An exotic apple snail began appearing in central Florida wetlands and flourishing in hydrilla, an exotic aquatic plant found throughout the state. The snail is particularly prevalent in Lake Tohopekaliga, where most of the state’s snail kites are now found. "An abundance of snails popped up and the birds took advantage of them," Kitchens says. "The kite population would be in critical shape if the exotic apple snails hadn’t come along."
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