Biodiversity in the Boreal Forest
• Biodiversity can be defined as the variation of life within a biome or ecosystem. Unfortunately, Biodiversity around the world is at risk due to human interference and climate change. However changes within these forest and/or ocean ecosystems also impact the human population, as we depend on these crucial bionetworks for our very own existence.
• The Boreal forest is a band of forest that stretches across the northern hemisphere, which includes the following countries: Canada, Russia, United States and the northern countries of Europe such as Sweden, Norway etc… (Green displays the areas where the Boreal forest is situated)
• Within Canada, the Boreal forest region covers more than 290 million hectares.
•This forest is primarily dominated by coniferous trees, namely: Jack Pine, Balsam Fir, Red Pine, White Pine, Black Spruce, White Spruce, Tamarack, Paper Birch, Eastern White Cedar, etc…
• The leading cause of most threats upon ecosystem biodiversity is climate change; such is the case in Canada’s the Boreal forest.
• Climate change also has an effect on the number of forest fires.
• Invasive alien species are also a huge factor in destroying biodiversity in the Canadian Boreal forest.
• The Boreal forest is the largest intact forest and wetland ecosystem remaining on earth.
• One of, and perhaps the biggest threat to biodiversity in the Boreal Forest is Human infringement.
• In summation the best way to preserve the Canadian Boreal forest would be to make people aware. If people are mindful then we can really put a stop to human encroachment, and perhaps climate change all together. We cannot lose such an important aspect to our lives, as we depend on the forest for many different resources, the loss would be devastating.
By: Dylan Szydlowski