During your visit to Marco Island and the surrounding Ten Thousand islands you get ample opportunities for a close encounter with one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. They are extremely rich in flora and fauna and you can book a guided eco-tour to learn more about this flourishing environment. Though the wildlife exploration of Marco island is a must to do when it comes to Marco Island Waverunner Tours provided by the Marco Island Bike Rentals it reaches a different level.
However, before you gear up for your very own ecology expedition, you need to keep a few things in mind. You need to respect the wildlife and their way of life. They might be small, furry, or seem innocent but they are wildlife and you need to observe them from a safe distance.
THE BROWN PELICAN
The brown pelican is an extremely common sight throughout the 10,000 Islands and you do not need to book an eco-tour to see this Floridian.. Generally, you can spot these brown pelicans roosting on a pier or flying low over the water in search of fish..
Here are few facts about this feathered bird-
● Brown pelicans can dive for their prey from 30 feet above the surface of the sea.
● Sometimes seagulls steal a fish right out of a brown pelican’s pouch while they are letting the sea water drain out.
SEA TURTLES
Southern Florida has long been a fertile breeding ground for sea turtles and there are five species of sea turtles in Southern Florida: loggerhead, green turtle, leatherback, Kemp’s ridley, and hawksbill. Unfortunately, due to poaching and habitat loss they have been classified as an endangered species as of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. You can observe female sea turtles laying their eggs from a distance and now even volunteer to monitor nests but it is illegal to disturb them and their nests.
Here are a few facts about these wonderful animals-
● Female sea turtles return to the same beach they were born to lay eggs every year.
● To conserve oxygen, green turtles can hold their breath underwater for up to five hours. This slows their heart rate down to about one beat per nine minutes.
● They can sense the Earth’s magnetic field and use it to navigate and they can travel up to 10,000 miles a year.
THE FLORIDA MANATEE
Florida is the only place in the United States that has a population of wild manatees. These portly sea mammals can spend up to eight hours each day grazing on aquatic plants. If you are hoping to catch a glimpse of these majestic gentle giants should plan a trip to Florida from late November through spring. The best way to observe them up close is to kayak where they congregate or schedule a manatee swim tour.
FUN FACTS ABOUT THE FLORIDA MANATEE
● Manatees have a transparent nictitating membrane they can draw over their eyes for protection and they can close their nostrils underwater.
● Despite not having visible external ears, manatees have excellent hearing.
The animals above are just a mere fraction of the thriving wildlife that makes up the 10,000 Islands ecosystem. If you want to get the best chance at viewing wildlife in the area we should plan your trip during the dry winter season.
The species depicted above are only a small part of the diverse biodiversity that inhabits the 10,000 Islands habitat. Plan your journey during the dry winter season if you want the highest possibility of seeing wildlife in the area. Also, do not approach any wildlife you may come across. If an animal appears to be in distress, leave it alone and contact a wildlife expert if you have any concerns.
For More Details Visit: Marco Island WaveRunner Tours.
