Appalachian BioProvince

Apart from the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plain, this BioProvince (as defined by Armen Takhtajan) includes a large part of the eastern United States. In the north it extends into southern Canada to include southeastern Ontario and southern Quebec, while in the south it extends to central Georgia, central Alabama, parts of eastern Texas and includes much of Arkansas. Its western boundary extends to Minnesota, eastern Iowa, the Ozark Plateau and the Quachita Mountains. The geology of the Appalachian Range dates back some 480 million years. Exposed rock includes belts of folded marine sedimentary rocks (including bits of ancient ocean floor) and volcanic rocks. The climate is generally temperate and humid but heavy clouds and haze is common and snowfall can be heavy in places. This BioProvince, particularly the forests, contains the highest amount of endemic flora and fauna in North America.

The following accounts for this BioProvince have been written or will be written with particular reference to endemic and locally important species. Accounts available are displayed in green or yellow. Those displayed in red are either in the pipeline or awaiting expert contributions.

 

Index
Major Ecosystems
Endemic Vascular Plant Flora
Bryophyte Flora
Fungus Flora
Lichen Flora
Invertebrate Fauna
Amphibian Fauna
Reptile Fauna
Bird Fauna
Mammal Fauna
Conservation Status