The Florida Everglades is a biologically diverse region, as you can see on one of our airboat rides, with a large variety of plants, mammals, fish, birds, insects and many other creatures forming a complex ecosystem. Unfortunately, certain animal populations in the region are not flourishing as they should be. One particular species that still requires a great deal of assistance is the wood stork.
Wood storks are characterized by their white feathers, long beaks and bald heads. Corkscrew Swamp, located in the western Everglades, once boasted the largest wild population of wood storks; however, due to human interference, their numbers in the location have dwindled down to dangerously low levels. Scientists and ecologists cite wetland drainage for this massive reduction in population, as wood storks forage for fish and other food sources in the waters of the Everglades. As each nest requires about 400 pounds of fish to ensure health and survival, it is no wonder--and unfortunate--that so many mating couples have been forced to abandon their nests and seek other, more fertile locations.
During the month of June, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell made an announcement that wood storks would no longer be classified as endangered, lifting their conservation level to “threatened.” This federal decision brought along with it a great deal of controversy, however. Though wood stork populations can now be found at a wider range of locations, and their population numbers have steadily increased, the lack of stork population in the Everglades signals that the region is still in danger. The wood stork is considered to be a “key indicator species,” meaning that the flourishment of its population indicates the health of the region.
When you go on one of Wild Florida’s exhilarating airboat rides, you want the opportunity to see all of the plants and animals that call the region home. Voice your support for the Audubon Society and contact local officials with your concerns about the wood stork population. To learn more or to book your tour, visit our website. or call (866) 532-7167 today.
