Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge facts for kids

Red mangrove

The red mangrove is the most dominant species of mangrove in Florida and can be found as a shrub or as tall trees. They produce many viviparous seedlings that fall from the mangrove.

Black mangrove

Black mangroves are very similar to the red mangroves in which they like to live in the most salt-rich soils. Pneumatophores extend from the soil and act as a root support system.

White mangrove

Unlike the red and black mangroves, the white mangrove usually grows on high, dryer land. The leaves of the white mangrove are different than the others because of its thick roundish leaves.

Cordgrass

Mostly found in marsh-like areas and is quite invasive. Too much of this type of grass tends to reduce the mud feeding habitats of the local shorebirds.

Sea oats

Usually found on sand dunes and very tolerant of salt spray, unlike most plants.

Brazilian pepper, Florida holly, Christmas-berry or false pepper

Reaches 12 meters high with intertwined branches. First introduced in the United States in 1898 by a plant explorer. The Brazilian pepper tree has taken over thousands of acres in south Florida and is rapidly growing.

Melaleuca tree

The melaleuca tree is becoming one of the most dominant invasive trees in south Florida. The reason they are so dangerous to South Florida is because they dry up areas that are supposed to be wet for most of the year.

Least tern

Is the smallest of the American terns and is found nesting on sandy shores of the southern parts of the United States. Small fish are the main staple in their diet.

Black skimmer

They get their name by skimming the lower part of their beak in the water to catch small fish. They are commonly found in dense colonies on sandy beaches.

Raccoon

Raccoons are the main cause of loggerhead sea turtle nest depletion. Once these raccoons are removed from the smaller islands, the turtle nests tend to return.

North American river otter

River otters can mostly be found in rivers, marshes and swamps. They eat fish, amphibians, turtles and crayfish.

Bottlenose dolphin

The bottlenose dolphin is the most common type of dolphin. They can be found from pelagic to coastal waters.

Brown anole

The brown anole is very invasive and reaches exceptionally high population densities. The brown anole seems to be taking over the green anole's habitats. The brown anoles have even been known to eat green anoles.

Green anole

Green anoles feed on a variety of spiders, insects and other invertebrate. They can mostly be found living in trees.

Tarpon

Tarpon are usually found in coastal bays, estuaries and mangrove lined lagoons. They feed on a wide variety or animals: from mullet and sardines to crabs.

Common snook

Snook can be found inshore, around mangroves, bridges and seawalls. All snook are born males but when they become 18-22 inches in length some turn into females.

Red drum, redfish

Red drum is named after the drumming sound they make during spawning. As juveniles, redfish stay in rivers and bay areas but as they grow older they start to move towards coastal areas and open water.

Spotted sea trout

Spotted sea trout can be found around seagrass beds or oyster bars. Their main diet includes shrimp, pinfish or pigfish.

West Indian manatee

The West Indian manatee has been considered endangered since 1967. Manatees migrate seasonally with the changing temperatures. They can be found in fresh, brackish or salt water.

Bald eagle

The bald eagle has been the national emblem of the United States since 1782. They mostly feed on fish and other birds and can be found anywhere from rivers, lakes, marshes and coastal areas.

Atlantic loggerhead sea turtle

The Atlantic loggerhead sea turtle is considered threatened. The population today is considered a fraction of what it used to be.