Big Cypress National Preserve

IUCN Category IV - Habitat-/Species Management Area

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The Big Cypress National Preserve is a National Preserve in southern Florida. It was with the Big Thicket National Preserve Preserves one of the first in the United States. The reserve is located north of Everglades National Park in a slightly elevated area and is administered together with it by the National Park Service. It is considered the most important habitat of the endangered Florida panther.

History

Before the arrival of Europeans, the area was inhabited by the Mikasuki and Seminoles. From the first settlers herons were hunted for Hatter in New York and Paris as well as crocodiles and alligators until they were almost exterminated. The timber industry precipitated the bald cypress of primary forest in the area. In addition, even agriculture was operated in some areas.

On September 26, 1943, the Humble Oil Company discovered (later Exxon) after 42 years and 80 unsuccessful drilling tests throughout Florida a Ölbohrstelle that promoted 20 barrels per day. In the 1960s, there were massive protests by Indians, hunters and conservationists against the relocation of the airport in Miami this area. Begun was eventually stopped and later to the Dade - Collier Training and Transition Airport. The sanctuary was built in 1974 by the Congress of the United States by law.

In 1996 the reserve was expanded to nearly 600 km ², under the condition that the land for hunting and recreational use with Sumpfbuggies, ATVs with large volume knobby tires, are available. It was not until the end of 2010, a draft management plan for the expansion was released, in which 200 km are to be admitted to navigable swamp slopes. In contrast, raised protests of various conservation organizations to which the protection of the Florida Panthers at the decision comes too short.

Flora & Fauna

The protected area has the highest biodiversity of the Everglades. In the mangrove forests are found next to orchids and alligators, various species of snakes like the Wassermokassinotter or the diamondback rattlesnake. Furthermore, occur in addition to various species of birds such as herons or the American Anhinga and the Florida black bear. Less common are otters, bobcats and the West Indian manatee, the eastern indigo snake and the crane Canada.