What are the eight habitats of Florida Everglades?

1. Wet prairies: These are the most common habitat in the Everglades, covering about half of its area. They are characterized by sawgrass, which grows in dense stands and can reach heights of 10 feet. Wet prairies are home to a variety of animals, including alligators, wading birds, and frogs.

2. Sloughs: These are narrow, deep channels of water that flow through the sawgrass prairies. Sloughs are important for drainage and provide habitat for fish, turtles, and alligators.

3. Tree islands: These are small, elevated islands of trees that are scattered throughout the Everglades. Tree islands are home to a variety of plants and animals, including strangler figs, bromeliads, and orchids.

4. Pinelands: These are upland forests that are found on the edges of the Everglades. Pinelands are dominated by slash pines, which are tall, thin trees that can reach heights of 100 feet. Pinelands are home to a variety of animals, including deer, turkeys, and bobcats.

5. Hardwood hammocks: These are dense forests that are found on the edges of the Everglades. Hardwood hammocks are dominated by live oaks, strangler figs, and gumbo limbos. Hardwood hammocks are home to a variety of animals, including raccoons, opossums, and squirrels.

6. Mangroves: These are salt-tolerant trees that grow in the coastal areas of the Everglades. Mangroves are important for providing habitat for fish, shrimp, and crabs.

7. Coastal salt flats: These are flat areas of land that are covered with salt water. Coastal salt flats are home to a variety of plants and animals, including seagrasses, saltwort, and black mangroves.

8. Open water: This includes lakes, rivers, and canals that are found throughout the Everglades. Open water is important for providing habitat for fish, turtles, and alligators.