Rare and endangered birds and mammals are more likely to be found in cypress swamps and mixed hardwood swamps than in other kinds of swamps. The wood stork is dependent on Florida wetlands. All three types of cypress swamps were rated low in canopy insect production, low in edible seed and fruit production, and low in vegetative density. Cypress domes and strands were rated high in cavity density, but dwarf cypress savannas were rated low. All three types were rated high for presence of water.
Cypress swamps recharge groundwater and play a role in regional flood control.
Nutrient enrichment from wastewater dumping result in immediate response among floating aquatics and herbaceous species. Other uses of cypress swamps include harvesting of peat and phosphate mining. Many cypress swamps have been drained, logged, impounded, or experienced other disturbances. Regeneration after logging in cypress swamps is usually dominated by hardwoods. These changes include loss of nest sites for cavity nesting species.