversity is found on tree islands.
They are also critical habitat for deer, Florida panther, bobcat,
raccoon, marsh rabbit, river otter, snakes, migratory songbirds,
small mammals, and butterflies, and nesting sites for wading birds,
alligators, turtles, and raptors. Dominant species are maple,
dahoon holly, wax myrtle, elderberry, and willow.
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