NPS Photo/Breault Bayous have been a staple of southern culture dating all the way back to the times when the first groups of indigenous people roamed the lands of the Mississippi Delta and Gulf Coast region. They have proven to be a steady source of food, folklore, and form of transportation for generations of southerners. Bayous also serve as habitat for numerous plants, trees, and a diverse grouping of wildlife including fish, invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, and birds such as herons, egrets, and osprey.
Like many waterways, especially in coastal regions, bayous face many threats, largely brought on by human activity. Overfishing, inland runoff containing pollutants, and waterway reduction for the purpose of land development to name a few. Coastal bayous of the Mississippi delta regions face the long-term threat of rising seawater due to climate change.
Animals in this Ecosystem
Gulf Islands ResidentsAnimals
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Last updated: April 21, 2020