Putting Down Roots - Mangrove Coast in South Florida
by Matt Tilghman
Title
Putting Down Roots - Mangrove Coast in South Florida
Artist
Matt Tilghman
Medium
Photograph
Description
The mangrove roots in this tidal estuary in South Florida's Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park provide important refuge for young animals that need protection.
In the ocean, a great many animals do not care for their young, but rather lay many eggs so that some may make it to adulthood. For these newborns on their own, finding a safe place to hide can be the difference between life and death. Unfortunately, there's not many places to hide in the vast and empty sea. But there's a few. Coral reefs are one, with all their rocks and holes. These mangrove shores are another (seen here at low tide, but usually submerged). Big predators have trouble navigating the mess of roots, so smaller animals are safe if they stay within. There's not all that many mangroves in the world, being limited mainly to between the latitudes of 25N and 25S. (Although the ones pictured here, in Broward County's Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park, are at 26N). While coral reefs are incredibly endangered, they cover about 110,000 square miles worldwide. Mangrove forests, on the other hand, cover only about 53,000. As such, mangrove forests are precious resources. Even this small slice of mangroves is a rich haven for young animals who will spend their adulthood thousands of miles away.
Uploaded
July 18th, 2017
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