With some of the largest forested blocks remaining in the southeastern United States, the rugged lands and tumbling waters of the Cumberland Mountains and Plateau are home to a rich diversity of common and rare wildlife and plants.

What are the species of concern in the Cumberlands?

The forests and rivers of the Cumberlands are among the most biologically diverse temperate-zone habitats in the world, and harbor an extraordinary variety of plants, fish, mussels, salamanders, fungi, and other species—many of which are found only in the Cumberlands. Over 80 rare species of plants and animals occur in the project area, including 20 federally listed Endangered or Threatened animal species, one of the highest concentrations of protected species in the United States. The area also contains an extensive karst topographical region, with thousands of caves which support one of the most diverse assemblages of cave-dwelling animals on the planet.

Northern Cumberland Forest Resources HCP Covered Species

Cumberland HCP Covered Species

The larger unfragmented forest tracts in the highest elevations in the Cumberland Mountains support some of the most abundant and productive populations of  cerulean warblers in the U.S..  This blue warbler is steadily declining making  the Cumberlands perhaps the most important portion of their summer range.   In the last few years, elk have been reintroduced into the mountains after they were extirpated from the region over a century ago.  Black bears are also making their way back into the Cumberland Plateau and Mountains.

Fish and Mussels:

Freshwater fish and mussels have a unique connection to one another.  Each species of mussel depends on a certain species or type of fish to complete its lifecycle.  This association is intricate and unique to freshwater mussels.  In addition to this truly fascinating relationship, many of the freshwater fish and mussel species found on Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau are endemic, that is, they are found no where else in the world. When present, many of these fish and mussel species are also considered to be excellent indicators of good water quality.

 Freshwater mussels are one of the most endangered groups of organisms in the United States.  Most of the species of freshwater mussels are found in the Southeastern US and they are especially sensitive to pollution and sedimentation.  At first glance these critters look to be little more than rocks, it takes a bit closer inspection and a sharp eye to see the defining features that include bright yellow and green spots, stripes, and pearlescent interiors of these fascinating creatures.  That same sharp eye might spot some jewel bright blue, orange or green darting through the water as well.  Freshwater fish, especially during the early spring breeding season are easily as colorful as tropical varieties.  The waters of Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau are teaming with life.