ECOZONE
TAIGA SHIELD
ECOREGION
Selwyn Lake Upland
Hectares: 2,860,000 ha (4%)
Precambrian rocks forming broad,sloping uplands together with numerous lakes and prominent sandy ridges trending in a northeast-southwest direction characterize the landscape. Rugged bedrock exposures are common.
Most of the bedrock, however, is covered by sandy glacial deposits, giving this ecoregion a more subdued appearance than the Tazin Lake Upland to the west. Ecologically, this ecoregion occurs within the subarctic zone, which is considered transitional between the boreal forest to the south and tundra to the north. Perennially frozen soils are more widespread here than elsewhere in the province; the trees are generally shorter, and the forests are more open. Black spruce with a conspicuous lichen understorey is typical of the region. Arctic flora is present in some plant communities.
Wildlife populations are relatively sparse with the most noticeable species being moose, black bear, timber wolf, arctic fox, wolverine and snowshoe hare. Barren-ground caribou migrate from the Northwest Territories into this region during most winters. Harris's sparrow, tree sparrow, gray-cheeked thrush and pine grosbeak are characteristic birds.
LANDSCAPE AREA
- A1 Dunvegan Lake Upland
- A2 Eynard Lake Upland
- A3 Robins Lake Upland
- A4 Striding River Upland
- A5 Nueltin Lake Plain
- A6 Seale River Plain