Sierra Madre Oriental & Occidental Pine-Oak Forests - A Global Ecoregion
27 species of conifers found here
Snapshot: Ecoregion 61
Size:
289,000 sq. km (112,000 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Tropical and Subtropical Coniferous Forests
Geographic Location:
North America - Southwestern United States and Central Mexico
Conservation Status:
Critical/Endangered
Quiz Time!
How are the trees in this ecoregion adapted to the scant rainfall?
Answer:
These unusual subtropical conifer forests, which contain 27 species of conifers, don't get the rain that their rain forest cousins do, but the trees that grow here are well adapted to the drier conditions. For example, the slender needles of conifers retain moisture better than the broad leaves of deciduous trees.
About the Area
This Global ecoregion is made up of these terrestrial ecoregions: Sierra Madre Occidental pine-oak forests; Sierra de la Laguna pine-oak forests; Sierra Madre Oriental pine-oak forests.
Consisting of numerous mountain peaks and ridges that extend from just over the border in the southwestern United States into Central Mexico, this ecoregion supports a vast array of plant and animal species; many of which are restricted to single peaks or ranges.Among these species are some important wild relatives of agricultural crops, such as Agave (Agave spp.).
Local Species
The most speciose plant families represent Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae, and Euphorbiaceae. In total, 12 species of oak trees are found within these conifer forests.
Together these plants support an impressive array of bird species including the Mexican jay (Aphelocoma ultramarina), Mexican chickadee (Parus sclateri), Zone-tailed hawk (Buteo albonotatus), Maroon-fronted parrots (Rhynchopsitta terrisi), Thick-billed parrots (R. pachyrhyncha), Strickland's woodpecker (Picoides stricklandi), and Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae).
Predators with large ranges, such as Gray wolf (Canis lupis) and Jaguar (Panthera onca) frequent these habitats as well.
Threats
Chief threats include overgrazing, clearing of forests for timber and fuel wood, and development. Other problems stem from recreational pressures and use of the area for military exercises.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
