Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
63. Duever, M. J., J. F. Meeder, and L. C. Duever. 1984. Ecosystems of the Big
Cypress Swamp. Pages 294-303 in KC. Ewel and H.T. Odum, eds. Cypress
swamps, University Presses of Florida, Gainesville.
Hydroperiod and fire frequency determine the distribution of plant communities in Big Cypress Swamp. Cypress dominated "strands" and "domes" occur in elongate and circular depressions, respectively, with scattered small ponds in the deepest areas and open dwarf cypress forest and fire-maintained marshes in intermediate elevations. Fire, hydrology, and exotic species are important management considerations for this area. [From author's abstract]