Biodiversity

Acadia National Park is in a transition zone between temperate deciduous and northern coniferous forests along the Gulf of Maine and Atlantic flyway, overlying glacially sculpted granite mountains with interspersed glacially scoured ake beds and bounded by rocky headlands. Noteworthy natural resources include both coniferous and deciduous coastal spruce-fir forest, subalpine communities, heaths and marshes, an exceptionally diverse flora, over 40 species of mammals, and documented sightings of over 300 bird species. This abundance of biodversity is one of the things that makes Acadia National Park so special.

A great variety of plants overlie the Acadian landscape. The park is located in the midst of a broad transition zone from southern deciduous to northern coniferous forests. Local habitats range from seashore to mountaintop. The islands of the region mark the southern breeding limit for several bird species. Continuous, well documented observation by professional park staff and qualified amateurs has confirmed the gradual extension of southern and temperate bird species to the islands. With 21 species of breeding warblers, with northern and southern birds intermingled, and with seabirds alongside land birds, Acadia is considered one of the premier bird-watching areas in the country.

Forty miles of rocky shoreline along with the abundant nutrients of the sea are responsible for a tremendously rich intertidal flora and fauna, well exposed by the 10‑ to 12‑foot tidal range. This range, coupled with the rich terrestrial environment, results in an extremely varied assemblage of plant and animal life within the park.