The state of Florida is home to Biscayne National Park. This extends over an area of 700 km². Almost 540,000 people visit this national park every year. Biscayne National Park has existed as a national park since June 28, 1980.
The history of Biscayne National Park
It was the Spaniards who were the first Europeans to come to Florida in the 16th century. They were mainly involved in the slave trade and quickly got to know the local Indians. The resident tribe of the Glades Indians were culturally very high and ruled the country theocratically. So it came about that the Spaniards tried very hard to colonize Florida, but the Glades successfully drove them out of their region again and again.
The pirates were also extremely feared at the time. Because of the many storms and coral reefs that were difficult to navigate, the sea route to Florida was very dangerous for seafarers. Today the coral reefs belong to the Biscayne National Park and are of course under nature protection. The coral reefs and especially the underwater world of Biscayne National Park are ideal for diving and snorkeling. The many old shipwrecks are also part of it and some of them can be dived.
The animals in the Biscayne National Park
When looking at the location of the national park, it quickly becomes clear that the corals are the main attraction of the animals. Many people are not aware that corals consist of lime-separating hollow animals and therefore belong to animals and not, as many assume, to plants.
The coral reefs in Biscayne National Park are without question enormously impressive.
These corals, which also live in abundant diversity here in the Biscayne National Park, provide the habitat for many other creatures such as sponges, jellyfish, sea snails, mussels, crabs and titfish. The numerous different fish species, some of which swim around the diver in schools, are also very fascinating. However, you shouldn’t venture into unknown territory alone. It is best to dive with a diving guide. Because there are also various predatory fish and barracudas. Those who would like to experience a dolphin up close will find the opportunity to do so in Biscayne National Park. Manatees also frolic in the water here.
Bird lovers will have a great time in Biscayne National Park, as there are over 200 different species of birds here. This of course also includes plenty of seabirds. In addition to pelicans and seagulls, the rare pink spoonbills and egrets have also settled here.
A special highlight is the annual egg-laying of the leather-backed turtle. These animals are extremely rare and are protected. The animals are also hardly suitable as pets, because a few of the specimens are up to two meters long and then weigh over 700 kilos.
The flora in Biscayne National Park
The flora in Biscayne National Park is as rich as the fauna. Unfortunately, only a few of the tropical hardwoods are left in Biscayne National Park, as these trees fell victim to the shipbuilders. But you can still see them sporadically in the south of the area. Due to the maritime climate, mainly magrove forests grow in the park, which were, however, newly created later. In addition, there are many subtropical grasses and shrubs that feel very comfortable in this climate. There are also brown algae in the sea.
