More than 50 species of reptiles, including 26 species of snakes and 16 species of turtles, have been found inEvergladesNational Park. The reptiles include, of course, the alligator, which is the symbol of the Everglades. Less conspicuous than the reptiles are the 18 species of amphibians that live here. Many are nocturnal. These lists represent species found within the park or nearby. Species consideredexoticto Everglades National Park are marked with an asterisk (*).
A tree is defined here as a woody plant at least 12 feet high with a single trunk 2 inches or more in diameter at breast height. A tree-like plant is one with the general shape and size of a tree, but one which is not woody or otherwise fails to meet the definition. The arrangement of families is generally the same as that of Small’sManual of Southeastern Flora(1933) and Long and Lakela’sA Flora of Tropical Florida(1971). Genera and species are listed alphabetically in each family. Nomenclature follows Avery and Loope,Plants ofEvergladesNational Park: A Preliminary Checklist of Vascular Plants(1983). In the checklist, the introduced species are followed by a symbol,keybelow, that describes the plants’ success in the Everglades. Native plants list only their name.
The National Park Service expresses its appreciation to all those persons who made the preparation and production of this handbook possible. Special thanks are extended to Frank Craighead, Sr., Pat Miller, Bill Robertson, and Saul Schiffman, who read the manuscript and provided much useful information. The checklists were compiled over many years by various members of theEvergladesNational Park staff. The Service also gratefully acknowledges the financial support given this handbook project by the Everglades Natural History Association, a nonprofit group that assists interpretive efforts at the park. The cover photograph is by Glenn van Nimwegen.
As the Nation’s principal conservation agency, the Department of the Interior has responsibility for most of our nationally owned public lands and natural resources. This includes fostering the wisest use of our land and water resources, protecting our fish and wildlife, preserving the environmental and cultural values of our national parks and historical places, and providing for the enjoyment of life through outdoor recreation. The Department assesses our energy and mineral resources and works to assure that their development is in the best interest of all our people. The Department also has a major responsibility for American Indian reservationcommunitiesand for people who live in island territories under U.S. administration.