• Purple, yellow, gold and orange sponges and soft corals wave against a turquioise sea.

    Biscayne

    National Park Florida

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  • Elliott Key Harbor and Campground Closed

    Winds, surge and tides associated with Hurricane Sandy caused considerable damage to docks & boardwalk at Elliott Key. The harbor and campground are closed until further notice. University Dock remains open for day use only. More »

Nonnative Species

Nonnative (also called exotic) plants and animals occur in a given area as a result of deliberate or accidental introduction by humans. Exotics are not natural components of the ecosystems and have not evolved with the species native to the area. Without predators and other environmental factors to control their numbers, they can easily get out of control and cause a variety of problems for native plants and animals.There are a number of exotic species in Biscayne National Park.

For detailed information about nonnative plants that occur in Biscayne National Park, click here.

For detailed information about nonnative animals that occur in Biscayne National Park, click here.

Did You Know?

manatees

Manatees are aquatic relatives of elephants. They have thick gray skin, coarse hairs, big toenails on their flippers, and lips that can rip and tear plants. Ask a Biscayne National Park ranger for suggestions on good places to look for these gentle giants.