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Lessons From Sanibel Island

AskNature Team | October 29, 2019

Image: shell game / Flickr / Some rights reserved

What can we learn from creatures that call Sanibel Island home?

Off the coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico lies Sanibel Island. This subtropical island and surrounding waters host a stunning variety of species, some of which are permanent residents while others are temporary visitors migrating through. Together, all of the organisms contribute to the island’s diverse ecosystems, from mudflats to mangrove forests.

Preservation of these natural systems is more important than ever. Wildlife refuges cover much of the island and provide a home for several endangered and threatened species. From the Florida manatee to the smalltooth sawfish, what can we learn from the creatures that call the lands and waters of Sanibel Island home?

white pelicans on body of water during the daytime

Biological Strategy

Cooperative Herding Catches More Food

American white pelican

Cooperative herding behavior by the American white pelican catches more food by concentrating prey.

close up photo of gray manatee underwater

Biological Strategy

Modified Whiskers Handle Food

Florida manatee

Modified whiskers of the Florida manatee capture and handle food with the help of finely controlled lips.

photograph of alligator with mouth open in front of log

Biological Strategy

Receptors Detect Tiny Disturbances

American alligator

Faces of alligators detect tiny disturbances in the water and discriminate objects using touch-sensitive receptor cells in their scales.

underwater silhouette photograph of a sawfish

Biological Strategy

Saw-like Snout Is a Multifunctional Hunting Tool

Smalltooth sawfish

The saw-like snout of the sawfish is a multifunctional hunting tool that both senses and handles prey.

close up photograph of a white and brown bird standing on a rock

Biological Strategy

Bird Bill Draws Food Into Mouth

Western palmated sandpiper

The bill of the sandpiper draws food into its mouth using water’s surface tension.

Biological Strategy

Hydrofoil-shaped Bill Draws Prey Closer

Spoonbills

The hydrofoil-shaped bill of the spoonbill draws aquatic prey closer by generating swirling flows.

Term Definition

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Lessons From Sanibel Island

Cooperative Herding Catches More Food

Modified Whiskers Handle Food

Receptors Detect Tiny Disturbances

Saw-like Snout Is a Multifunctional Hunting Tool

Bird Bill Draws Food Into Mouth

Hydrofoil-shaped Bill Draws Prey Closer

Term Definition

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