The Everglades is home to thousands of species. We consider ourselves so lucky that airboat rides exist so we can explore the habitat of so many animals, plants, insects, birds, and more. Unfortunately, there are many species who are threatened or endangered in the Everglades.
Thirty-nine native Florida species that may live in the Everglades (at some point) are federally listed as threatened, endangered, or are candidates for a listing under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. About 180 plant and animals species that occur in the Everglades are listed by Florida as threatened, endangered, species of special concern or commercially exploited.
Right now, there is critical habitat is designated or propose for 10 of the 39 species in the Everglades and more than half of the Everglades is currently designated as a critical habitat for one or more species. A critical habitat is a legally-designated area that is deemed essential to the conservation of federally listed species.
Here is a list of some species current standing in the Everglades:
- Cape Sable seaside sparrow – It is endangered and has a critical habitat in the Everglades.
- Wood stork – It is endangered and does not have a critical habitat in the Everglades.
- Everglades snail kite – It is endangered and has a critical habitat in the Everglades.
- Bartram’s scrub hairstreak – It is endangered and has a critical habitat in the Everglades.
- Florida bonneted bat – It is endangered and does not have a critical habitat in the Everglades.
- Florida panther – It is endangered and does not have a critical habitat in the Everglades.
- West Indian manatee – It is threatened and has a critical habitat in the Everglades.
- American alligator – It is threatened due to similarity of appearance and does not have a critical habitat in the Everglades.
- American crocodile – It is threatened and has a critical habitat in the Everglades.
- Loggerhead sea turtle – It is threatened and has a critical habitat in the Everglades.
- Florida bristle fern – It is endangered and does not have a critical habitat in the Everglades and there are no recent records of it in the Everglades.
- Red cockaded woodpecker It is endangered and does not have a critical habitat in the Everglades and there are no recent records of it in the Everglades.
Because of the Endangered Species Act, the Everglades National Parks works are to improve protections for these species through different programs, status surveys, habitat management, and more.
Come enjoy a fun trip out on the water exploring the Everglades on an airboat tour that leaves from Everglades City. Captain Mitch’s Everglades Private Airboat Tours is open 7 days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If paying by cash, adults cost $40 (plus tax) and children 12 and under cost $20 (plus tax. If paying by credit card, adults cost $45 (plus tax) and children cost $25 (plus tax).
To book an airboat trip in the Everglades, call Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours at 239-695-3377 or click Everglades airboat tour page.