When hiking through the high elevations of the park, you may hear the distinct raspy calls of the Clark’s Nutcracker. For the hardy Whitebark pine, this bird is more than a noisy member of the forest. It is a key component to the pine’s survival. Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) is a slow-growing, rugged tree that thrives in high-elevation mountain regions of North America.
Whitebark Pine Research & Recovery
Renowned for its resilience, this keystone species plays a vital role in the park’s ecosystem by stabilizing soil, regulating water flow, and providing food for over 19 wildlife species including grizzly bears, and habitat for numerous wildlife species. One of its most notable mutualistic relationships is with Clark’s Nutcracker, a bird that relies on Whitebark pine seeds for sustenance. In turn, the bird helps disperse these seeds, ensuring the tree’s propagation. However, Whitebark pines are currently facing severe threats from a changing climate, pine beetle infestations, and white pine blister rust. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect and restore these trees, which are integral to the health and biodiversity of the park.
This project relies on Yellowstone Forever funding to gain park-level data and knowledge of whitebark pine health so park managers can strategically identify areas of highest risk and probability of successful recovery of this keystone species.
Also be sure to watch the fantastic short film below, The Bird and the Tree, which is currently showing at the Old Faithful and Canyon Visitor Education Centers. This film was produced by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Ricketts Conservation Foundation.
