Watauga County

Ecosystem Overview

The Watauga County ecosystem supports 100 documented wildlife species across 93 taxonomic genera. Located in Watauga 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 Boone, Watauga County hosts 59% more species diversity. This location ranks #1 for species diversity among 4 Watauga 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. Boone

+59% species diversity

Ecosystem Overview

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Biodiversity Highlights

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Species Distribution

Very Common‌

Common‌

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Regional Context

Regional Ranking

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Most Common Species

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

Odocoileus virginianus

Key Deer

Very Common14 obs.

Rhododendron maximum

Big Rhododendron

Very Common11 obs.

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Rainbow Trout

Very Common9 obs.

Asclepias syriaca

Virginia-Silk

Very Common9 obs.

Salvelinus fontinalis

brook trout

Very Common9 obs.

Passerina cyanea

Indigo Bunting

Common8 obs.

Bombus impatiens

Common Eastern Bumblebee

Common8 obs.

Campaea perlata

Pale Beauty Moth

Common7 obs.

Silene virginica

fire-pink

Common7 obs.

Battus philenor

Pipevine Swallowtail

Common7 obs.

Impatiens pallida

Jewelweed

Common7 obs.

Diphasiastrum digitatum

southern running-pine

Occasional7 obs.

Sassafras albidum

White Sassafras

Occasional6 obs.

Kalmia latifolia

Mountain-Laurel

Occasional6 obs.

Phytolacca americana

American pokeweed

Occasional6 obs.

Castanea dentata

Toothed Chestnut

Occasional6 obs.

Pinus strobus

White Pine

Occasional6 obs.

Verbascum thapsus

Aaron'S-Rod

Rare6 obs.

Lithobates catesbeianus

Common Bullfrog

Rare6 obs.

Pyrrharctia isabella

Isabella Tiger Moth

Rare5 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 Watauga County. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

100

Species Count

+335%

vs. Regional Average

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

Nearby Natural Areas

Boone

Importance: 0.43

63 species

+59% vs. current

Bass Lake

Importance: 0.35

3 species

+3233% vs. current

Chetola Lake

Importance: 0.35

2 species

+4900% 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 Watauga 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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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

100

Species Count

+335%

vs. Regional Average

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

Nearby Natural Areas

Boone

Importance: 0.43

63 species

+59% vs. current

Bass Lake

Importance: 0.35

3 species

+3233% vs. current

Chetola Lake

Importance: 0.35

2 species

+4900% 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. Boone

+59% species diversity

Isabella Tiger Moth

Rare5 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.