Boreal Forest and its Ecosystem Services

The Boreal forest also known as Taiga is the largest biome in the world. It is characterised by the needle-leaved conifer evergreens and the long cold winters. They are located between 50-60°North just below the tundra biome (Figure 1) in a continuous belt along Eurasia and North America (Encyclopædia Britannica).



Figure 1: Map of Boreal Forests indicated by the dark green colour (marietta) 



There are long severe winters that in some cases the average temperature could be below zero for up to six months and most of precipitation comes in the form of snow (BluePlanet).  During the summer months, it is the growing season which usually lasts less than 3 months but occurs in an explosion of plant growth as the days are incredibly long and there is plenty of water available due to little evaporation occurring in the area (marietta).

The predominant species of conifers that you can find in the Boreal forest include pine, fir, larch and spruce. The can also be found some species from the deciduous genera such as poplar and birch.  The animals in this forest tend to be predators such as lynx and members of the weasel family in addition to some bigger animals such as the Siberian tiger. They feed on herbivores such as such as snowshoe rabbits, voles and Squirrels. Some of the characteristic animals that live here are the moose (Figure 2), red deer and elk (Blue Planet). The fauna and flora have adapted to this harsh environment to withstand the winters. The specially adapted needles and thick bark enables the conifers to shed the snow quickly. Whereas the animals migrate, hibernate through winter or burrow for protection in addition to use their fur for camouflage (marietta).



Figure 2: Moose gazing in Alaska (Alaska)



As with every ecosystem the benefit to humans is generally taken for granted since the absence of the ecosystem is hard to be imagined. This is also the case with Boreal forests. It regulates and maintains the global climate by reducing the concentration of greenhouse gases by carbon sequestration and storage by the assimilation in the flora in addition to the cocking up of carbon and the much more harmful gas methane in the permafrost. With the increasing temperatures the permafrost will be reduced releasing the methane and carbon into the atmosphere creating a positive feedback. The forest location – being high up North- allows to stabilise erosion and to prevent snow sliding.

 

Boreal forests are home to many endemic species such as the moose, the lynx and many others. The moose is a source of food for the locals .in addition to this, the area allows the locals to have a source of income by raising animals like sheep that can graze in this biome. Another source of income is timber harvesting (IKEA).

There are also cultural benefits provided by this biome. The area can be used for experimentation since there is not much human interference (Figure 3). Recreational activities such as hiking and snowboarding are very popular. The landscape is also considered a spiritual and symbolic pace where there are vast areas without technical interference.



Figure 3: Aurora Borealis-Alaska (ceativepics)



Once again, nature provides to humans and the valuing of ecosystems is essential to peoples lifestyle and amenities (Schröter et al., 2014).