What is the Taiga (or Boreal Forest)?

Taiga is a Russian word meaning swampy moist forest. The taiga is different from other forests because its most common trees are coniferous (trees with cones) like spruces, furs and pines. There aren’t very many species of trees in the taiga. The taiga is located just under the Artic region and stretches across most of Canada, Northern U.S.A., Russia, and other parts of Europe and Asia. The taiga has a variety of special plants and animals that have adapted to the conditions of the taiga, like the wolverine. There are also bald eagles, bears, the Canadian lynxes, bobcats, otters, snowshoe rabbits, and many more. Most of the plants in the taiga are coniferous (evergreen) trees.

Why is it Important?

The taiga helps the environment and humanity in many ways. The taiga filters millions of liters of water everyday. There are other things it does too. The massive number of trees in the taiga remove carbon dioxide (a harmful gas) and convert it into oxygen. Humans also cut down trees for wood in the taiga, but if done incorrectly (like gathering too much) it can be extremely harmful to the taiga. This is one of the biggest threats to the taiga.

What’s the Climate of the Taiga?

The taiga has varying weather throughout the seasons. It has very long, cold winters (they can go up to 6 months) and short, hot summers (50-100 days without frost). In the more southern parts of the taiga, like northern Minnesota, the temperature can range from -50 degrees F and up to around 100 degrees F. The average rainfall is about 15-20 inches but can get higher in some parts. Because the taiga has low evaporation rates, it can be a very humid biome. The reason the taiga has so many evergreens is because that type of tree is perfect for this climate.

Threats to the Taiga

The largest threat to the taiga is deforestation. Large chunks of the taiga in Siberia were cut down after the collapse of the Soviet Union. It is also happening in Canada too. Only 8% of the taiga in Canada is protected, but 50% has been allowed to be harvested by the government.

There are many reasons for deforestation of the taiga. Most reasons are the usual reasons (paper, lumber, etc). Another threat is the gathering of fossil fuels. Since people are so desperate for petroleum, they will go anywhere to get it including the boreal forest.

The last threat is global warming. As the world gets warmer, deciduous trees will be able to survive in the southern boreal forest, and they will take the place of the coniferous trees there. But wait there’s more.

There are a few additional threats. There are forest fires, which can be caused by people or by natural means (usually lightning). Another threat to the taiga is pollution. People dump many harmful things into the taiga like chemical waste or even just trash.

How Can You Help?

The easiest ways to save the taiga are to use less paper and recycle. Since the main threat to the taiga is deforestation, it will reduce the need for paper which will reduce the need to cut down trees. In doing so, the taiga won’t be cleared for paper as much. There are also community based forest management groups you could get involved in if you live near a taiga. One other simple way is to use non-timber forest products.