Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge
History
Since being established, the refuge has grown to 23 islands encompassing about 512 acres. The most recent addition of lands to the refuge was on April 10, 1991. Fisherman Key, one of the largest islands of the refuge, once had fish camps and permanent residents on it.
Flora and Fauna
Trees that can be seen here including red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), black mangrove (Avicennia germinans), white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa), buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) and cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto). Also found in the area are tropical species such as seagrape (Coccoloba uvifera), Florida strangler fig (Ficus aurea) and gumbo limbo (Bursera simaruba).
Some of the threatened or endangered animal species which make the refuge home are the West Indian manatee, crocodile, eastern indigo snake, wood stork and bald eagle.
References
- ^ "MATLACHA PASS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE". State of Florida Parks.
- ^ "MATLACHA PASS NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE". State of Florida Parks.