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Of the several species of mammals present in the Everglades region, all have originated in temperate North America and none of the native species have come from the tropics. Due to the lack of vast expanses of dry land in the Everglades, most of the mammals inhabiting the region are small or medium sized, such as the bobcat, raccoon and marsh rabbit. These small animals are better suited to survive in this environment, compared to larger animals, because they are better adapted to life on small tree islands where resources are scarce. Their lower consumption rates (vs. larger mammals) allow them to sustain a higher population, whereas large mammals would be unable to survive.
