Alabama’s wildlife diversity is exceptional, ranging from the mountain ridges in the north to the coastal marshes on the Gulf of Mexico. This fauna is supported by a mix of climate, geography, and extensive waterways. The state’s natural habitats reveal a landscape teeming with both familiar creatures and unique animals.
Why Alabama is a Biodiversity Hotspot
The extraordinary number of species in Alabama stems from a convergence of geological and climatic factors. The state acts as a transition zone where several major ecoregions meet, including the Appalachian foothills, the Piedmont, and the Gulf Coastal Plain. This complex geology provides a mosaic of distinct habitats, from the rocky substrates of the Ridge-and-Valley region to the deep, sandy soils of the southern plains.
The warm, moist climate fuels a long growing season and high levels of productivity. The Southeast is one of the wettest regions in North America, and this ample rainfall feeds the state’s extensive network of rivers and streams. This combination of varied geography and abundant water creates conditions for a high rate of speciation and habitat specialization.
Iconic and Common Terrestrial Species
The forests and fields of Alabama are home to many widespread land animals. The white-tailed deer is the most commonly encountered large mammal, thriving in the state’s woodlands. Though sightings are less frequent, the American black bear, the state’s official mammal, can be found in the dense swamps of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta and remote areas of the northeast.
Smaller mammals are visible in both rural and urban environments, including the adaptable coyote, the nocturnal Virginia opossum, and various squirrels. The eastern gray squirrel is ubiquitous, while the southern flying squirrel occupies the tree canopy. Reptiles are also common, such as the eastern box turtle, frequently seen traversing forest floors.
A wide array of snakes, such as the non-venomous eastern kingsnake and the common garter snake, inhabit these environments. In the air, the Northern Flicker, the state bird, is a recognizable large woodpecker that often forages on the ground. Other common birds like the Northern Mockingbird and various hawk species are permanent residents.
The Unique Aquatic World of Alabama
Alabama’s aquatic environment is globally recognized, giving the state the highest freshwater biodiversity in the United States. This richness is centered in the vast Mobile Basin, a river system that drains most of the state into Mobile Bay. This basin is home to over 300 species of freshwater fish, a number unmatched by any other state.
The fish fauna includes numerous species of darters, small, bottom-dwelling fish known for their vibrant colors and high rate of endemicity. The river systems are also a hotspot for invertebrates, containing the greatest diversity of freshwater mussels and aquatic snails globally. Mussels are filter feeders that maintain water quality and indicate the overall health of the river system.
In the slow-moving rivers and marshlands of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, the American Alligator is the apex predator. The alligator helps regulate the ecosystem by controlling prey populations and creating “alligator holes,” which retain water during dry periods. The delta region is a transitional zone where freshwater meets the Gulf of Mexico, enhancing biological variety.
Rare, Endemic, and Protected Wildlife
Much of Alabama’s wildlife is found nowhere else, highlighting the state’s unique evolutionary history and the importance of localized conservation. The Red Hills Salamander is the only terrestrial vertebrate species entirely endemic to Alabama, restricted to a narrow band of forested ravines. This large, lungless amphibian is federally listed as threatened due to its specialized habitat requirements and low mobility.
The state’s waterways also harbor numerous endemic species under protection, such as the Flattened Musk Turtle, confined to the Black Warrior River watershed. Another aquatic species is the Black Warrior Waterdog, a large, gilled salamander that became federally endangered due to habitat loss within its limited range. Conservation efforts, including the state’s Forever Wild program, focus on protecting habitat for these specialized and vulnerable species.