The Boreal/Taiga forest has cold to freezing temperatures, so the animals have to be well adapted to these cold temperatures. Their adaptations help them stay warm, defend themselves, and hide. Snowshoe hares and ermines have brown fur during the summer but grow white fur in the winter to help them camouflage into their surroundings and make it harder for predators to find them. Many of the animals have small extremities and thick fur, fat or feathers to avoid losing heat in the winter. When winter comes some animals migrate south, others hibernate, and the rest cope with the environment, which is a very hard task. The most recognizable wild life are: Moose, bears, lynx, wolverines, Eurasian beavers, Ermines, red squirrels, caribou, Siberian tigers, wolves, etc. There are birds such as, eagles, owls, greater yellow legs, white throated sparrow, etc. There is also an abundance of insects during the summer such as: ants, mosquitos, spiders, and earthworms.
Endangered Animals(Fauna)
Peregrine Falcon-The Peregrine Falcon started two decline during the 1960's. They almost disappeared in less than two decades. Causes of their loss is having their nest destroyed, eggs being stolen, electric power lines, automobiles, and collisions with cars. Cliff climbing activities have also caused these birds to leave their nests, causing the babies to die. Areas in Quebec are being protected that limit logging activities close to their nests. This makes the bird stay, encouraging to breed. In North America there is also laws protecting the Peregrine Falcon.
Snow Leopards- The Snow Leopard has been endangered since 1986. They have declined by 20% in the past 16 years and its expected for them two decline by a 50% for the next three generations. Livestock and human populations are increasing the pressure on the ecosystem that the Snow Leopard depends on. Snow Leopards bones, skin and organs are used as traditional Asian medicine. Humans have caused Snow Leopards to prey on livestock because of less food, and damages to fragile mountain grasslands. About 109 areas are protected that have snow leopards inhabiting . The international Snow Leopard Trust organization focuses on the protection for them and their habitat. They are prioritizing threats, developing policies, and promoting conservation.
The Amur/Siberian Tiger - Poaching, habitat loss from intensive logging and development have cause these tigers to become endangered. Logging has caused threatening to tigers home by fragmenting their habitat, isolating them from each other. In 1993 the State Council of the People's republic of China declared the use of tiger bone for medical purposes illegal. So to stop these tigers from being endangered they must not be used for medical purposes, and habitat encroachment.
Newfoundland Pine Marten- By 1995 the Marten population had declined. They declined by habitat loss, accidental deaths in trap, and disease. Large timber harvesting removed much of their habitat. Terra Nova National Park is a protected area for marten's that has habitat's where logging and trapping are prohibited. They been involved with the recovery since the 1996's.
Snow Leopards- The Snow Leopard has been endangered since 1986. They have declined by 20% in the past 16 years and its expected for them two decline by a 50% for the next three generations. Livestock and human populations are increasing the pressure on the ecosystem that the Snow Leopard depends on. Snow Leopards bones, skin and organs are used as traditional Asian medicine. Humans have caused Snow Leopards to prey on livestock because of less food, and damages to fragile mountain grasslands. About 109 areas are protected that have snow leopards inhabiting . The international Snow Leopard Trust organization focuses on the protection for them and their habitat. They are prioritizing threats, developing policies, and promoting conservation.
The Amur/Siberian Tiger - Poaching, habitat loss from intensive logging and development have cause these tigers to become endangered. Logging has caused threatening to tigers home by fragmenting their habitat, isolating them from each other. In 1993 the State Council of the People's republic of China declared the use of tiger bone for medical purposes illegal. So to stop these tigers from being endangered they must not be used for medical purposes, and habitat encroachment.
Newfoundland Pine Marten- By 1995 the Marten population had declined. They declined by habitat loss, accidental deaths in trap, and disease. Large timber harvesting removed much of their habitat. Terra Nova National Park is a protected area for marten's that has habitat's where logging and trapping are prohibited. They been involved with the recovery since the 1996's.
Effects on Biome - Endangered species affects the Boreal Forest when it comes to the environment. For example, canids, dogs, are carnivores that are important to the boreal forest. Foxes prey on rodents, and are herbivores. Porcupines spend time in trees and feed on vegetation. The Saw-wet Owl feed on small mammals like mice, rodents, small birds, reptiles, and amphibians. If these weren't in the Biome it could be harmed.