Pineywoods or Pine forests is a unique ecosystem consisting of various types of pine trees and associated flora and fauna. Here are some of the endangered species found in these forests, particularly in the United States:
1. Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis):
- Critically Endangered
- Found in mature pine forests of the southeastern U.S.
- Nests in cavities excavated in living pine trees with "red-cockade" resin at the entrance.
2. Bachman's Sparrow (Aimophila aestivalis):
- Critically Endangered
- Occurs in remnant longleaf pine forests in the southeastern U.S.
- Requires forest regeneration and early-succession habitats.
3. Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus):
- Threatened
- Found in longleaf pine forests and other sandy habitats of the southeastern U.S.
- Burrows in the ground and plays a crucial ecological role.
4. Flatwoods Salamander (Ambystoma cingulatum):
- Federally Threatened
- Restricted to longleaf pine forests with seasonal wetlands in the southeastern U.S.
- Breeds in ephemeral pools during wet seasons.
5. Black Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi):
- Federally Threatened
- Occurs in pocosins and Carolina bays within longleaf pine forests in the southeastern U.S.
- Feeds on rodents, rabbits, and other small animals.
6. Red Wolf (Canis rufus):
- Critically Endangered
- Historically occurred in coastal North Carolina, but once thought extinct in the wild.
- Captive-bred individuals have been reintroduced to the North Carolina Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge for conservation purposes.
7. Eastern Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi):
- Federally Threatened
- Found in pine flatwoods and sandhill ecosystems in the southeastern U.S.
- Largest non-venomous snake in North America.
8. American Swallow-tailed Kite (Elanoides forficatus):
- State Endangered in some areas
- Migratory raptor that inhabits mature pine forests and open areas.
- Feeds on insects, snakes, frogs, and small animals.
9. Attwater's Prairie Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri):
- Federally Endangered
- Inhabits coastal prairie regions with scattered pine trees in Texas.
- Known for its elaborate courtship displays known as "booming grounds."
10. Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis):
- State Endangered in some areas
- Found in wetlands and open areas near pine forests.
- Migratory bird that winters in the southeastern U.S.