Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, located in Alaska, is a breathtaking expanse of wilderness that encompasses a variety of biomes. The park's vast territory, ranging from sea level to towering peaks exceeding 18,000 feet (5,486 meters), supports diverse ecosystems. Keep on reading to learn more about the biomes at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park
Tundra
The tundra biome at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is characterized by cold temperatures and a short growing season. It supports a variety of plants, including mosses, lichens, grasses, and dwarf shrubs, and provides habitat for animals such as caribou, arctic foxes, and ground squirrels.
Boreal Forest
The boreal forest biome, also known as taiga, encompasses a mix of spruce, fir, and birch trees. This biome supports a variety of wildlife, including moose, black bears, and a diversity of bird species.
Glaciers and Icefields
The park's glaciers and icefields biome is a stark, icy landscape comprising massive ice fields and valley glaciers. This biome is mostly devoid of flora, but it plays a crucial role in shaping the park's geology and hydrology and supports specialized fauna like iceworms and glacial insects.
Alpine
The alpine biome of Wrangell-St. Elias is found in high-elevation areas above the tree line. It features rugged terrain and sparse vegetation, consisting mainly of hardy grasses, mosses, and alpine wildflowers. Wildlife in this biome includes mountain goats and ptarmigans.
Coastal Rainforest
The coastal rainforest biome stretches along the park's coastline and features lush, dense forests dominated by Sitka spruce and western hemlock. This biome supports a rich diversity of plants and animals, including brown bears, bald eagles, and various salmon species.
Wetlands
The park’s wetlands biome includes marshes, bogs, and riparian zones that are crucial for migratory birds, amphibians, and aquatic plants. These areas are rich in biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services such as water filtration and flood regulation.