What lives in Coastal Western Hemlock ecosystems?
The plant growth in CWH ecosystems is very lush, due to the mild winters, high rainfall and a long growing season. Coniferous trees in CWH ecosystems can reach massive proportions. Common varieties include Western Hemlock, Western Red cedar, Amabilis Fir, and in some places Sitka Spruce and Yellow Cedar. Other common plants include: • A well-developed shrub layer composed of Huckleberry, Alaska Blueberry, Salal, and Dull Oregon Grape • A fairly sparse herb layer composed of Deer Fern; and a diverse moss layer. The CWH ecosystem harbours an enormous variety of wildlife, including most of the important coastal species. Examples include: • Large mammals such as Black tailed Deer, Black Bear, Coyote, Gray Wolf and Grizzly Bear (on the mainland) • Most species of resident and migratory seabirds, shorebirds and waterfowl, and forest-dwelling birds such as Great Horned Owl, Barred Owl, Blue Grouse, Ruffed Grouse, Band-tailed Pigeon, Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, Hairy Woodpecker, Com
