Museum Wiesbaden - Where the Buffalo roamed - North America's Wildlife and Native People

compiled by
F. Geller-Grimm
& Cordula Page

Last change:
07.06.2002

America, land of unlimited opportunities and contradictions. Global power, hightech industries, and skyscrapers, but also endless plains, pristine forests and spectacular landscapes. No surprise that Europeans always have been fascinated by this continent. What, however, is it that makes North America so special, what are the characteristics of its wildlife and how did humans make a living in that environment?
Travel with us across the Atlantic and discover amazing animals in their respective habitats. You will also encounter American Indians and how they used to live. Some of it can only be reconstructed since the past 500 years have changed this continent like no other.

MOUNTAINS
In contrast to Europe the two main mountain ranges are oriented from north to south. The Appalaches in the east and the Rocky Mountains in the west form a wedge and strongly influence the climate of the Great Plains.

FORESTS
Large continuous forest areas are restricted to the North (coniferous forest), the Rocky Mountains and the western Appalaches. The latter are a popular tourist destination in autumn during the socalled "Indian Summer".

PRAIRIE
The Great Plains were covered by vast areas of grassland communities supporting a characteristic fauna and flora. Today they are one of the biggest agricultural areas of the world. Genuine prairie is restricted to relatively small areas.

DESERT
Large areas of the southwestern US are dry steppe and desert. Tourist attractions such as the Grand Canyon and the Sonora desert with its famous Saguaro cacti and many western movies made this region well-known.

[Foto: Günter Bernhard]