Whitebark Pines Under Threat 

Whitebark pines are a key species in the ecosystem of Grand Teton National Park, and they are under threat. In December 2022, the US Fish And Wildlife Service officially named the tree an endangered species.

• Causes that are hurting whitebark pines: Climate change, native pine beetles, blister rust, and altered fire regimes.
• Processes GTNP is using to save the trees: They are placing verbenone, a pheromone that discourages pine beetles from occupying trees, on the whitebark pines. They want to start placing more beetle traps in key areas. They also are planning to plant more whitebarks in the Park. 

Why are whitebark pines important? 

The trees are vital to the survival of other plants and animals because of their ability to retain carbon, improve soil and capture snow. They also feed a number of different animals in the park. For various insects, the whitebark pine is a crucial habitat. For many mammals like bears and squirrels, the trees act as an important source of protein.