Ecology of Glacier National Park
Learn about the ecology of Glacier National Park.
Protected for over 100 years, the ecosystems of Glacier National Park are relatively undisturbed, and a rich variety of plant and animal life thrive there. The park supports over 200 different species of birds, thousands of plant species, a variety of native fish, and over 70 unique mammal species including grizzly bears, lynx, big horn sheep, mountain goats, mountain lions, pikas, and wolverines. USGS scientists at the Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, have provided research for over three decades to help manage and protect the unique plant and animal communities within the park.
Seventy-one different mammal species make their homes at Glacier National Park. Some especially notable species include grizzly bears, lynx, big horn sheep, mountain goats, mountain lions, pikas, and wolverines. Grizzly bears can be dangerous, but tend to avoid humans. They are considered a threatened species, and there are a number of human-induced pressures, including climate change and habitat fragmentation, which pose risks to their survival. USGS scientists recently began a study determining the effect of climate change on huckleberries, which comprise over 50% of grizzly bear’s diet. USGS scientists are also working to understand how to best plan developments and conservation easements to allow grizzly bears to disperse over land area. Informed management, that connects grizzly bear subpopulations, helps bears build their resilience to land use and climate change. Researchers are also working to better understand bighorn sheep in and near Glacier National Park, which are vulnerable to disease.
Glacier National Park is also home to over 270 different species of birds. However, there are only a handful of reptiles and six amphibian species that live at the park; these low numbers are result of the relatively recent retreat of the Pleistocene glaciers and cool temperatures. Glacier National Park also has a unique aquatic ecosystem, which support a variety of native and non-native fish species and temperature-sensitive insects. Two species, the meltwater stonefly and the glacier stonefly, are found nowhere else in the world. These species have been petitioned for inclusion in the Endangered Species Act as their populations are extremely vulnerable to glacier and snow loss. USGS scientists continue to monitor the impact of climate change on these unique species. Threats to aquatic insects also impact fish species, who rely on them for food.
Another important aspect of the ecology of Glacier National Park is fire. Wildfire is required to maintain healthy ecosystems across landscapes of the western United States. Unfortunately, unnatural fuel buildup and developments near large natural areas can result in fires that pose risks to human life and property. USGS scientists are working to understand the importance of wildfires to plant and animal life, sustain natural systems and biodiversity, and mitigate risks.
