Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve
GALLERY I

The Rainbow River in Central Florida is formed by a first magnitude spring, one of Florida's largest. This body of water was established as an Aquatic Preserve by the Florida Legislature in 1986 and designated as "Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve" and Rainbow Run. In addition to the large headspring at its headwaters, there are many smaller springs that discharge crystal clear water from numerous caves, crevices and sand boils along the entire 5.7-mile length of the river. It gently winds its waysouth until it merges with the tannin-colored Withlacoochee River near the City of Dunnellon.

The Preserve is known for its abundance of wildlife and as one of the few remaining 'Old Florida' ecological niches. The SIX GALLERIES to follow illustrate the amazing diversity of life in this vital springshed.

Anhinga Anhinga anhinga

 

Bald Cypress Taxodium distichum

 

 

 

River Otter Lontra canadensis

 

Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus



Florida Applesnail eggs Pomacea paludosa

 

 

Alligator A. mississippiensis

 

Alligator A. mississippiensis

 

Florida Softshell Turtle Apalone ferox

 

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

 

Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus

 

Gallery I Gallery II Gallery III
Gallery IV Gallery V Gallery VI

 

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