Mangroves: Keystone Species

There isn't a more important tree in John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park than the three species of mangroves — red, black and white. Arguably, they're the three most important trees in all of Florida. A host of aquatic animals — fish, crabs, shrimp and more — depend on them as a kind of nursery where their young can grow relatively protected from predators. Birds, such as the mangrove cuckoo and white-crowned pigeon, can perch and nest among them away from land predators that would eat their young. Just as important, mangroves protect the land from battering tropical storms and hurricanes, absolutely vital in low-lying places like coastal Florida. The dependence of all these species on mangroves makes these trees keystone species.

NEXT STOP: LAND MEETS WATER

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