Biodiversity of Alabama

Alabama has more than 6,350 species and ranks fourth among U.S. states in biodiversity, after California, Texas and Arizona, and first east of the Mississippi River [1]. Georgia ranks fifth and Florida seventh. The state has 64 terrestrial ecosystem types, including 25 forests and woodlands, 11 wetlands and seven glades and prairies, plus over 132,000 miles of rivers and streams. This entry explains the ranking, the reasons and the threats. For the general concept see biodiversity.

Rankings by group

Alabama ranks first in the nation for freshwater mussels, freshwater fishes, freshwater snails, crayfish, freshwater turtles and carnivorous plants. It ranks fourth for amphibians and reptiles combined, fifth for salamanders, ninth for plants, 14th for birds and 39th for mammals. The northeastern cave system has the third most biodiverse cave fauna in the temperate world [1]. See Caves of Alabama.

A freshwater hotspot

Alabama is at the center of a Southeastern freshwater biodiversity hotspot with more freshwater species than any non-tropical region, and the Tennessee River and Mobile River Basin show especially high speciation. The vermilion darter lives in a single small watershed, Turkey Creek in Jefferson County [1]. See Rivers of Alabama and Freshwater Fishes of Alabama.

Plants and salamanders

The Southern Appalachians harbor more than 40 salamander species and subspecies, and plethodontid salamanders make up more than half of Alabama’s salamander species. Most carnivorous plants live in coastal plain seepage bogs, and green pitcher plants occur in Cumberland Plateau bogs. Rare plants include the Little River Canyon onion and elf orpine. New species found in the first decade of the 2000s include the Red Hills azalea, the Tallapoosa sculpin, the Alabama bass and the cypress floater [1]. See Little River Canyon National Preserve.

Why so diverse

Latitude between 30 and 35 degrees north gives abundant sunlight, a long growing season and high rainfall, with warmth and moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. Before statehood most of the state burned at least once a decade, and longleaf pine woodlands can have more than 30 fire-adapted species per square meter. Varied geology and the repeated isolation of populations in mountain and stream systems drove speciation, and many Appalachian plants are closely related to East Asian species [1]. See Southern Longleaf Pine and habitat.

Threats

Alabama has 82 extinct species, the second-highest total in the United States, and ranks third for species on the federal endangered species list. Habitat loss and degradation, especially water pollution and river damming, have caused most extinctions and endangerments, and invasive species and climate change also contribute [1].

Why it matters

The article argues that protecting biodiversity sustains ecosystem services such as drinking water, flood absorption and recreation. Organizations listed in its links include the Nature Conservancy Alabama and the Alabama Wildlife Federation [1]. See Geography of Alabama.

FAQs

How many species does Alabama have? More than 6,350.

Where does Alabama rank? Fourth among U.S. states.

What is Alabama best known for? First in the nation for freshwater mussels, fishes, snails, crayfish and turtles.

What are the main threats? Habitat loss, pollution and river damming.

Sources

1. Encyclopedia of Alabama: Biodiversity in Alabama
2. Encyclopedia of Alabama: River Systems and Watersheds of Alabama

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 10, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue