Connectivity key to healthy habitats

People cherish Myakka River State Park for its abundant flora and fauna.

Areas adjacent to and surrounding the park are largely designated as rural, agricultural, or conservation lands. Importantly, this provides a buffer between the park and progressively urbanized areas in the region.  

These buffers help protect the park’s important ecosystems from impacts of development or other harmful neighbouring land use.

But the health of Myakka’s ecosystems is also dependent on a functional network of connected habitats beyond the park. Such ecological connectivity supports biodiversity by allowing wildlife to move freely to access food, water, shelter, and breeding habitat. For example, connectivity allows fish, reptiles and manatees to traverse a free-flowing Myakka River, facilitates seasonal migration of butterflies and birds and can allow imperiled megafauna with a wide roaming range such as Florida panthers safely move through the park. 

It also supports shifts in the ranges of natural communities in response to environmental and climate change, which increases their resilience. By increasing genetic diversity, connectivity is also critical for flora and fauna population stability.

Unfortunately, human activities and development have fragmented the ecological connectivity of conserved lands such as Myakka, to the detriment of these natural communities. 

Of special note, as connectivity decreases, populations of imperiled species such as gopher tortoises and Florida scrub jays become smaller and more isolated.  

Already at risk because of habitat loss and degradation, they’re at threat of becoming locally extinct because of lack of connectivity between remaining small patches of suitable habitat.  

Indeed, scrub jays were last seen in the park in 2005. To increase the likelihood they return — if there is a population in the area — Myakka’s team maintains the park’s small area of scrubby flatwoods the species depends upon in close to optimal conditions through prescribed fire.  

Ecological corridors offer a solution to fragmented habitats.

These areas of undeveloped land connect previously isolated habitats, allowing for ecosystem and genetic connectivity for plants and animals.  

Designed to help animals safely cross roadways and other human-made barriers, wildlife crossings enhance such corridors. Also, removing dams that hinder passage and disconnect floodplains improves aquatic connectivity.

Friends of Myakka River exists to support Myakka River State Park and the Wild and Scenic Myakka River. Together, we're protecting and sharing Myakka's Magic, to the benefit of future generations, and our own. Follow us @FriendsOfMyakkaRiver.