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At about 8,000 feet, the forest complex changes into the Ponderosa Pine Zone. Increased rainfall, which averages about 16 inches a year, supports a more luxuriant growth of Ponderosa Pine . Because of the greater variety of vegetation, wildlife is attracted to this zone. One of the most abundant shrubs that is associated with trees characteristic of the 8,000 foot elevation is the green leaf manzanita. Growing in profusion along the canyon rim, it often carpets the slopes beneath the towering ponderosa pine . Leaves of this shrub tend to be vertically oriented with respect to the ground. Furthermore, they often face in a north south direction. These features permit the stronger rays of the sun to strike only a small surface of the leaf, which thus conserves water. Winter snows also protect the leaves from freezing; as a result, the manzanita has evolved to grow no higher than the snows that surround it in winter. The highest tier is the Spruce-Fir-Aspen Zone, which is located above 9,000 feet. One tree that is often found in the more exposed portions of this zone is the bristlecone pine. This species is named for the long, slender, bristlelike prickles that grow on the end of each cone scale. Unlike most trees, the bristlecone pine can eke out a living under extremely adverse climatic conditions because small sections of the tree remain alive, although the greater part dies off. With the return of clement weather, the tree rebounds and growth resumes. Because of its unique ability, the bristlecone pine is the longest lived organism on earth; the oldest pine tree in Bryce is estimated to be 1,700 years old. Interspersed between bush and trees in the Spruce-Fir-Aspen Zone is a profusion of wildflowers whose brief existence complements the beauty of the understory. These species add vivid coloration to the drab brush, which is predominantly green or brown. One of the first flowers to herald the approach of spring is the star lily, which dots the high forest floor. The tufted, grasslike leaves of this flower surround one or more small, fragrant white flowers. Blossoms begin to open while patches of snow remain in the May forest. Another lily that thrives in the park's fir forest is the sego lily, which is the state flower of Utah. Other flowers common to the park are the Indian paintbrush, penstemon, wild iris, and columbine. Rabbitbrush is another abundant plant; when cool air turns its green leaves a radiant yellow, residents know that autumn cannot be far away. Wildlife Prairie dogs have long been controversial animals. Ranchers and farmers detest them because they dig holes into which horses occasionally step and because they consume vast amounts of vegetation. But they are vital contributors to the ecology of their natural habitats. Their presence is a key to the existence of other species of wildlife. For instance, some of their communities attract burrowing owls and snakes. Although prairie dogs are native to Bryce, they had been eliminated by the early 1950s. In 1974, the National Park Service began to reestablish this rodent in sites near the Visitor Center and Sunset Campground. By 1978, a few successful breeding colonies had been established. These colonies have flourished, and prairie dogs again inhabit the park in relatively stable numbers. Three chipmunks species live in Bryce. The most prevalent is the Uinta chipmunks, which abounds on the plateau and along the rim. In the canyon, the least and cliff chipmunks may sometimes be seen. The only animal with which chipmunks may be confused is the golden mantled ground squirrel, which is particularly abundant along the rim and at automobile turnouts along the road. It can be differentiated from chipmunks by its markings: its body stripes do not extend along the face, but stop near the base of the neck. Mule deer are common on the plateau and are frequently seen in summer in meadows at dawn or dusk. During the winter, should heavy snows blanket their food supplies, these animals may drift down from the plateau to lower elevations outside the park. Many mammals that make their homes in Bryce are secretive and seldom seen. Examples include the bobcat, the gray fox, and the striped skunk. Many resident birds soar among the park's hoodoos or flit from branch to branch. Among these are the Steller's jay, the golden eagle, the raven, the red tailed hawk, the Clark's nutcracker, the pygmy nuthatch, a variety of woodpeckers, and the engaging blue grouse. Blue grouse, which are common in the spruce-fir-aspen community, conduct courtship displays in the spring that add interest to them as a species. Another resident is the white throated swift, which may dive at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when foraging for insects. The vividly colored western tanager is a frequent visitor. Most reptiles find Bryce too cold, however, the skink, a small scaled lizard, is seen occasionally, and the short horned lizard is found in abundance. The skink darts among the rocks for protection, while the short horned lizard, unusual among reptiles in that it gives birth to live young, relies on changing coloration to evade its predators, which are legion. These reptiles are active during the day, and sharp eyed visitors may see one basking in the sun on a rock or against a fallen tree. Extract from "The Sierra Club Guides To The National Parks Desert Southwest". Published by Stewart, Tabori & Chang. Distributed by Random House. 1984. |
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