Biodiversity in King County

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity can be used to describe the variety of living organisms, from genetic diversity through species, to higher taxonomic levels and includes the variety of habitats, ecosystems, and landscapes in which the species are found.

Genes or genetic diversity

Genetic diversity might be the most important level of biodiversity to conserve because it is the most fundamental. When adequate amounts of habitat are available and populations are large, resilient, and able to move around naturally, plants and animals can remain genetically diverse. When they are genetically diverse, they can better respond to changing environments, competition, predation, and major disturbances. When these responses become permanent changes, evolution and adaptation are taking place.

Species

Plants and animals are the first things most people think of when considering biodiversity. Learn more about the plant and animal species of King County:

• Birds and mammals: Approximately 220 species of breeding and non-breeding birds are typically seen each year in King County. There are also more than 100 mammal species that inhabit or visit King County, like the whales that travel through Puget Sound.
• Reptiles, amphibians, and freshwater fish: At least 13 species of amphibians and 8 species of reptile are thought to breed in the county. About 50 species of native fish (and 20 species of introduced fish) are found in the freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes of King County.
• Invertebrates (marine, freshwater, and terrestrial): There are thousands of terrestrial invertebrate species including the incredibly important pollinators. In the County’s marine environment, some 500 species of invertebrate animals can be found.
• Plants: An astounding 1,249 (383 introduced) species of vascular plants have been identified in the county. The Northwest Native Plant Guide offers extensive information about supporting native plants in King County.

Ecosystems and habitats

Because of its size, topography, and geology, the diversity of landscapes and habitats in King County is dramatic. From the imposing presence of the Cascade Mountains to rare and sensitive lowland bogs, King County possesses an astonishing array of landforms and habitats.

The aquatic habitats of King County include a variety of wetland types, large and small lakes, rivers and streams together with their riparian areas, and habitats of the marine waters of the County. The terrestrial habitats of King County include distinctive land-based vegetation communities found in the lowlands, highlands, and sub-alpine and alpine areas of the County.

Although some of these habitat types are relatively undisturbed (especially in subalpine and alpine areas), many have been dramatically altered as the result of human-induced changes over the last century and a half.

Ecoregions

Ecoregions are the largest unit of biodiversity. A system of mapped ecological regions, or ecoregions, helps us use knowledge about soils, elevation, hydrology, geology, and climate to better understand the species present and how they interact with each other and the landscape.

Ecoregions provide an ecological perspective for planning and management of natural resources and a useful framework for the discussion of marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environs of the county.

Learn about King County's ecoregions

Natural processes

Natural processes contribute to thriving biodiversity of genes, species and populations, and habitats and ecosystems. Ecosystems and habitats suitable for particular species communities are the result of various geologic, hydrologic, and biologic processes.