The Everglades is a remarkably biodiverse region supporting a broad range of wildlife across diverse habitats, from sloughs and swales to tropical hammocks and cypress domes. The slough is characterized by its slow-moving open water, where a deep channel persists in the endless marsh, while tropical hammocks are dense clusters of hardwood trees that pepper the landscape.
These tree islands are important centers of biodiversity in the Florida Everglades, sometimes having two to three times the plant and animal diversity of the surrounding wetlands. These lush islands are pivotal nesting sites for dozens of bird species and also provide shelter for threatened and endangered wildlife like the Florida panther. This ecosystem also plays a vital role in the hydrology of the region, serving as a natural water filtration system that supports the health of the entire South Florida region.