Did You Know?

• Mountains cover about one-fifth of the earth's surface.
• Mountain ranges have a major impact on the earth's climate.
• Alpine plants in high mountain regions are slow growers due to the very short growing season.

Where is Alpine Tundra?

Alpine Tundra is found above the tree line on mountains throughout the world.  The largest area is on and around the Tibetan Plateau.  In North America, alpine tundra occurs at high elevations in the western mountains into Mexico.

What are some threats to the Alpine Tundra?

• Overgrazing by domesticated yaks
• Over-hunting by herdsmen and others
• Recreation (off-road vehicles and snowmobiles)
• Mining
• Protection is important because it is a prime source of the stream flow on which the life and economy of most of the West depends

What organisms (plant or animal) are typically found in the Alpine Tundra?

• Bilberry and other heath shrubs are important in the alpine tundra of the eastern United States.
• Plants include:  grass, sedge, forb, saxifrages and buttercups.
• Common birds include the white-tailed ptarmigan and the rosy finch.
• Mammals include pikas, marmots, chipmunks, ground squirrels, gophers, and voles.
• Large herbivores include the mule deer, mountain (bighorn) sheep, mountain goat and elk.
• Other animals include the shrew, weasel, badger, red fox, bobcat, coyote, and grizzly bear.
• Amphibians and reptiles are scarce.