Endangered Species

In Miami, trees are born to grow! Trimming them is a chore that can hit the pocket book hard, especially during this current recession. This is a man working on a large oak tree this morning. Oak trees are protected and heavy fines are levied for those who dare to skirt the law and illegally cut them down. Oaks are a keystone species, functioning much like the hub of wheel. Over 5,000 species of insects, 58 species of reptiles and amphibians, 105 species of mammals and over 150 species of birds rely on oaks for some of their life cycle. If the oaks are gone, so are these associated species. In addition, oaks are held dear by many people, admired for their beauty, strength and longevity. I love the two oak trees I have in my back yard and this photo is not one of them.