Home Introduction Physical Setting Urbanization Natural Hazards Mineral Resources Water System Environmental Quality Outdoor Recreation Everglades N.P. Coastal Zone Fish & Wildlife - Estuaries - Endangered Species - Recreation > Exotic Species Miccosukee Indians Conclusion References

In 1971 a total of 31,122,579 animals were imported through Miami. This represented 30 percent of all wildlife imported into the United States that year. Included were 62,805 mammals-mostly primates; 29,299,397 live fish; 2,413 mollusks and crustaceans; 47,297 amphibians; and 1,249,232 reptiles-varying in species from large snakes such as boa constrictors, pythons, and deadly cobras to small caymans and chameleons.

Such imports are increasing at a rapid rate. For example, in 1969 more than 640,000 wild birds, representing more than 800 species, were imported into the United States. About half of these came through the Customs Office in Miami. By 1971 the number of birds had increased to almost one million (995,260) with 51 percent (511,435) coming through Miami.

Water Hyacinth [larger image]		Walking Catfish [larger image]
Giant Marine Toad [larger image]		Giant Snail [larger image]		Monk Parakeet [larger image]

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Melaleuca Tree
Exotics introduced to the area, either intentionally or by accident, frequently spread rapidly and compete dangerously with native species

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The Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission is actively pursuing a new monitoring program to restrict the importation of exotics that may prove harmful to the environment. They are especially concerned about those species that may become agricultural pests, vectors of human or domestic and wild animal diseases, or overly competitive with native species for space, food, or nesting habitat.

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