Cold and harsh, the taiga does not offer conditions favorable to many plants and animals. There is less diversity than in the deciduous forests further south. Still, some species have discovered ways to survive despite the inhospitable climate.

Living Conditions

Taiga summers are brief, rainy and humid with temperatures ranging between 20 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, temperatures plunge to minus 65 degrees to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. There are only about 50 to 100 frost-free days in the taiga.

Birds

The wet summers help breed millions of insects, and that attracts birds. Wood warblers and other insect-eating species arrive to feast on the hatches but depart the taiga at the end of breeding season. Seed-eating birds such as finches and sparrows stay all year long. Other seed-eating species such as crossbills and siskins leave for southern locations in years when pine cones are scarce.

Other Animals

The taiga tends to support animals that have a more predatory nature. Lynx, bobcats, wolverines, sable and ermine prey on herbivores such as snowshoe rabbits, lemmings, voles and red squirrels. Larger animals such as red deer, elk and moose can be found near stands of deciduous trees in southern parts of the taiga.

Trees

Coniferous trees grow close together as protection against the harsh environment. Pine, douglas fir, white spruce and hemlock are among the trees that survive in the taiga.

Vegetation

There is little in the way of vegetation that can stand the cold and the acidic soil surrounding evergreen trees. Some lichens and mosses have adapted to withstand these conditions.

Source:

RUnet.edu: Taiga or Boreal Forest

BluePlanetBiomes.org: Taiga