Temperate forests of North America

Authors: Campbell, Joshua; TSALICKIS, ALEXANDRA - Auburn University

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/13/2023
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: North American temperate forests provide important ecosystem services and harbor unique biodiversity. Although much of these forests have been greatly altered from their historical state, the forests have continued to provide valuable ecosystem services to humans. Today, climate change is growing threat for the flora and fauna of these temperate forests. In this chapter, we detail the different types of temperate forests found in North America and describe some of their dominant and unique flora and fauna, threats that present a challenge to these forests, and how humans will need to develop new strategies to help maintain these forests.

Technical Abstract: Although much of the North American temperate forests have been greatly altered from their historic component, North American temperate forests provide essential ecosystem services. For instance, they provide food and clean water, help regulate climate, act as refugia for pollinators, and provide recreational and cultural benefits., Additionally, these temperate forests contain key biodiversity areas that provide habitats and resources for numerous endemic species. In this chapter we designate five locations and general forest types for the North American temperate forest biome, describe aspects of biodiversity unique to each forest type, and discuss some of the historic and current threats (e.g., climate change) that have impacted these forests. In the face of mounting pressure from climate change, land managers will need to utilize climate-smart conservation measures in order to maintain this important biome’s flora and fauna.