The Boreal Forest and Biodiversity

Boreal forests around the world account for one-third of the world’s forested land, and are connected as a large circumpolar band across the northern hemisphere. In Alberta, the boreal forest covers the northern half of the province, and is the province’s largest natural region.

Boreal forests include numerous species of coniferous and deciduous trees, shrubs, grasses, and species of fungi and lichens. Large and small mammals have adapted to the harsh conditions of the boreal forest, and billions of birds breed in or migrate through the boreal forest each year. Biodiversity in the boreal forest is of global significance.

In this section, the distribution, environment, biodiversity, and threats to the boreal forest are described:

• Distribution of Boreal Forests
• The Boreal Forest Environment
• Biodiversity in the Boreal Forest
• Impacts on Boreal Forests and Biodiversity