Pine rocklands themselves are actually an endangered habitat. This particular type of habitat is found only in South Florida.
Typical features common to pine rocklands are; very little soil substrate, limestone ground, and frequent fire occurrence. The rocky ground has produced plants and animals that have adapted to very little soil.
Plants here grow very slowly and usually develop complex root structures or other specialized means for absorbing nutrients. An important feature of a healthy pine rockland is the periodic need for fire.
Fire plays a vital role in many natural ecosystems, but it plays an even more significant one for pine rocklands. Pine rockland species have adapted to periodic fires, and many species in this type of ecosystem are actually dependent on fire for their survival.
These fires occur early in the wet season and are fed by fine fuels such as pine needles and grasses. Fire helps the pine rocklands by aiding seed germination and reducing the number of exotic plant species.
The ashes are recycled back into the earth and provide nutrients for the plants.
To keep these areas healthy, prescribed fires -- purposely-set, supervised fires -- are set on a three to five year cycle by forest managers. Community education and support for prescribed burning is necessary in areas where pine rocklands are in close proximity to residential neighborhoods.
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