Tennessee's High-elevation Ecosystems

What are High-elevation Ecosystems? Between the heights of 4,400feet in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and 6,684feet on top of Mount Mitchell in North Carolina's Black Mountain Range lie the unique and often mysterious high- elevation ecosystems of the Southern Appalachians. The Appalachians are considered one ofthe oldest mountain ranges in existence. Long ago these mountains soared higher than the Rocky Mountains and Swiss Alps, but over the eons they have gradually worn down to their present heights by natural erosion processes. The high slopes, domes, peaks, and ridges of eastern Tennessee, western North Carolina and southwestern Virginia possess a climate similar to Canada's and are home to islandlike patches of spruce-fir forests, rocky cliffs, and mountain balds.

The Southern Appalachians were not covered with ice during the full glacial period of the last Ice Age nor were they ever flooded by oceans. While spruce-fir forests covered the were molded over time by the harsh evolution was slowed or halted in the surrounding valleys and mountain conditions of exposure to extreme frozen parts of the world for peaks of the Southern Appalachians. cold and winds of up to 130miles an thousands of years, plants and As the glaciers retreated and the hour. Although these rocky areas animals of this region continued to climate warmed, the spruce-fIr forests seem bare at fIrst glance, they thrive and evolve. Geological stability withdrew to the tops of our highest actually provide habitat for several combined with diverse climate and mountains and spread northward. relict tundralike species that have topography have made the Southern During this progression the high- adapted to the extreme climate. Appalachians one of the most elevation species of the Southern biologically diverse regions in the Appalachians are believed to have Grassy balds share the ridge tops and world. This diversity is reflected in contributed to the evolution of the "saddles" of the highest peaks in the our high-elevation ecosystems. widespread boreal forests of the Southern Appalachians. These Northern United States and Canada. unique ecosystems appear to be large Southern Appalachian spruce-fir Thus, the only true relict ecosystem of grassy meadows in the forest, with forests typically are found above 5,500 the spruce-fir forest lies in the azaleas, rhododendrons, and other feet, grading into stands of northern Southern Appalachians, where it has shrubs scattered across them. Their hardwoods at lower elevations. persisted continuously over the last location and unusual plant life prove Accompanying the red spruce and 18,000years. Today these southern that many ofthe balds are quite old. Fraser fir at their lower limits are mountaintop forests are characterized Generations of mountain residents scattered yellow birch, American by a number of plants and animals have pondered how and why these mountain ash, sugar maple, mountain found nowhere else on earth, along high-elevation meadows came to be. maple, and a variety of shrubs and with other species that are common Our Southern peaks are hospitable herbaceous plants. The shallow rocky today only in sub-Arctic regions. for tree growth, so how is it that these soils are acidic and generally covered areas are not forested. with a thick organic layer. High-elevation cliffsand rocky Biologically unique, these forests outcrops can be found on many ridges Some believe the balds have pre- provide us with a living museum from and valleys in the Southern Cherokee origins. Perhaps early another time. Thousands of years ago Appalachians. These ecosystems Native Americans cleared the balds to 57 improve hunting or to look for feeding and taking shelter in high- balsam wooly adelgid, native to approaching enemies. Some elevation ecosystems. The diversity Europe, was first identified in Maine scientists hypothesize that a of bird species here thrills visiting in 1908. It probably arrived prior to catastrophic fire long ago played a birders, who may be lucky enough to 1900on imported nursery stock. This part in the creation of mountain balds. glimpse the rare American peregrine tiny sucking insect feeds on the inner Early mountain grazers, such as elk falcon, red crossbill, red-breasted bark of true fir trees, causing their and bison, may have kept these bald nuthatch, snow bunting, raven, black- death within 2 to 7 years after areas clear of trees. throated green warbler, black- infestation. This wingless pest is throated blue warbler, Canada dispersed by the wind and probably Why are High-elevation warbler, and magnolia warbler. came to the Southern Appalachians as early as the 1940s. Mount Mitchell in Ecosystems Important? Many of our high-elevation species North Carolina was found to be The high-elevation ecosystems of the are rare, some so rare that they are infested in 1957,and surrounding Southern Appalachians are nearing extinction and are federally Southern Appalachian spruce-fir biologically unique and geographically listed as endangered or threatened. forests were found to be infested by restricted and support an abundance The Southern spruce-fir forests 1963. The balsam wooly adelgid has of rare plants and animals. Because provide the only remaining habitat since been found in every Fraser fir of their antiquity and ancestral for the endangered Carolina stand. Unfortunately, Fraser fir is affinity to the northern coniferous northern flying squirrel and spruce- the most sensitive fir species to forests, they are a wealth of diversity fir moss spider. These forests balsam wooly adelgid infestation. and a tremendous and largely support rare plants and unusual The spread of the adelgid throughout unrealized scientific resource. Also, amphibians, such as imitator and Southern spruce-fir forest because they sit at the headwaters of pigmy salamanders. The elusive communities has resulted in the mountain streams, they are extremely saw-whet owl depends on these massive mortality of mature Fraser valuable for watershed protection. forests, along with rare mammals, firs. Losing one of the dominant Their canopy and understory such as the masked, long-tailed, and canopy species has, in turn, caused vegetation slows down and filters pygmy shrews. Unfortunately, even major changes in temperature and rainwater. Thus, they greatly benefit the Fraser fir itself is in significant moisture levels in the understory, the water quality of these