Introduction
The Everglades are the largest subtropical wilderness area in the United States, covering over 600,000 hectares of wetland. An unparalleled landscape that provides important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther besides the well-known alligators. A total of 350 different bird, 300 fresh and salt water fish, 50 reptile and 40 mammal species have been recorded in the Everglades. The Everglades have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. However, they were classified as endangered in 1993 because of increasing pollution from fertilizers and mercury, the drainage of the area, and the devastating effects of Hurricane Andrew, and are therefore listed on the Red List of World Heritage in Danger. Using the Everglades and other wetlands as models, we investigate ecological relationships, learn to assess human interventions and their possible / actual effects and work to develop counter-strategies. The subtropical Everglades are particularly suitable, as every plant and every animal species that is introduced into this area can survive, reproduce and spread due to the pleasant climate.
