Saturday, May 18, 2013

Animals of the Coniferous Forest

CONIFEROUS FOREST
© Nobilior - Fotolia.com
Coniferous forests are home to the world's toughest trees. The evergreen trees in these forests live through extreme weather conditions. Coniferous forest types include the huge boreal forests in the northern hemispehere and the much smaller temperate rainforests, such as America's Pacific Northwest.

A large number of animal species make their home in coniferous forests. A wide variety of mammals, invertebrates, and birds live in the coniferous forests.

Some of the most famous animals of the Coniferous Forest

 

Elk in Rocky Mountain National Park © Jeff Slater

 

Elk

Elk are one of the largest species of deer. Male Elk have very large antlers which are shed each year. Elk often live in or near the edges of coniferous forests. 


 

Wolverine

Wolverines live in cold northern areas of North America and Asia. The Wolverine is a large member of the weasel family.

© Jeff Slater

Wolf

The Gray Wolf was once one of the world's most widely distributed mammals. Wolves have declined in number because of man made changes in land usage. Now, many of the 39 sub-species of the Gray Wolf make their home in Coniferous Forests.

 

 

Visit the Skyenimals list of coniferous forest animals for many more! Or, check out the full list of animal habitats if you are interested in other animal habitats.