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Ecosystems

Drought can alter the ecological balance of natural systems and harm fish, wildlife, and plant species, as well as the services that these ecosystems provide to human communities.

Ecological Regions in Drought

U.S. Forests in Drought
Value Map Hex Color
Forests #006600
U.S. Prairies in Drought
Value Map Hex Color
Prairies #663399
U.S. Deserts in Drought
Value Map Hex Color
Deserts #663333
U.S. Mediterranean Regions in Drought
Value Map Hex Color
Mediterranean #339999
U.S. Drought Monitor Categories
Value Map Hex Color
D0 #ffff00
D1 #ffcc99
D2 #ff6600
D3 #ff0000
D4 #660000

18
currently active large wildfires, according to the National Interagency Fire Center
48.8 Million
acres of forest in Severe Drought (D2 - D4)
48.4 Million
acres of prairies in Severe Drought (D2 - D4)
Key Issues

Ecological Drought

Drought can impact natural ecosystems and the services they provide to human communities.

Integrated Planning

Natural ecosystems and their benefits should be incorporated into future planning for drought impacts.

Related Content

Data & Maps | Vegetation

Drought can result in reduced growth rates, leaf loss, and increased stress on vegetation. Visit this page to view data, maps, and tools that monitor and forecast drought's effects on vegetation.

Research & Learn | Ecological Drought

Healthy ecological systems support every form of life, and drought can alter or degrade critical ecosystem functions and services. Learn more about ecological drought here.

Research & Learn | Flash Drought

Flash drought can quickly deplete soil moisture and dramatically increase evaporative stress on the environment. Learn more about flash drought here.