Snow pack

Snow packs are immobile near-permanent habitats that may persist in the limit of perpetual snow, in particular in avalanche corridors. However, they are susceptible to disappear completely during hot summers, thus excluding accumulation of ice. In spite of the extreme conditions of the habitat, some organisms do grow in this hostile habitat. This is the case of several cryosestonic unicellular algae, whose proliferation gives a reddish or greenish colour to snow packs. Some animals complete part of their life cycle on melting snow, e.g. chip snow (Boreus hyemalis, a Mecoptera) and several Coleoptera and Diptera, where they feed of pollen grains, frozen insects, etc. In Fennoscandia, reindeer gather on snow pack areas for the hottest summer days. Snow pack habitats are found mainly in high altitudes or latitudes. In Europe, the summits of the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Scandes, the Carpathian range, Balkan mountains and the Caucasus are concerned, as well as the arctic regions.

Indicators of good quality:

Quality indicators are difficult to propose for this habitat. Animal species cited below could be candidates.

Synthesis of Red List assessment

Confidence in the assessment

Pressures and threats