|
|
Article: A Diversity of Ecosystems.(Alaska)
- Article from:
- Endangered Species Bulletin
- Article date:
- March 1, 1999
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1999 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has initiated an ecosystem approach to protecting species and habitats. In Alaska, the ecosystem approach is essential to allow enough room for some species to migrate beyond their presently established ranges to compensate for climate and other environmental changes. Unbroken corridors are needed to prevent disruption of the food supply and provide the elbow-room needed for migration.
For its purposes, the FWS has identified 10 ecosystems in Alaska:
1) The arctic ecosystem begins at Point Barrow, the northernmost point of land in the United States, and extends south for around 250 miles (400 kilometers) to the ...