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The Southern Appalachian Ecosystem is unique because of its rich genetic, species, community and landscape diversity. This diversity makes the Southern Appalachian Mountains a frequently-used location for scientific research into strategies for ecosystem management. The ecosystem consists primarily of hardwood forest habitats of both old growth forest (never logged) and regenerating forest (forest grown from previously logged sites). There are more species of trees in Southern Appalachians than in all of Europe, and more than 4,000 species of plants. The animal life is also widely diverse. There are nearly 700 species of vertebrates in the ecosystem, and thousands more invertebrates; the Southern Appalachian Ecosystem holds a rich biological diversity.
However, there are threats to this richly diverse ecosystem. Urban growth is encroaching into Southern Appalachian habitats. Logging can affect the habitats of native species. Invasive species supplant native flora and fauna, disrupt ecological balances, and cause diseases. Pollution and declining air quality have negative impacts as well. The fragile riparian environments (riverside and streamside environments) are being diminished.
The Ipix™ picture below leads to information on some of the components of this vastly diverse ecosystem of the Southern Appalachians. Double-click on or near the targets to see more details.
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