Okefenokee Swamp Food Web
Freshwater
Southeastern United States — Georgia and Florida
Description
The Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia is one of the largest intact freshwater wetland ecosystems in North America, covering over 1,770 square kilometers. Acidic blackwater flows through cypress-tupelo swamp forest and open prairies sustained by peat substrate. American alligators maintain open pools called gator holes that serve as critical dry-season refugia for fish and amphibians.
Trophic Pyramid
Level 5
Decomposers
Peat-forming bacteria
Blackwater fungi
Crayfish detritivores
3 species
Level 4
Tertiary Consumers
American alligator
Barred owl
Red-shouldered hawk
3 species
Level 3
Secondary Consumers
Cottonmouth snake
Largemouth bass
River otter
3 species
Level 2
Primary Consumers
Bowfin
Crayfish
Prothonotary warbler
3 species
Level 1
Producers
Bald cypress
Sphagnum moss
Bladderwort
3 species
Apex Predators
Tertiary Consumers
Secondary Consumers
Primary Consumers
Producers
Key Interactions
- Alligator gator holes concentrate fish and amphibians during dry periods, serving as community refugia
- Bald cypress knees may provide gas exchange for roots in anaerobic swamp water
- Blackwater acidity from tannins limits species diversity but supports specialist communities
- Periodic fire on peat prairies maintains open habitat and prevents shrub encroachment