South Florida’s rainfall last month broke records. In fact, the area saw more rainfall than a typical summer during Florida’s wet season. Meteorologists attribute this excessive rain to this year’s intense El Nino weather patterns. El Nino occurs irregularly every two to seven years, and the force of this year’s anomaly threatens Everglades wildlife. And according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), El Nino isn’t easing off anytime soon. The organization predicts El Nino to last through early spring, which means more complications for the Everglades.
El Nino in South Florida
El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) spans from warm water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. During El Nino periods, Florida sees a wet winter despite its normally dry conditions. For instance, Fort Lauderdale has already seen five inches above the normal rainfall this year. And South Florida’s seeing the highest tides so far in 2016.
How does El Nino affect the Everglades?
Everglades flooding results from extreme El Nino conditions. During the current El Nino weather pattern, South Florida saw a massive increase in water levels. This affects all sorts of Everglades wildlife from shore birds to small mammals that rely on mudflats and higher terrain to thrive.
Saving the Everglades
Though Everglades restoration projects are already in place, much more can be done to preserve this vast, dynamic wilderness. This week, President Obama proposed to add $190 million to the Everglades funding budget in 2017. The budget increase is currently pending Congress approval.
Visit the Everglades before it’s gone
Do you want to experience the Everglades? The sooner you visit, the better. Everglades flooding isn’t the only force threatening this delicate wilderness. Climate change, pollution, development and other factors all endanger the ‘Glades. See the Everglades by airboat before it’s too late. To schedule your private airboat tour, call Captain Mitch’s Everglades Airboat Tours at 239-695-3377.
Unlike most boats, airboats glide flawlessly through shallow waters. These vessels, also known as fanboats, work particularly well in marshy areas like the Florida Everglades and Louisiana Bayous. This is due to their flat-bottom design combined an above-water aircraft propeller. Originally, airboats served as a primary mode of transportation throughout the Everglades, and now they’re commonly used for recreational activities like hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing.
Contrary to popular belief, coyotes are not limited to southwestern states. In fact, coyotes exist throughout the majority of Florida, and the Everglades is no exception. Coyotes are considered a noninvasive species since they found their way to Florida without any human intervention. And the population of coyotes in Florida has steadily increased over the past 15 years. Everglades coyotes are primarily found in marshy habitats otherwise known as marl prairies. These wild dogs share terrain with all sorts of animals from marsh rabbits to armadillos.
White pelicans are giant, majestic birds that travel and congregate in groups as large as 50. These elegant beasts fly flawlessly despite their weight and wingspan. The average adult white pelican weighs anywhere from 12 to 30 pounds, and its wingspan extends roughly nine feet. Its impressive wingspan is second only to the California condor, which boasts the largest wingspan in North America.