streams decline and is considered a species threatening numerous other species and enhance downstream fisheries. of federal concern. that rely on the cool,moist conditions maintained by the fir. Other High-elevation ecosystems are Grassy balds are home to the rare nonnative species, such as the aesthetically important to Gray's lily and purple gentian and European wild boar, also damage recreational users. Hundreds of the endangered Roan Mountain high-elevation ecosystems. Boars thousands ofvisitors flock to the bluet and spreading avens. root and destroy sensitive habitats Southern Appalachian Mountains Greenland sandwort, bent avens, and the roots of trees and plants. each year for backpacking, nature and Arctic bent grass can also be Exotic grasses, like Timothy grass, walks, camping, picnicking, found in these mountaintop often choke out native plants. photography, and driving for grasslands. High-elevation cliffs pleasure. Mount Mitchell State Park and rocky outcrops can provide Because of their severe climate, high in North Carolina, the Blue Ridge suitable habitat for the endangered mountain ecosystems may be Parkway and the Great Smoky peregrine falcon, spreading avens, especially prone to air pollution. Mountains National Park in North and rock gnome lichen, and the However, the effects of pollutants are Carolina and Tennessee, and Mount threatened Heller's blazing star and difficult to separate from the effects Rogers National Recreation Area in Blue Ridge goldenrod. of oth.er factors, like the balsam wooly Virginia provide opportunities for adelgId; so, the role that air pollution people from all over the country to has played in the reduction of spruce- escape to the peace and beauty of Threats to High-elevation fir forests is not fully understood. mountains that are still wild Ecosystems and unspoiled. Although high-elevation ecosystems Regardless of the causes of Fraser fir appear rugged, they are extremely decline, the disappearance of this Diversity of Life in fragile. A number of factors threaten dominant tree species has adversely these valuable ecosystems, including High-elevation Ecosystems affected other members of the atmospheric pollution, climate High-elevation ecosystems provide ecosystem. For instance, the loss of change, disease, insect damage, and habitats for an impressive diversity of Fraser firs, having created openings other factors not yet fully understood. wildlife. Many mammals visit these in the canopy, has exposed the red Spruce-fir forests have been reduced mountaintops, and some make their spruce trees to high winds, causing by as much as 50 percent, primarily homes there year-round. Big brown the trees to fall. As these forests as a result of logging followedby bats, red squirrels, eastern disappear the moisture available to severe fires in the earlier part of this chipmunks, woodland jumping mice, neighboring cliffs and mountain century. These forests are now being gray foxes, spotted skunks, bobcats, balds decreases. and black bears have all been spotted decimated by an exotic species- the balsam wooly adelgid. The 58 High-elevation ecosystems face other control the balsam wooly adelgid. threats as well. The heavy human However, the remoteness of these traffic through these beautiful areas areas and the difficulty in treating the Remember, although high- exposes the rare species that live here trees, while not impacting other to many dangers. Cliff edges, rock species, presents significant logistical elevation ecosystems appear outcrops, moss-covered boulders, and challenges. It is hoped that a rugge~ they are quite fragile. grassy balds are particularly breakthrough treatment will be Always stay on trails and attractive to hikers, rock climbers, developed that is inexpensive and boardwalks to avoid and picnickers. As a result, trampling easily applied so that the balsam has become a severe threat to many wooly adelgid will one day cease to be trampling or damaging rare plant and small animal a pest in these ecosystems. Also, vegetation. Avoid climbing populations, like salamanders and conservation organizations and the on rocky outcrops and moss- spiders. Thousands of people visit scientific community continue to these mountains year after year and research the effects of atmospheric covered boulders; these are not aware of the sensitive nature deposition and other factors harming habitats and the species they of the landscape, where soils are so the health of our high-elevation support are extremely fragile shallow one stomp can crush a rare ecosystems, hoping that management and easily destroyed. Avoid plant. A moss mat on a single solutions to these perplexing boulder, easily destroyed by problems will be discovered. picking wildflowers in trampling, may provide one of the last sensitive ecosystems. Camp refuges for a rare species like the only at authorized sites and spruce-fir moss spider. Picking and Seeing is Believing! comply with the regulations digging up wildflowers creates Tennessee has many trails, parks, and another substantial threat; a rare natural areas where you can get a for the use of these sites. Read population of 100plants could easily close-up view ofwild plants and and pay attention to signs be wiped out by flower collection. The creatures and their habitats. Using warning of sensitive habitats. careless or deliberate cutting of live the supplemental Tennessee Wildlife Continue to learn and then trees or saplings for firewood and the Viewing Guide, locate and visit a creation of illegal campsites further high-elevation ecosystem, but keep in educate others about high- threaten these pressured ecosystems. mind the uniqueness and fragility of elevation ecosystems. Take what you are enjoying! pride in and enjoy our What's Being Done? high-elevation ecosystems! Most of the high-elevation ecosystems of the Southern Appalachians are owned or managed by federal or state governments. In addition to the acreage contained within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mount Mitchell State Park, the Balsam Mountains, and Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, about 10,000acres ofthe crest of the Roan Mountain massif are owned and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. There are 7,000acres in the Pisgah National Forest, and 3,000 acres are part of the Cherokee National Forest. The public ownership of these lands helps to ensure their existence for our use and enjoyment and for that of future generations.

