Existing comment:
The Dwarf Forest:
Why is this a pinyon pine/juniper forest and not something else? The kind of plants to be found in a community depend on soil and climate. Pinyon and juniper are best able to endure the harsh and climate and shallow soil of Black Canyon. The waxy leaves and thick sap of the juniper enable it to conserve moisture, as do the needles of the pinyon pine. Both are low-branched and compact allowing them to withstand drought and temperature extremes.
The openness of the pinyon/juniper community allows many shrubby species such as mountain-mahogany, serviceberry, and gambel oak to thrive. In areas where moisture is available, such as north-facing slopes, Douglas fire will be found, although conditions are marginal.
Berries, nuts, and acorns provide food for birds, squirrels, chipmunks and numerous other small mammals (humans too!) while the shrubs provide excellent browse for mule deer. Insects attracted by flowers, plants or mammals in turn become food for reptiles and birds. Reptiles, birds,and small mammals become food for bobcats, mountain lions, coyotes, snakes and birds of prey. Black bears, occasionally seen in Black Canyon, are opportunists and will eat almost anything.
For thousands of years, this type of community has flourished to provide food and shelter for countless inhabitants. Disruptions such as fire may change the balance and composition of the community, but the pinyon pine/juniper state will always return to dominance. The oldest living trees here are thought to be around 750 years old. |