Threats to the wildlife in the swamp

Swamps are ecosystems in themselves that are a refuge for scores of species of plants and wildlife. The Great Swamp national Wildlife Refuge is one such rare and diverse ecosystem in the country that is home to more than 8000 species of plants and animals. It has a watershed that serves as a source of water supply to hundreds of thousands of residents in the nearby areas. Despite being enormously important for a number of reasons, the swamp area is anything but secure in modern times and presents a scenario to the authorities that demands immediate action on the part of the government. Cajun are the native people, and they have been living in this area for hundreds of years. They are not a threat to the area; rather their activities support the ecosystem in many important ways. However, alligator hunting, and other illegal activities by people not belonging to the area is seriously undermining the safety and security of the swamp area that is so significant for obvious reasons.

The land near the swamp is under enormous pressure from outsiders who wish to convert the land here into commercial and residential land for their petty profit. Another big threat to the swamp comes from pollutants being released in rivers draining their water in the swamp. Such pollution, coming from industrial sources has been cited as a potent threat to wildlife and flora in the region.

The popularity of swamp area has increased manifold in the last year and a half ever since History Channel started broadcasting reality show Swamp People. Swamp People is a program that shows the activities of people involved in alligator hunting and how they catch and poach this deadly predator in its own surroundings. This is one program that has caught the fancy of many around the world and in fact after seeing alligator hunting on this program, many hunters have come to Florida to indulge in hunting of alligators to make a living for themselves while indulging in an adventurous and thrilling activity.

There was a time when many species of alligators were declared on the brink of extinction. But with active support from the people, especially Cajun, who depended heavily upon poaching alligators, has brought about a sea change in the situation leading to a revival in the population of the alligators in the swamp area. This has prompted the authorities to allow people to get involved in alligator hunting in a limited manner. They have been issuing licenses to people with some restrictions to come and do alligator gaming in the swamp. This has been a master stroke as it has led to an increase in the revenue of the government and also led to a control in the over growing population of alligators. But at the same time increased human activity in the swamp area has meant danger to the delicate ecosystem which has grave repercussions in near future. Illegal killing of alligators by outsiders has begun in the area that has been a cause of concern for the authorities and it plans to take corrective action soon.

To learn more about Swamp People on History Channel Click Here