Efforts are underway to protect and restore high-elevation ecosystems. Signs and barriers warning of sensitive habitats have been posted at many rocky outcrops to help visitors treat ecosystems responsibly. Goats have been used to graze and maintain grassy balds. Researchers are attempting to develop methods to Spruce-fir Moss Spider (Microhexura motivaga)

Status Actual Size The spruce-fir moss spider was listed as Tell afriend about the 1--1 endangered on • spruce-fir rrwss spider. 5mm Protect high-elevation February 6, 1995. ecosystems by preventing Description air pollution. Stay on The spruce-fir trails when hiking in high moss spider is the world's smallest rrwuntains to avoid tarantula. Adults are trampling unique habitats. about the size of a BB, Avoid climbing on vegetated measuring only 3 to 5 millimeters across. rocky outcrops and These tiny spiders boulders. Take pride in range in color from Tennessee's wildlife! light brown to yellow or reddish brown.

Habitat The spruce-fir moss spider depends provide a treatment for Alzheimer's on Southern Appalachian spruce-fir and Parkinson's diseases and forests. There are only three small may help prevent brain damage in populations of this high-elevation stroke patients. species-two in North Carolina and one in Sevier County, Tennessee. The Threats spider's habitat is made up of damp, The spruce-fIr moss spider is well-shaded moss mats that grow on threatened by the loss of its spruce-fir top of rocks and boulders. The spider forest ecosystem. The death and builds tube-shaped webs between the thinning of these high-elevation moss mats and the rock surface. The forests result in increased mats must have just the right amount temperatures and decreased of moisture; too much water could moisture, which cause the spider's drown the tiny spider and too little moss mat habitat to dry out. As the could cause it to dry out. moss mats dry out, so do the spiders. Spruce-fIr forests have declined Life History because of an exotic insect (the Little is known about the secretive balsam wooly adelgid), and air spruce-fir moss spider; its breeding pollution seems to have played a part habits and life span are a mystery. in the loss of these unique forests.

Role in the Ecosystem Recovery The diet of the spruce-fir moss spider Efforts are underway to establish a isn't known, but springtails (tiny captive-breeding program for the creatures that share the spider's spruce-fir moss spider. Studies of the habitat) may be a likely food source. spider's life history, habitat Many types of spiders are known to requirements, and threats to its be important food sources for birds, spruce-fir ecosystem will continue and lizards, wasps, and other animals. may provide further insight into Spider silk is important to many bird recovery actions. species for nest building. Did you know that spider silk is very elastic, and twice as strong as steel! Researchers are currently investigating tarantula venom for medicinal uses. The venom may Rock Gnome Lichen

