We have chosen 3 animals that live in boreal forests that have adapted well to their environment. First is the Snowshoe Hare. Next the Amur Tiger (AKA Siberian Tiger) And finally the Elk.

Of the animals I researched, I believe the Snowshoe hare has adapted the best to its environment. The snowshoe hare’s coat changes from brown to white as winter enters the Boreal Forests to help hide it from predators, such as the red fox. As seen in the picture, the Snowshoe Hare has enlarged feet which help it move in the snow.

The Amur Tiger’s thick fur helps keep it warm during winter in the boreal forests.

The elk not only has thicker fur, but larger amounts of fat and muscle to keep it warm. During the winter when vegetation is scarce, the elk can live off bark and small amounts of leaves and grass.

Also known as the Taiga, Boreal forests can not be found anywhere in the southern hemisphere. Boreal forests are one of the largest biomes in the world, covering almost 6800 miles across the northern hemisphere. While mostly in Russia and Canada, the Boreal forests also branch down mountains, such as the Appalachians and the Alps.

The botany of boreal forests are not quite diverse. Many of the trees are coniferous trees. Broadleaf trees, such as birches, aspens, willows, and rowans, can be found in the taiga. There are also many types of lichen, the most common being British Soldiers. (Shown in photo)

The average annual temperature in a boreal forest is -5 Celsius to 5 Celsius (23 F-41 F) Boreal Forests have long winters of about 6 months. The growing season in boreal forests are 3 months long. Due to the lack of evaporation, boreal forests have moist or even swampy soil. All summers in the boreal biome are short and cool.

Exploration and the development of oil/gas reserves are destroying boreal forests. Boreal forests are very slow to regrow and logging is a major threat to these forests. Large areas of boreal forest have also been flooded as part of hydroelectric projects, such as the one shown to the right.