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an alligator swims through a water, partially submerged and cloaked in vegetation

FLORIDA WILDLIFE

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With more than 4,000 identified animal species, Florida ranks as the seventh-most biodiverse state in the nation. Florida is also in the top five states for number of endemic species, meaning they’re found nowhere but Florida. This vast species diversity stems from the variety of ecosystems and habitats that span our state.

Florida wildlife is one of the top reasons people come to our state, with wildlife viewing providing an annual economic impact of $4.9 million and almost 45,000 jobs, per a state study. In Sarasota County, we are known for birding hotspots—like Celery Fields, with its 246 identified bird species—and the various County parks and preserves that provide habitat for listed species like gopher tortoises and Florida scrub-jays, as well as many others.

Wild Sarasota series

Our Wild Sarasota series provides information about a variety of wildlife species and related topics. Click on an image or animal name in the photo grid (below) to open that item with a list of on-demand webinars, blogs, and information for that animal (or, show all items). Learn about the natural history, identification, characteristics or adaptations and conservation status of these animals, and how you can help wildlife. We hope you find this information helpful as you continue to enjoy Florida’s wildlife!

 
MARINE WILDLIFE
 
 
 

BIRDS

Cranes
Eagles
Egrets
Falcons
Florida scrub-jays
Hawks
Herons
Hummingbirds
Owls
Woodpeckers
Other Raptors
Other Wading Birds

MAMMALS

Bats
Coyotes
Deer
Wild cats (panthers, bobcats)

REPTILES

Alligators
Gopher Tortoises
Snakes

MARINE WILDLIFE

Sharks

INVERTEBRATES

Aquatic invertebrates
Landscape insects
Mosquitoes

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