Valley Ecosystems

Diverse plant communities thrive in Yosemite's varied habitats

This perspective highlights the incredible biodiversity that exists within Yosemite's varied elevations and microclimates, from valley floor oak woodlands to high-elevation alpine environments. The park serves as a refuge for over 1,500 plant species and provides critical habitat for numerous wildlife species, including black bears, mountain lions, and over 260 bird species. The ecological diversity found here demonstrates how topographic variation creates multiple distinct habitats within a single protected area.