Trip to Ding Darling

The reason why Ding Darling exists is to protect the wildlife and to make sure that it doesn't go extinct. The way to do this is to protect their habitat and ensure that there aren't too many disturbances. In the wildlife refuge it's the animals that come first and the people second. Many of the activities here are set up in a way which will not disturb the wildlife. The tram tour is one such activity that does not disturb the wildlife. I had the opportunity to go on a tour on the tram here at Ding Darling today.
(Photo taken while on the tram overlooking the water where the park pumps water in & out)

While on the tram tour I learned a lot about the importance of the Mangrove Estuaries. The mangrove is a tree that is plentiful in the refuge and grows only in the shallow salt-water. The guide had explained that the mangroves here are the most productive place for life on our planet, especially for fish. He said that 80% of fish rely on the energy in the estuaries. Algae, bacteria, and plankton feed off of the the leaves that fall from the mangroves into the water. This is the reason why the fish are here, and the fish are why the birds are here and this is how the whole ecosystem relies on the mangroves. A couple interesting facts about the mangroves is that it is the only tree that can live in salt water and it is an adaptation that took millions of years. Also, the Fl mangroves are illegal to cut down. One other reason why the mangroves are important is because mangroves will absorb 60% of wind and wave action. The reason for this is due to their massive root system which keeps them anchored tightly so they cant uproot. Consequences of no mangroves would be a loss of life for the animals that rely on them for food and shelter, a loss of agriculture and nutrient rich top soil.
(Photo's of the Mangrove Estuaries)

I was given binoculars at the beginning of the tour so I can spot the birds of the refuge. The bird I saw the most of were the Ospreys. They had been flying in the air hunting around the water for fish. They also had a nest that we were able to see them fly into. Osprey nests are common at the refuge and are identified by their white head with darker brownish markings. They are easy to mistake for a Hawk because they appear similar to an Osprey. Both are birds of prey.
(Photo of an Osprey nest)

Among other birds I spotted were the Great Egret, Double Crested Cormorant, Reddish Egret, Little Blue Heron, and a Magnificent Frigatebird. We were told that the reason why bald eagles are in small numbers at the refuge is because they require a huge territory of land.

The last place I visited was the visitor's center. There were many displays to look at and neat interactive displays as well. One display showed how other countries around the world have used endangered animals as part of their medicinals. For example, China in the past has used Rhinoceros tusks and parts of a Tiger in their herbal remedies. Anyone trying to import endangered species products into the U.S. will have those items seized at customs. We are a country which has signed a pact against such practices.