tailed and least weasels (Mustela erminea and M. nivalis), brown bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), moose (Alces alces), and caribou (Rangifer spp.). Populations of all top-level predators are intact, and brown bears reach extraordinary natural densities in the Katmai and Lake Iliamna areas. All five species of North American Pacific salmon are native here, and Bristol Bay supports the largest run of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in the world.
Habitat Loss and Degradation
The Beringia Lowland Tundra is almost entirely intact. Human disturbance consists of small permanent and seasonal settlements, mostly along rivers and coasts. These communities depend on subsistence fishing and on hunting of marine mammals (seals, whales), caribou, moose, and birds. For the most part, the terrestrial impacts of these settlements are local and slight.
Remaining Blocks of Intact Habitat
The largest blocks of intact habitat include the Ahklun Mountains and the Bendeleben Mountains, which contain diverse habitat types.
Degree of Fragmentation
This ecoregion is naturally fragmented into three large mainland areas and numerous islands. The southernmost block of habitat around the Ahklun Mountains is relatively unfragmented. The norrthernmost block is still mostly intact but is becoming trisected by roads and is increasingly impacted by mining. This area has the potential to be much more fragmented in the future.
Degree of Protection
This ecoregion is represented by several protected areas. Those in the Seward Penninsula/Kotzebue area include:
- Bering Land Bridge National Park - western Alaska
- Selawik National Wildlife Refuge - western Alaska
- The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta is contained completely within the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge.
Protected areas of the ecoregion surrounding Bristol Bay and on the Alaska Peninsula include:
- Togiak National Wildlife Refuge - western Alaska
- Egegik, Pilot Point, Cinder River, Pt. Moller State Critical Habitat Areas - western Alaska
- Izembek National Wildlife Refuge - western Alaska
- Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge - western Alaska
- Becharof National Wildlife Refuge - western Alaska
- Katmai National Park and Preserve - western Alaska
Finally, a number of islands scattered throughout the ecoregion, especially St. Matthew Island, are included as units of the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge.
Types and Severity of Threats
Currently, waterfowl harvests are managed by USFWS, through co-management agreements with Native communities, and through international treaty. Although there is some potential for unsustainable waterfowl harvests from local communities, the harvests are at present well managed and represent less of a threat than habitat destruction in wintering areas for nesting waterfowl.
Commercial fishing is a significant presence, and can affect not only the marine ecosystem but the many terrestrial species that rely on the abundant fish runs each year. Salmon fisheries in the area are generally well-managed to ensure sufficient spawning stock returns to the rivers. As with any commercial fishery, there is a concern with overharvesting, particularly of weak stocks in years of generally abundant returns.
Suite of Priority Activities to Enhance Biodiversity Conservation
The biggest gap in the protected areas of this ecoregion are in the Nushagak River Valley and along the west side of the Alaska Peninsula.
- Alaska Marine Conservation Council
- National Audubon Society - Alaska-Hawaii Regional Office
- The Nature Conservancy - Alaska
Additional Information on this Ecoregion
- For a shorter summary of this entry, see the WWF WildWorld profile of this ecoregion.
- To see the species that live in this ecoregion, including images and threat levels, see the WWF Wildfinder description of this ecoregion.
- World Wildlife Fund Homepage
Disclaimer: This article contains certain information that was originally published by the World Wildlife Fund. Topic editors and authors for the Encyclopedia of Earth have edited its content and added new information. The use of information from t