What is a Coniferous Forest

A coniferous forest can be defined simply as a forest consisting of evergreen conifers or cone-bearing trees. Being considered the largest land-based biome, it covers over 15% of Earth’s total land area.

Coniferous Forest Locations

Mainly found in the cold and temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, the coniferous forest exists in an unbroken belt extending from the northern regions of Asia and Europe to northern United States, Canada, and Alaska.

Commonly known as taiga or boreal forest, the coniferous region in the northern hemisphere is the largest terrestrial biome in the world. It can also be found in some regions of the southern hemisphere.

Climate in the Coniferous Forest Regions

Temperature	-40°F (-40°C) to 77°F (25°C), average temperature in summer is 50°F (10°C)
Precipitation	Average yearly rainfall 12 inches to 35 inches

Characterized by well-defined seasons, it has long snowy winters and hot, humid summers, remaining frost free for around half of the year. Northern regions of the taiga forests have longer, drier winters and short, moderate summers, while the lower latitudes receive even rainfall throughout the year.

Abundance of Flora and Fauna

Trees and Plants: Different species of conifers are found in these forest regions with cedar, spruce, fir, pine, juniper, cypress and redwood being some of the most common and recognizable ones.

Wildlife: Large animals inhabiting these forests include lynxes, deer, moose, reindeer, mice, and squirrels.

Birds like woodpeckers, crossbills, tits, hawks, and owls are among the permanent residents of the coniferous forests, while various migratory birds, such as warblers, arrive at the beginning of spring.

The dense forest areas with humid conditions are home to countless species of beetles, ants, caterpillars, and sawflies.

Interesting Facts

• These forests boast of many redwood species, including the giant Sequoia – the largest and longest living life form in the world
• Conifers are considered to be the primary source of the commercial softwood timber required for production of paper
• The northwestern coniferous forest, spread across the northwestern regions of the United States,  is characterized by lush green vegetation, earning it the name ‘temperate rain forest’