Ecosystems and Species Yosemite Supports

There are over 400 species of vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and mammals found in Yosemite National Park.  (Jenkins 2011) The high diversity of species is due to the fact that Yosemite supports habitats ranging from wooded grassland, foothill chaparral, coniferous forests, and alpine rock.  Lush meadows support black bears and mule deer.  The interface between meadow and forest attracts a lot of animals because they can use the meadow for water and food, but use the forest for cover and protection. The park's coniferous forest features a relatively mild climate and a provides a habitat for bobcats, gray foxes, spotted owls, mountain kingsnakes, and a variety of bats.  At higher altitudes, there are fewer wildlife species-- gold-manteled ground squirrel, chickaree, western fence lizard, and alligator lizard call the alpine rocks home.