ParkerSwamps

__**SWAMPS**__
Parker Stallworth

__**What is a swamp?**__ -A swamp is a low wetland with primarily aquatic vegetation and many, many, types of animals. It often can have fresh, salt, or brackish water. Swamps are primarily found in the gulf of Mexico, from Louisiana to Florida, but there are some excpetions. -Swamps are typically below sea level, but not //necessarily// on coastal boundaries.



__**Where are swamps found?**__ Swamps are primarily found close to the gulf of Mexico, but there are some exceptions, including the Great Dismal Swamp, the Great Black Swamp, and the Great Swamp Wildlife Refuge, all of which are located either inland or on the East Coast. Refer to blue areas on the map below to see where these swamps exist.



Diatoms Larvae Tadpoles Great Blue Heron Many types of ducks, such as the Wood Duck and Green Mallard. Woodpecker Egret Stork Alligator Cayman (smaller relative to alligator) Snakes-Copperhead, Timber Rattlesnake Turtles- box turtle, snapping turtle, spotted turtle, wood turtle Salamander Frog Toad White-Tailed Deer Raccoon Bobcat Beaver Fox Coyote //Occasionally// bears (New York area) Catfish Bream Crappie Alligator Gar Algae Cattail Many Different Trees Crawfish, Crab, Dragonfly, Mosquito //**ENDANGERED**//: Copperhead, Timber Rattler, many types of turtles, and cougars. __**Why are swamps important?**__ Swamps are an invaluable haven for many creatures, and it is an environment that is extremely unique. Many swamps are marked off as land reserved solely for animals (these swamps will usually have refuge in the name somewhere) and many endangered species such as snakes and turtles can live there. Aside from the benefits to animals, swamps and bayous in Louisiana to the Florida Everglades have created a way of life, from house-boating, to fishing, to duck hunting, and even gar-spearing. These swamps have also generated much tourism, from bird watching to Voodoo and Sasquatch myths. __**Are there many threats to swamps?**__ Being below sea level, there isn't much concern for people trying to cut them down and put buildings on them, but the concern for too many people disturbing the peace is still there. The endangered species do need the swamps as a place to be able to live with out disturbance.
 * __What kind of animals are found in swamps?__**
 * Microscopic**
 * Bird**
 * Reptile**
 * Amphibian**
 * Mammal**
 * Fish**
 * Plant Life**
 * Other**

__**Bibliography**__

1.) Douglas, Jordan. "Animal life in the Great Swamp." //F.R.O.G.S.: Friends of the// //Great Swamp//. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Sept. 2010. . 2.) Multiple Authors. "Swamp." //New World Encyclopedia//. MediaWiki, 2 Apr. 2008. Web. 7 Sept. 2010. . 3.) Multiple Authors. "Wildlife of Florida Swamps." //School of Forest Resources &// //Conservation// . N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Sept. 2010. .