Whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis) is a valuable wildlife resource in the western United States and southwestern Canada. Its large seeds are a preferred food for a variety of birds and mammals, especially Clark's nutcrackers (Nucifraga columbiana), red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), and bears (Ursus spp.). Whitebark pine communities provide food and shelter for nongranivorous species as well.

In many areas, whitebark pine populations are being depleted by advancing forest succession and insect and disease epidemics. Extensive but unknown numbers of whitebark pine were lost to mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae) in the Intermountain West in the 1970's and early 1980's. Dwarf mistletoe (Arceuthobium spp.) is a significant source of mortality in some parts of California, Oregon, Nevada, and Wyoming. White pine blister rust (Cronartium ribicola) has killed much of the whitebark pine in portions of the Inland Northwest.

This paper summarizes available information on the status and health of whitebark pine and on its importance to wildlife. Widespread losses of this species have a variety of implications for management issues such as the restoration of grizzly bear (U. arctos horribilis) populations. The need for better information on the status of whitebark pine is discussed.