Cross Timbers

The Cross Timbers is an ecoregion in the central United States, characterized by a mix of forest, woodland, and prairie ecosystems. It spans parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, covering approximately 47,000 square miles (120,000 km²). The region is known for its unique combination of oak forests and grasslands, which support a diverse range of flora and fauna.

Geography

The Cross Timbers region is situated between the Great Plains to the west and the Eastern deciduous forest to the east. It is bordered by the Central forest-grasslands transition to the north, the Central Great Plains to the northwest, the Flint Hills to the northeast, the Ozark Highlands to the east, and the Western Gulf coastal grasslands to the south.

Flora

The dominant vegetation in the Cross Timbers includes various species of oaks, such as the post oak (Quercus stellata) and the blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica), along with hickorys and other hardwoods. The understory is typically composed of shrubs and grasses, including little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans).

Fauna

The Cross Timbers supports a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), and numerous species of songbirds, reptiles, and amphibians. The region's mix of habitats provides critical resources for both resident and migratory species.

Conservation

The Cross Timbers is considered a critical/endangered ecoregion due to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by agriculture, urbanization, and other human activities. Efforts to conserve the region's biodiversity include the establishment of protected areas and the implementation of sustainable land management practices.

Human History

The Cross Timbers has a rich cultural history, with evidence of Native American habitation dating back thousands of years. The region was historically inhabited by tribes such as the Caddo, Comanche, and Kiowa. European settlers began to move into the area in the 19th century, leading to significant changes in land use and ecosystem dynamics.

See also

• Great Plains
• Eastern deciduous forest
• Central forest-grasslands transition
• Western Gulf coastal grasslands