Southern Rivers explores the Southeast’s imperiled river systems and solutions for preserving them in the face of habitat loss, climate change, and extinction
A Look Inside Southern Rivers
Westernmost tip of Fair Point on the Gulf Breeze Peninsula
Headwater mountain streams harbor an exceptional range of freshwater species and provide clean water to the region. Pictured here is the Raven Fork in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina. Courtesy of Alan Cressler.
The Apalachicola River as seen from the Garden of Eden Trail in the Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve, owned by the Nature Conservancy. Courtesy of Alan Cressler.
The remains of weirs on the Etowah River in Georgia, survive in some southeastern rivers. Courtesy of Alan Cressler.
Southeastern creeks and rivers sparkle with exquisite fishes, but many species are on the brink of extinction.
The region’s rivers are the epicenter of North American freshwater biodiversity and are the top global hotspot for important aquatic animals including mussels, turtles, snails, crayfish, and fish, many of which have made important contributions to southern life and culture.
Slackwater Darter courtesy of Bernie Kuhajda, Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute.
Rainbow Shiner courtesy of Bernie Kuhajda, Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute.
Scarlet Shiner courtesy of Bernie Kuhajda, Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute.
Blackbanded Darter courtesy of Alan Cressler.
R. Scot Duncan is a biologist and executive director of Alabama Audubon. He is author of Southern Wonder: Alabama’s Surprising Biodiversity, winner of the Southern Environmental Law Center’s 2014 Phil Reed Environmental Writing Award, and the Southeastern Library Association’s 2013 Overall Excellence: Hard Cover Award.
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Also by R. Scot Duncan
Southern Wonder explores Alabama’s amazing biological diversity, the reasons for the large number of species in the state, and the importance of their preservation.
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