Forests are interconnected — every living thing within them relies on the health of the whole ecosystem. Among the most attention grabbing are the wildlife species that call forests home. In fact, 80% of land-dwelling species rely on forests to survive. But these habitats have been facing growing challenges caused by climate change. Whether the threat is deforestation, urban development, unpredictable temperatures, high-severity wildfires or invasive species, forest habitats, and their wildlife species residents, are in peril.
Learn about four forest habitats American Forests is working to restore and meet the charismatic wildlife species that call them home:
- The grizzly bear
- The ocelot
- The gopher tortoise
- The ‘i’iwi bird
Ways you can protect wildlife species and forests:
1. Grizzly bear, Northern Rockies
The habitat
Forests define the landscapes of the Northern Rockies, from the slopes of the Grand Tetons to the glacier-carved valleys of Glacier National Park. American Forests is working in high-elevation forests to restore the threatened whitebark pine, a keystone species on which the ecosystem largely depends.
The species
Grizzly bears are an iconic Northern Rockies species, and they directly rely on the whitebark pine’s calorie-rich seeds, which are high in fat and protein, to sustain them through their winter hibernation.
The threat, and the solution
Whitebark pine’s greatest threat is white pine blister rust, an invasive fungus that slowly chokes it of its nutrients. American Forests is partnering with federal agencies and dedicated organizations to protect and restore whitebark pine across its range. By planting diverse, disease-resistant seedlings and managing living trees, land managers have an opportunity to regenerate whitebark pine forests and sustain the ecosystem that helps grizzly bears thrive.
2. Ocelot, Rio Grande Valley
Photo Credit: Giorgio Quattrone / Flickr
The habitat
The thornforests of Texas’ Rio Grande Valley are one of the most biodiverse landscapes in North America. They provide shelter, pools of water and ample prey for 1,200 plant species, 519 bird species and 300 butterfly species.
The species
Thornforest habitat is also home to 45 threatened or endangered species, including the endangered ocelot. This majestic, yet elusive, cat’s fur is a stunning mix of gold and cream, covered in dark stripes, spots and rosettes, markings as unique to each cat as a human fingerprint. Researchers believe there are only 80 to 100 ocelots remaining in the United States, all of which are in the Rio Grande Valley.
The threat, and the solution
Movement through a connected habitat is especially critical for ocelots, but native thronforests have been fragmented by agricultural, commercial and residential development over the last several decades. Since 1999, American Forests has planted more than 2 million thornforest trees and other native plants across more than 4,000 acres of former agricultural land. We’ve also established the Thornforest Conservation Plan and started an agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to expand our work with county governments, school districts, landowners and community groups to get communities involved in saving these invaluable landscapes.
3. Gopher tortoise, Southeast
The habitat
Longleaf pine forests are home to several hundred species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, as well as more than 900 diverse plant species. The pine needles that fall from the longleaf pine are integral to the ecosystem’s balance: During a natural, low-intensity fire, flammable longleaf pine needles and surrounding wiregrass help the fire spread through the understory, clearing out room for new trees to grow.
The species
Many of the species that call longleaf pine forests home are found only in the Southeast, including rare birds and the regionally threatened gopher tortoise. The gopher tortoise uses its shovel-like front legs to dig enormous underground burrows that it can retreat to in the event of a fire — deep burrows that provide protection for other wildlife, too.
The threat, and the solution
Years of extensive logging and development have shrunk the vast forests to just 3% of their original range. American Forests’ first projects in this area included planting 22,000 seedlings in Mississippi to restore habitat for the gopher tortoise and other species. Since then, American Forests has teamed up with federal and state agencies, as well as local conservation groups, to help plant more than 6.9 million longleaf pine seedlings across seven Southeastern states.
4. ‘I’iwi, or scarlet honeycreeper, Hawai’i
The habitat
Hawaiian forests are unlike any others on Earth — 90% of Hawaiian plants and animals occur nowhere else on the planet. The landscapes range from lush, rainy habitats to dry, high-altitude forests that provide habitat for dozens of rare and endangered birds and plants.
The species
Hawai’i’s forests are home to the ‘i’iwi, or scarlet honeycreeper, a highly recognized symbol of Hawai’i. The ‘i’iwi are altitudinal migrants, meaning they migrate to higher altitudes throughout the year following flowers and their nectar as they progress up mountain slopes. In fact, on Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano, this bird is known to make daily trips to various elevations to feed.
The threat, and the solution
Habitat destruction, invasive species and introduced diseases have wreaked havoc on native flora and fauna, leading to Hawai’i’s grim distinction as “the extinction capital of the world.” Now, as climate change tightens its grip, high heat, wildfire, pest outbreaks and extremes of drought and rainfall present new risks. Since 1992, American Forests has supported the planting of more than 180,000 trees across 1,100 acres, primarily within the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge — one of the most successful examples of native forest restoration in the world.
Just as each of these habitats are unique, so is each reforestation approach. American Forests brings scientific rigor and resources to support our local partners and their expertise. We know that when we collaborate — with governments, communities, organizations and individuals like you — to plan and implement reforestation strategies, we can make a huge impact for these one-of-a-kind ecosystems and the creatures that call them home.
