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Biscayne National Park Wildlife

Coral Reefs, Biscayne National Park, Florida | Photo Credit: NPS / Shaun Wolfe
Coral Reefs, Biscayne National Park, Florida | Photo Credit: NPS / Shaun Wolfe

Biscayne National Park, located in southern Florida, is a marine paradise that supports a rich and vibrant array of wildlife, thanks to its diverse ecosystems of coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows. The park is renowned for its underwater life, where visitors can encounter colorful coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, spiny lobsters, and various species of sea turtles, including the endangered loggerhead turtle. The mangrove shorelines and shallow waters provide critical habitats for manatees, dolphins, and juvenile fish species. Bird enthusiasts can observe a variety of seabirds and wading birds, such as pelicans, herons, and egrets, which thrive in the park’s coastal environments. Biscayne’s rich biodiversity extends to its terrestrial areas, where raccoons, opossums, and various reptiles like iguanas and snakes inhabit the lush surroundings.

This unique convergence of marine and terrestrial ecosystems makes Biscayne National Park a vital sanctuary for wildlife, offering unparalleled opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and wildlife viewing while highlighting the importance of marine conservation. Keep reading to see featured photos of Biscayne’s wildlife and to learn more about wildlife photography.

Featured Biscayne National Park Wildlife Photographs

American Crocodile
American Crocodile | Photo Credit: NPS
Bluestriped Grunts
Bluestriped Grunts | Photo Credit: NPS / Shaun Wolfe
Green Sea Turtle
Green Sea Turtle | Photo Credit: NPS
Horseshoe Crabs
Mating Horseshoe Crabs | Photo Credit: NPS
Manatee
Manatee | Photo Credit: NPS
Moon Jellyfish
Moon Jellyfish | Photo Credit: NPS
Nesting Birds
Nesting Birds | Photo Credit: NPS
Yellowtail Snapper
Yellowtail Snapper | Photo Credit: NPS / Shaun Wolfe

Have a National Park Wildlife photograph you’d like featured? Contact us today to learn more!

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Wildlife Photography Tips

Wildlife photography in the US National Parks offers a unique and enriching experience, as these protected areas are havens for diverse species and pristine natural landscapes. Capturing wildlife in such settings requires preparation and respect for both the environment and its inhabitants. Photographers should familiarize themselves with the specific animals and ecosystems of the park they are visiting, as each park hosts different species and behaviors. Early mornings and late afternoons, known as the golden hours, provide the best light and increased wildlife activity. Different seasons also offer different wildlife viewing opportunities. Patience and stillness are key, as the best moments often come to those who wait quietly.

If wildlife does present itself, always make sure to maintain a safe distance. Using a telephoto lens allows for close-up shots without intruding on the animals’ space. If you already own or want to own a professional grade mirrored camera like the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR, we recommend using a Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L is II USM Lens zoom lens for wildlife photography. If you have or are interested in a newer mirrorless model like the Canon EOS R5 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera, we recommend using a Canon RF100-400mm F5.6-8 is USM Black for long distance shots.

Not quite ready to invest in traditional professional grade camera equipment, but want to enhance the quality of your cell phone photographs? Consider using a Moment 58mm Tele Lens for an improved zoom and be sure you have a compatible phone case to mount your new lens in. Since cell phones don’t have the same zoom distance and quality as traditional professional cameras, be extra mindful about your distance from wildlife when photographing them and don’t get too close. As with any visit to a national park, it’s important to follow park regulations, practice “Leave No Trace” principles, and prioritize safety while photographing wildlife.

Green Sea Turtle, Biscayne National Park, Florida | Photo Credit: NPS
Green Sea Turtle, Biscayne National Park, Florida | Photo Credit: NPS

Biscayne Wildlife Education and Resources

Want to learn more about Biscayne National Park and the wildlife that inhabits it? Check out these guides & books:

  • Peterson Field Guide To Mammals Of North America: Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
  • Peterson Field Guide To Birds Of Eastern & Central North America, Seventh Ed. (Peterson Field Guides)
  • Peterson Field Guide To Birds Of Western North America, Fifth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
  • Bird Songs: 250 North American Birds in Song
  • Peterson Field Guide To Reptiles And Amphibians Eastern & Central North America (Peterson Field Guides)
  • Peterson Field Guide To Western Reptiles & Amphibians, Fourth Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
  • Peterson Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes, Second Edition (Peterson Field Guides)
  • Animal Tracks: A Folding Pocket Guide to the Tracks & Signs of Familiar North American Species (Wildlife and Nature Identification)

Please note, by making purchases through our affiliate links, you are supporting our mission to celebrate and showcase our National Parks and the photographers who frequent them. As an Amazon Associate, National Park Photographer earns from qualifying purchases at not cost to you. We appreciate your support.

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Biscayne National Park Species List

The wildlife at Biscayne National Park is beautiful and diverse. There are a variety of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish to view. Check out all the incredible species this park has to offer! Click on the links below to see the different animal species that inhabit Biscayne National Park:

Mammals
Birds
Reptiles
Amphibians
Fish

Biscayne National Park Mammals

NameAbundance

*It is not known for certain if this species is actually in the park. This species is marked by the National Park Service as “Probably Present” in Biscayne National Park.

Mammals
Birds
Reptiles
Amphibians
Fish
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Biscayne National Park Birds

NameAbundance

*It is not known for certain if this species is actually in the park. This species is marked by the National Park Service as “Probably Present” in Biscayne National Park.

Mammals
Birds
Reptiles
Amphibians
Fish
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Biscayne National Park Reptiles

NameAbundance

*It is not known for certain if this species is actually in the park. This species is marked by the National Park Service as “Probably Present” in Biscayne National Park.

Mammals
Birds
Reptiles
Amphibians
Fish
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Biscayne National Park Amphibians

NameAbundance

*It is not known for certain if this species is actually in the park. This species is marked by the National Park Service as “Probably Present” in Biscayne National Park.

Mammals
Birds
Reptiles
Amphibians
Fish
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Biscayne National Park Fish

NameAbundance

*It is not known for certain if this species is actually in the park. This species is marked by the National Park Service as “Probably Present” in Biscayne National Park.

Mammals
Birds
Reptiles
Amphibians
Fish

Note: The wildlife species included in the lists above have been confirmed with the National Park Service to be present or probably present in Biscayne National Park. Other species may exist in the park that are currently under review or not yet known.

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Do you want to be featured on National Park Photographer?

Why wait! Contact us today at nationalparkphoto@gmail.com for more information!

References:

  • National Park Species List
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