Status in rainfall. Lichens are often the fIrst The rock gnome lichen was listed as organisms to grow on bare rocky Tell afriend about the rock endangered on January 18,1995. areas. Their presence slowly changes gnome lichen. Protect high- the surface environment, gradually Description creating new habitat for mosses, elevation ecosystems by The rock gnome lichen grows in ferns, and other plants. Because supporting loca~ regiona~ \dense colonies of narrow, straplike lichens quickly soak up substances in and national clean air structures. Each strap is only about rainwater, they are very sensitive to standards. Stay on trails 2 centimeters long, and the tip of airborne pollution. The presence or each strap curls upward. The lichen absence of lichens can indicate the when hiking in high is blue-gray above and shiny white quality of the air in a particular area; mountains to avoid below. A lichen is a combination of a where lichens thrive, the air is good trampling unique habitats. fungus and an algae. Together they for people and creatures to breathe. form a new organism, supporting Avoid climbing on vegetated each other in environments where Threats rocky outcrops and they could not survive alone; this The rock gnome lichen has declined boulders. Pay attention to process is called mutualism. The for several reasons. Its rocky habitat signs that prevent access to algae photosynthesizes and obtains makes it susceptible to trampling by energy from the sun, while the fungus outdoor enthusiasts who are unaware sensitive mountain provides structure for the organism. of its presence. Hikers, climbers, and habitats. Take pride in sightseers crush the lichen as they Tennessee's wild lichens! Habitat climb around on its rocky home. The rock gnome lichen is found in The nearby spruce-fir forests have the Southern Appalachian Mountains declined because of the balsam wooly of North Carolina and Tennessee. adelgid, an exotic insect, and airborne It occurs only in areas with high pollution. As these forests disappear, humidity, either in high areas where the moisture available to the lichen it is frequently bathed in fog or in decreases, and the lichen dries out. deep river gorges at lower elevations. Because lichens are sensitive to The rock gnome lichen has very airborne pollution, it is suspected that specific requirements for light and further decline has been caused by moisture. It grows on bare rock faces poor air quality and polluted fog. or cliffs,where water seeps from above the forests on very wet days. Recovery Most populations are above 5,000feet Nearly all of the remaining in elevation. Currently there are populations of the rock gnome lichen 32 remaining populations of the rock are on public land. The U.S. Forest gnome lichen. Only seven of these are Service and the National Park Service larger than 2 square meters, and are working with the U.S. Fish and most of the populations are less than Wildlife Service to protect the species 1 square meter in size. from trampling and collection. Efforts are also underway to monitor Life History the effects of air pollution on this rare Lichens spread when small lichen. The North Carolina and fragments are broken off and Tennessee Natural Heritage become attached to other patches of Programs, the North Carolina Plant rock. New colonies form from these Conservation Program, and The small fragments. Nature Conservancy also work to protect the rock gnome lichen. Role in the Ecosystem Lichens do not need an organic food source; they require only light, air, and a few minerals. The rock gnome lichen gets some minerals from its rocky cliffhome, but most minerals reach the lichen through the air and Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus)

Status The Carolina northern flying Tell afriend about the squirrel was listed as endangered on Carolina northern flying July 1, 1985. squirrel. Protect high- Description elevation ecosystems by The Carolina northern flying supporting local, regional, squirrel is a small gray mammal with a whitish underside. Adults weigh and national clean air about 3 to 5 ounces, or about as standards. Take a break much as a banana, and grow to a from your car; walk to the length of about 10to 12inches. The squirrel has large eyes, silky fur, and store, post office, or school. a long, flattened tail. Folds of skin Protect air quality by stretch between the squirrel's wrists Role in the Ecosystem conserving electricity; turn and ankles. To travel, it leaps, and Carolina northern flying squirrels eat off the lights. Take pride in these folds of skin stretch out to help lichens and fungi, seeds, buds, fruit, the squirrel "parachute," or glide, and insects. These squirrels may help Tennessee's wildlife! from tree to tree. The Carolina maintain the forests by dispersing northern flying squirrel is nitrogen-fixing bacteria and fungal nocturnal-active at night. spores that are needed by trees for proper growth. Habitat Carolina northern flying squirrels Threats depend on high-elevation The Carolina northern flying squirrel forests in the Southern Appalachian is adapted to the cold, harsh Mountains of North Carolina and conditions of the Southern Tennessee. They occur in the Appalachian high-elevation transition, or overlap, area between ecosystems. It is thought that the high peaks, domes, and ridges of populations of the squirrel have been the spruce-fir forests and the shrinking due to natural conditions northern hardwood forests, which since the last Ice Age. The species is grow at lower elevations. Hollow now isolated in small, restricted areas, trees in the oak-dominated hardwood and the decline of Southern forests provide nesting cavities for the Appalachian spruce-fir forests, due to squirrels. Both the spruce-fir and exotic insect invasions and other hardwood forests are used in their factors, threatens the squirrel with search for food. They prefer older extinction. Habitat decline has also forests, with widely spaced tall trees caused increased competition for that are easy to glide between. nesting habitat between the Carolina northern flying squirrel and its lower- Life History elevation counterpart, the southern Carolina northern flying squirrels flying squirrel. nest in tree cavities, which they line with lichens, moss, and finely chewed Recovery bark. Two to six young are produced The primary recovery goal for the each spring. Little is known about Carolina northern flying squirrel is to this rare squirrel's life, but it is learn more about this elusive species' believed that they live in small habitat requirements, diet, and family groups of adults and young relations with other species. Once squirrels. They remain active these squirrels are better understood, throughout the winter. more effective management decisions can be made. Efforts are being made to protect the areas where the squirrel is known to live.