Burke County

Ecosystem Overview

The Burke County ecosystem supports 100 documented wildlife species across 81 taxonomic genera. Located in Burke County, North Carolina, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 21 frequently observed species and 19 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. Compared to nearby Morganton, Burke County hosts 223% more species diversity. This location ranks #1 for species diversity among 4 Burke County County natural areas, placing it in the 75th percentile for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Highlights

100

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 4 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common21 species

Common30 species

Occasional30 species

Rare19 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#1 of 4 locations

75th percentile for diversity

vs. Morganton

+223% species diversity

Ecosystem Overview

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Biodiversity Highlights

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Species Distribution

Very Common‌

Common‌

Occasional‌

Rare‌

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

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Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 100 total documented species.

Pinus pungens

table-mountain pine

Very Common11 obs.

Sceloporus undulatus

Spear's Prairie Lizard [speari]

Very Common11 obs.

Galax urceolata

Very Common9 obs.

Goodyera pubescens

Downy Rattlesnake Plantain

Very Common8 obs.

Kalmia latifolia

Mountain-Laurel

Very Common8 obs.

Mitchella repens

Squawvine

Common7 obs.

Rhododendron maximum

Big Rhododendron

Common7 obs.

Oxydendrum arboreum

sourwood

Common5 obs.

Tsuga caroliniana

Carolina hemlock

Common5 obs.

Pinus strobus

White Pine

Common5 obs.

Chimaphila maculata

Spotted Pipsissewa

Common4 obs.

Quercus montana

mountain chestnut oak

Occasional4 obs.

Tsuga canadensis

Canada Hemlock

Occasional4 obs.

Magnolia fraseri

mountain magnolia

Occasional4 obs.

Kalmia buxifolia

sandmyrtle

Occasional4 obs.

Ilex opaca

white holly

Occasional4 obs.

Castanea dentata

Toothed Chestnut

Occasional4 obs.

Smilax glauca

Catbrier

Rare4 obs.

Polystichum acrostichoides

dagger fern

Rare4 obs.

Alaus oculatus

Rare3 obs.

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Most Common Species

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Get Your Personalized Field Guide

Download a professional PDF field guide featuring all the species found in Burke County. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

100

Species Count

+257%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 3 nearby locations in Burke County County, North Carolina

Nearby Natural Areas

Morganton

Importance: 0.41

31 species

+223% vs. current

Broughton Hospital Reservoir

Importance: 0.35

4 species

+2400% vs. current

Valdese

Importance: 0.30

48 species

+108% vs. current

About This Comparison

These comparisons are based on documented wildlife observations from citizen science data. Locations with higher species counts may have more observation activity, different habitat types, or larger coverage areas. Regional rankings help identify biodiversity hotspots and unique natural areas within Burke County County.

Regional Comparison

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Regional Ranking

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Species Count

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vs. Regional Average

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Nearby Natural Areas

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About This Comparison

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

100

Species Count

+257%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 3 nearby locations in Burke County County, North Carolina

Nearby Natural Areas

Morganton

Importance: 0.41

31 species

+223% vs. current

Broughton Hospital Reservoir

Importance: 0.35

4 species

+2400% vs. current

Valdese

Importance: 0.30

48 species

+108% vs. current

About This Comparison

Ecosystem Overview

Biodiversity Highlights

100

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 4 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common21 species

Common30 species

Occasional30 species

Rare19 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#1 of 4 locations

75th percentile for diversity

vs. Morganton

+223% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 100 total documented species.

Pinus pungens

table-mountain pine

Very Common11 obs.

Sceloporus undulatus

Spear's Prairie Lizard [speari]

Very Common11 obs.

Galax urceolata

Very Common9 obs.

Goodyera pubescens

Downy Rattlesnake Plantain

Very Common8 obs.

Kalmia latifolia

Mountain-Laurel

Very Common8 obs.

Mitchella repens

Squawvine

Common7 obs.

Rhododendron maximum

Big Rhododendron

Common7 obs.

Oxydendrum arboreum

sourwood

Common5 obs.

Tsuga caroliniana

Carolina hemlock

Common5 obs.

Pinus strobus

White Pine

Common5 obs.

Chimaphila maculata

Spotted Pipsissewa

Common4 obs.

Quercus montana

mountain chestnut oak

Occasional4 obs.

Tsuga canadensis

Canada Hemlock

Occasional4 obs.

Magnolia fraseri

mountain magnolia

Occasional4 obs.

Kalmia buxifolia

sandmyrtle

Occasional4 obs.

Ilex opaca

white holly

Occasional4 obs.

Castanea dentata

Toothed Chestnut

Occasional4 obs.

Smilax glauca

Catbrier

Rare4 obs.

Polystichum acrostichoides

dagger fern

Rare4 obs.

Alaus oculatus

Rare3 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

Get all 100 species with 3-4 high-quality images each, detailed descriptions, and a downloadable PDF for offline use.

Premium field guide includes identification tips, seasonal patterns, and professional layout optimized for field use.