I came to Florida at the request of the National Parks Service, US Geologic Service and Florida Atlantic University. They wanted to hear about how we run our invasive species programs in Hawai’i and in particular how we run our Early Detection/Rapid Response (EDDR) Programs. The Everglades is a system under near constant attack and in flux. The waters that flow into the Everglades have been blocked by development, polluted by development, agriculture, run-off, and even by plants that have been used to drain it. This has changed the flora and fauna of the system but the threat is more pervasive than that. The bay trees are being killed by a beetle that spreads a disease known as laurel wilt— and bay trees are a key species in this unique habitat. The resident mammalian fauna are besieged by reptilian predators including pythons and taegu lizards. Even the alligators are affected. There are even two species of crocodiles that present, only one of which ought to be there. The problems are so pervasive, I am surprised at how long it took for the different agencies to come together and organize. However, after a few hours, I understood why. I am not sure how my message was received, but it was my heartfelt assessment of what needed to be done.
Of course, I said all of this without having SEEN the Everglades except while I was flying in. I had the opportunity today though and it was truly wondrous. Oh, the habitat can be routine, but it is a beautiful place marred by the fact you could still hear the passing of cars miles off in the distance sawgrass. I was able to see aligators, five different heron species, a few spiders, paperwasps, grasshoppers and even an American crocodile. I was at Shark’s Valley which is fresh water and American crocodiles, according to the scientists do not live in freshwater. Shows whats scientists really know now, doesn’t it. I wish I had fancy camera, but I kept it at home this trip. Yes, there will be other trips!
