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The native Indians who lived in the region now known as Florida, adapted successfully to the subtropical environment. Land of the Eagle Vol. 3: "Conquering the Swamps" explains that the arrival of the early Spaniards marked the beginning of a ruthless deterioration of a once pristine land. The conquistadors came looking for gold and slaves, while others hunted alligators and herons in such a manner that the wilderness suffered irreparable harm. Modern tourists and the development of large numbers of retirement areas have also caused detrimental environmental changes.