The MAB Program United States of America
Biosphere Reserve Information - General Description
Aleutian Islands
General Description
The Aleutian Islands
Biosphere Reserve and National Wildlife Refuge consist of most of the Aleutian
Islands and almost all Amaknak Island. These islands extend in an arc from the
Alaska Peninsula about 1,600 km to the west. Most of the islands are mountainous
as emergent peaks of a submarine mountain range which also includes some active
volcanoes.
The Aleutian Islands flora and fauna is composed of species from both the North
American and Asian continents. The vegetation is classified as
terrestrial-marine tundra composed of arctic-alpine species, dominated by heath,
grass and composite families. In general, three plant communities can be
distinguished: beach communities, lowland and upland tundra.
The Aleutian fauna has been described as a melting pot for faunal elements from
two continents including some species which evolved in the Bering Sea area. One
of the most unique features is the Aleutian Canada goose (Branta canadensis
leucopareia), a threatened species which nests in the wild only here. This bird
was exterminated from other Aleutian Islands as a result of the introduction of
arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) during the time when the islands were leased for fox
farming. The eradication of fox as well as of the introduced Norway rats is one
of the main management issues in order to restore native bird life.
There are some villages within the biosphere reserve. Natives use the natural
resources for fishing and hunting waterfowls and game as well as some livestock
raising. There are considerable World War II debris and abandoned military
installations which cause the contamination of land and sea.
Investigations are carried out regarding population status and ecology of sea
otter (Enhydra lutris) and Steller sea lion (Eumatopias jubata). Archaeological
research in the western Aleutians attempts to characterize historical and
prehistorical biodiversity.
Last updated: 06/27/2005