A 10-year study suggests that about 60 rare plant species in the Everglades are now endangered.
Everglades are the tropical wetlands in the southern region of Florida. The Everglades National Park is home to about 760 plant species. Researchers suggest that poaching of rare plants is one of the main threats to some of the endangered plant species. Some species of rare ferns and orchids are already believed to be extinct.
Researchers blame that the sea levels rise in the last few decades due to climate changes is also to blame for the decline of many plant species in the region.
Jimi Sadle, a botanist at the park, suggests that with the help of the new study park officials have a snapshot of how things are happening in the region. The study will also help officials manage park resources efficiently.
George Gann, who is the chief conservation strategist at the Institute for Regional Conservation, finished the latest study and reveals that one out of four native plants of Florida are now either endangered or extinct. However, just one rare species of plants found in the region appears on the Endangered Species List.
Gann suggests that the Everglades lack protection; however, the new research will help officials to start conservation and protection efforts of endangered plant species.
The researchers suggest that previous studies just made a count of rare plants. However, the new study also identifies the habitat of an endangered species, which will help officials take a better approach for saving plants.
"Patterns pop out and can really show why we really need to pay attention to these parts of the park and these habitats," says Gann.
The study found that the most endangered species of plants are found in the interior of the park rather than on the coast. The researchers found that hardwood hammocks account for about 56 percent of the rarest plant species in the park. Pine rocklands are the second most imperiled plants.
The study began in 2003 and Gann looked at 30 rare plants over a period of five years. The study expanded when the park hired a botanist. Later on, the study also included research about rising sea level and its effects on plant species of the Everglades.
The study is mainly focused on the Everglades National Park; however, the research will also shed more light on the management of various plant habitats across South Florida. The study also aims to preserve plants outside the boundaries of the park.
