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Everglades eels decimate bird food source
10 Jan
Summary
- Invasive Asian swamp eels have devastated prey fish for wading birds.
- Eighty percent of nesting birds' food base is lost in the Everglades.
- The eels pose an unexpected threat to Everglades restoration efforts.
The Florida Everglades face a significant threat from invasive Asian swamp eels, which have drastically reduced the food available for nesting wading birds. These predatory fish, believed to have entered Florida through live food markets, consume crayfish and small fish, leading to an 80 percent loss in the birds' prey base.
Scientists from Florida International University report that the eels are reshaping the Everglades food web, posing an unforeseen challenge to the extensive multi-billion-dollar restoration project. The eels' ability to breathe air and burrow in mud makes them difficult to detect and control, complicating efforts to protect native species and habitats.
Concerns are escalating over the potential spread of these eels into new waterways, which could further damage Florida's biodiversity and impact freshwater systems vital for fishing industries. The eel's presence jeopardizes not only wildlife but also the economic benefits derived from Florida's aquatic environments.
