Animals live on a variety of trees that provide food, shelter, nesting sites, and cover from predators. Some key trees that support a wide range of wildlife include:
- Oaks (Quercus): Host to hundreds of caterpillar species, provide acorns for mammals and birds, and offer nesting cavities.
- Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana): Offers year-round cover, nesting spots, and berries for birds.
- Willows (Salix): Provide nectar for pollinators and browsing for herbivores.
- Red Mangroves (Rhizophora mangle): Support a rich animal ecosystem including mammals, birds, and reptiles.
- Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa): Seeds feed birds and small mammals; larger animals take shelter.
- Beech (Fagus): Produce nuts eaten by mammals and birds, with cavities used for shelter.
- Native Cherry or Plum (Prunus): Leaves feed caterpillars; fruits eaten by birds and mammals.
- Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris): Home to many species including endangered ones, offers diverse plants and wildlife habitat.
- Cottonwoods (Populus): Used by beavers, rabbits, deer, and birds; provide nesting cavities.
- Holly, Hawthorn, Hazel, Field Maple, and other native trees also support varied wildlife including insects, birds, and mammals.
These trees offer a combination of food (fruits, nuts, nectar), shelter, nesting sites (tree cavities), and protection, supporting complex ecosystems where animals live on or around trees for sustenance and habitat.
Animals Living on Trees
Some animals are specialized tree dwellers, called arboreal species, including:
- Birds (woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees)
- Squirrels and flying squirrels
- Bats (using tree cavities)
- Insects such as bark beetles
- Marsupials like tree kangaroos
- Reptiles like flying dragons (gliding lizards)
- Amphibians like tree frogs
These animals rely on trees not only for food but also for shelter, nesting sites, and movement pathways above ground.
In summary, many common native tree species serve as essential homes and food sources for a diverse array of animal species living on or around trees. The ecosystem supported by trees is rich and vital for wildlife survival.
