GRASSES AND GRASSLIKE PLANTS Yellow indiangrass, Sorghastrum nutans, Low
 panicum, Panicum spp.

 Information about plants which occur in specific ecological communities is
 in Appendix B.

3. Animals

 Animals found in this community are adapted to high temperatures and
 drought conditions. The wildlife food production is low. Dense
 vegetation provides good escape cover for animals such as the white-tailed
 deer. The palmetto and various species of oaks provide good food when
 they are fruiting. Gopher apple is also a good wildlife food plant.

 Typical animals of the sand scrub are:

 MAMMALS Deer

 BIRDS Florida mouse, Towhee, great crested flycatcher, scrub jay,
 Bachman's sparrow

 REPTILES Black racer, gopher frog, gopher tortoise, scrub lizard, sand
 skink

 AMPHIBIANS Gopher frog

 Information on animals known to occur in specific ecological communities
 is in Appendix C.

LAND USE INTERPRETATIONS

1. Environmental Value as a Natural System

 The sand pine is a fire-based community. Understory vegetation is dense
 and fuel supplies build up in the trees. The thick understory creates a
 pathway for fire to the crowns of the trees. Fire normally occurs every
 20-40 years. Sand pines have a low resistance to fire and the high
 density, even-aged stands make fire devastating. Cones of the sand pine
 require heat of a fire to open and release seeds. This method of
 regeneration helps to form even-aged stands. Without occasional fire,
 this community would tend to become a type of upland hammock community.

 The sand pine scrub is a valuable ecological community. The coarse
 textured, excessively well drained soils make the community important in
 aquifer recharge. It is a unique ecosystem which gives it an important
 scientific value. Heat and drought stress response by plants and animals
 are often studied on these sites. Uncontrolled fire and damage to
 vegetation by excessive feet or vehicle travel have adverse effects on the
 community.

 Sand scrubs are good producers of sand pine and some areas are utilized
 for commercial wood production. Intensive management for wood production
 will not cause excessive damage to the community if good silvicultural
 practices are applied.