Celebrate Endangered
Species Day (May 20) by learning more about Iowa endangered and threatened
animals and plants.
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.
Iowa's endangered and threatened species law was enacted in
1975; 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.
Endangered or threatened species usually are monitored
closely and their remaining habitats are protected. This special attention can pay
off. An endangered species can be brought back from the brink and removed from
the list instead of becoming extinct (e.g., peregrine falcon). The use of DDT
(a now illegal pesticide) is the main reason this bird became endangered. DDT
was banned, birds were reintroduced in suitable areas, and they were protected from
shooting. After almost 30 years, the peregrine was removed from the federal endangered
species list in 1998. In 2000, for the first time in about 40 years, five pairs
of peregrines were documented nesting on the cliffs of the Mississippi River.
Several of these falcons were identified as originating from Iowa releases or
nests. In 2013, 15 territories were active and 13 successful nests produced 31
young around Iowa.
Thanks to a vast number of citizen scientists and volunteers
who spearheaded the recovery of peregrine
falcons in Iowa, this fascinating species has successfully returned to the
state.
Helpful Resources
Living
On The Edge: Profiles of Federally Listed Species in Iowa Iowa's Threatened and Endangered Species Program
National Wildlife Federation
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Endangered Species Coalition
