Possible climate change impacts on the hydrological and vegetative character of Everglades National Park, Florida

Climate change is expected to significantly alter the hydrological and vegetative character of Everglades National Park (ENP), with forecasted decreases in mean annual precipitation leading to shallower water depths and reduced inundation periods. This shift could result in a decline of hydric vegetation, such as sawgrass, while xeric communities become more prevalent. The study used a stochastic model linking rainfall inputs to water levels across ENP and correlated these changes with vegetation community composition using publicly available datasets. These findings highlight the potential impacts of climate change on the Everglades and underscore the need for adaptive management strategies to restore historical hydrological and vegetative conditions.

Todd, M. J., Muneepeerakul, R., Miralles‐Wilhelm, F., Rinaldo, A., & Rodriguez‐Iturbe, I. (2011). Possible climate change impacts on the hydrological and vegetative character of Everglades National Park, Florida. Ecohydrology, 5(3), 326–336. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/eco.223