Endangered Animals in the Cypress Habitat

American Alligator

• The American Alligator -- Alligator mississipiensis -- is a threatened species predominately found in the Cypress swamps of the southeastern United States. The reptile's population neared extinction in the 1980s, but has rebounded since the designation of strict penalties for poaching and the increased protection of wetlands such as cypress habitats. A large part of its protected status now stems from its close resemblance to the crocodile, which is nearing extinction. American alligators depend on cypress habitats such as Big Cypress National Park in Florida.

Black Bear

• Black bears in the southeastern United States, such as the Florida Black Bear -- Ursus americanus floridanus -- or Louisiana black bear, often make their home in cypress swamps. These bears thrive in wetlands and forests, such as the Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida, where they consume plants. While many people are surprised to find black bears in the South, areas such as Big Cypress are in fact an ideal habitat for the creatures. In Louisiana, cypress habitats are afforded special protection due to their importance as bear denning sites and consequent link to their survival.

Panthers

• The Florida panther is one of the United States's most endangered animals. The Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1989 in the heart of the Big Cypress Basin to protect these creatures from total extinction. Located 20 miles east of Naples, Florida, Florida Panther NWR hosts five to 11 radio-collared panthers monthly, roaming and hunting freely throughout the refuge and its surroundings. Approximately 30 to 40 panthers live within the Big Cypress National Preserve, which encompasses the NWR. Florida's panther population is estimated at 80 to 100 animals.

Miscellaneous Animals

• Many smaller endangered animals also make their homes in cypress habitats across the United States. In Maryland's Chesapeake Bay Cypress Gum Swamps, the state-listed endangered carpenter frog makes its home among the bald cypress trees. In Florida, the wood stork is an endangered wetland-dependent species that nests among the cypress trees. In addition to housing one of Florida's most endangered creatures, the Florida Panther NWR is home to 24 additional endangered species including the limpkin, indigo snake, Everglades mink and Big Cypress fox squirrel.