MIAMI (AP) — A new report says sea level rise and invasive species are a growing threat to rare plants in Everglades National Park.
The park commissioned the Delray Beach-based Institute for Regional Conservation for the 10-year study of 59 plant species. Researchers say 16 of those species may have already vanished from the park.
Many others are still recovering from long-ago damage caused by orchid collectors and attempts to drain the Everglades. Researchers say rising seas and invasive plants such as Brazilian pepper are complicating those recovery efforts in a complex, remote ecosystem.
Park officials say the report will help them prioritize the most vulnerable plants along the coast while they adjust park management plans. A congressionally mandated report last year recommended incorporating climate change and invasive species management into Everglades restoration.
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