Celebrate Endangered Species Day (May 15) by learning more
about Iowa endangered and threatened animals and plants. Printable fact sheets
are available on the DNR Education website.
Iowa’s wildlife has changed tremendously since Euro-American settlement (160 years ago). Many species have been extirpated. Others’ populations have dwindled to the point they now are listed as endangered. Still others have increased in number and range size. Many once extirpated have been reintroduced and now have stable populations. Wide ranging species (e.g., black bear, wolf, mountain lion, moose) occasionally reappear in Iowa as their populations in nearby states increase.
In Iowa, 47 animals and 64 plants are listed as endangered (populations are low, scientists feel the species could become extinct). Another 89 plants and 35 animals are listed as threatened (populations are declining, may become endangered). A species can be listed as endangered or threatened at the state or federal level, depending on the extent of the area where the population is declining. Federally endangered species found within a state’s borders automatically are placed on the state list. Endangered species lists constantly change.
Many endangered or threatened species are specialists (have
very restrictive habitat needs, eat only a few foods, or require specific kinds
or sizes of habitat). The leading cause for a species becoming endangered or
threatened is habitat loss.
Helpful Resources
LivingOn The Edge: Profiles of Federally Listed Species in Iowa Iowa'sThreatened and Endangered Species Program
U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service
EndangeredSpecies Coalition
