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The Southeast Plains is the most inland of two ecoregions in Georgia, the first being the Southern Plains ecoregion which is adjacent to the coastline.
Southeast Plains Information:
Description:
The Southeast Plains ecoregion comprises the Piedmont and the irregular Gulf Coastal Plains, where 50 to 80 percent of the area slopes gently toward the coasts. Local relief is 100 to 600 feet on the Gulf Coastal Plains, and 300 to 1,000 feet on the Piedmont. The Southern Plains, which continues to the coastline has a gentle slopes and local relief of 100 feet and less.
Most of the numerous streams in the region are sluggish, with the marshes, lakes, and swamps numerous throughout.
The soil is mostly of clay composition that forms wide, deep cracks when dry, but in the flood plains of major waterways, the soil is better for crops.
Climate:
The climate is roughly uniform throughout the region with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The average annual temperature is 60 to 70F. The growing season is long with about 200 to 300 days, but frost occurs nearly every winter.
Precipitation, which averages from 40 to 60 inches annually, is rather evenly distributed throughout the year, but peaks slightly in midsummer or early spring, when it falls mostly during thunderstorms. Precipitation exceeds evaporation, but summer droughts occur. Snow falls rarely and melts almost immediately.
Fauna:
The animal species vary with the age and stocking of timber stands, percent of deciduous trees, proximity to openings, and presence of bottom-land forest types.
Mammals:
Included are
white-tailed deer and
cottontail rabbits, both of which are widespread.
When deciduous trees are present on uplands, the
fox squirrel (Sciurus.niger) is common, and the
eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus.carolinensis) live along intersecting drainages.
Both
raccoon (Bassariscus.astutus) and
fox (Vulpes.vulpes) inhabit the whole region and are hunted in many areas. Among mammals frequently encountered in the western part of this province is the
nine-banded armadillos (D.novemcinctus).
Birds:
The eastern
wild turkeys,
bobwhite, and
mourning dove are widespread. Of the 20-odd bird species present in mature forest, the most common are the
Pine warbler,
cardinal,
summer tanager,
Carolina wren,
ruby-throated hummingbird,
blue jay,
hooded warbler,
eastern towhee, and
tufted titmouse. Also, the
red-cockaded woodpecker, an endangered species is found in this ecoregion.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Forest Reptiles include snakes:
cottonmouth moccasin,
copperhead,
rough green snake,
rat snake,
coachwhip, and
speckled kingsnake.
Fench and
glass lizards are also found, as is the
slimy salamander.
Location:
Coordinates:
Elevation:
feet
Geographical Region:
Coastal Plains
The Ancients
First Wayƒarer
The Earth
The Modern Man
The Steps
Steps Afoot
Georgia Footpath Journey Index
Steps Afield
Georgia Roadpath Journey Index
The Appendixes
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