Animal Communities

The diversity of aquatic animals in the southern Appalachian region probably is greater than that of any other region in North America (Holt 1969, Brigham and others 1982). The area is an important center for evolution, containing many endemic species (Holt 1969). This diverse fauna has been attributed to the long-term stability of the region. There have been some climatic trends and fluctuations, but few major geological changes have occurred since the Cretaceous, some 63-135 million years ago (Holt 1969). Glaciation did not extend into this region. The cool, high-elevation streams of the southern Appalachians may contain taxa that are typical of northern climates and, therefore, do not occur elsewhere in the Southeast.

Three major animal groups occupy aquatic habitats (streams and rivers, lakes and reservoirs):

• Invertebrate Communities
• Salamanders
• Fishes

A major concern for animal communities is conservation of diversity, particularly for imperiled species.