Geography of Alabama - Flora and Fauna

Flora and Fauna

The fauna and flora of Alabama are similar to those of the Gulf states in general and have no distinctive characteristics. However, the Mobile River system has a high incidence of endemism among freshwater mollusks and biodiversity is high.

In Alabama, vast forests of pine constitute the largest proportion of the state's forest growth. There is also an abundance of cypress, hickory, oak, populus, and Eastern Redcedar trees. In other areas, hemlock growths in the north and Southern White Cedar in the southwest. Other native trees include ash, hackberry, and holly. In the Gulf Region of the state grow various species of palmetto and palm. In Alabama there are more than 150 shrubs, including mountain laurel and rhododendron. Among cultivated plants are wisteria and camellia.

While in the past the state enjoyed a variety of mammals such as Plains Bison, Eastern elk, bear, and deer, only the White-tailed deer remains abundant. Still fairly common are the North American Cougar, Bobcat, American Beaver, Muskrat, Raccoon, Virginia Opossum, rabbit, squirrel, Red and Gray Foxes, and Long-tailed Weasel. Coypu and Nine-banded Armadillo have been introduced to the state and now also common.

Alabama’s birds include Golden and Bald Eagles, Osprey and other hawks, Yellow-shafted Flickers, and Black-and-white Warblers. Game birds include Bobwhite Quail, duck, Wild Turkey, and goose. Freshwater fish such as bream, shad, bass, and sucker are common. Along the Gulf Coast there are seasonal runs of Tarpon, pompano, Red drum, and bonito.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lists as endangered 99 animals, fish, and birds, and 18 plant species. The endangered animals include the Alabama Beach Mouse, Gray Bat, Alabama red-bellied turtle, Fin and Humpback Whales, Bald Eagle, and Wood Stork.

American black bear, racking horse, Yellow-shafted Flicker, wild turkey, Atlantic tarpon, largemouth bass, Southern Longleaf Pine, Eastern tiger swallowtail, Monarch butterfly, Alabama red-bellied turtle, Red Hills salamander, camellia, oak-leaf hydrangea, peach, pecan, and blackberry are Alabama's state symbols.