Endangered Species From Mollusks To Mammals
Remnants of beautiful and diverse habitats remain in southern Indiana as wetlands, woodlands and cave systems enrich the region.
The wetlands at Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife Area, the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area, combined with the woodlands found in the Hoosier National Forest and surrounding parks and wildlife areas along with important cave systems make this a unique place in our state and in our country. Each of these distinctive habitats contain plant and wildlife species that are needed for a healthy ecosystem to be able to meet our endless needs. These large tracts of land are CRUCIAL.
The overwhelming numbers of wildlife species on Indiana’s endangered species list or the species of special concern list are too numerous to ignore the need for habitat and funding. Listed species range from mollusks to mammals and includes invertebrates, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Many of the state listed species are also listed as federally endangered.
Invertebrates in trouble is troubling; we share their fresh water habitats. Our native fresh water mollusks do more than gorge on algae or filter water for nourishment: they are an important food that helps sustain wildlife throughout the entire food chain. Native wildlife species are predators or prey or both. Along with native plants, clean water and soil; this predator/prey system is needed for a balanced habitat that will benefit us. It is a fragile system on limited supplies.
By naturally controlling an array of pest problems, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals are indispensable to us. Try to view these beneficial species in a good way – a worse mosquito population should be more frightening than the outward appearance of a bat. Out of the 11 species of bat surviving in Indiana I found only one, the big brown bat, that was not on the state’s endangered species or the species of special concern lists. Our bats are having a hard enough time surviving as it is and according to the DNR’s web site, bats are also struggling with a disease called white-nosed syndrome caused by a deadly fungus.
We as humans greatly impact habitat, wildlife and all renewable resources. Help make our impact a positive one by reading the information available on the web site dnr.IN.gov and be sure to check out the fact sheet on mosquitoes. We are fortunate to have available the information compiled by the dedicated people from all of the DNR’s divisions. Thanks to everyone involved. To view the list or to learn how you can support the Indiana Nongame Fund go to endangeredwildlife. IN.gov.
The Goose Pond FWA (Greene County) Bird List contains many bird species that have been sighted at this remarkable place. American bitterns, least bitterns, black-crowned and yellowcrowned night herons, whooping cranes, sedge and marsh wrens, king and black rails, ospreys, northern harriers, peregrine falcons, barn owls and short-eared owls – ALL are endangered species. More information about Goose Pond FWA can be found on the DNR’s web site or by calling (812) 659-9901.
Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge in Pike and Gibson Counties is a valuable natural resource with essential and diverse plant and wildlife species. The immense beauty of the refuge fills all the senses with the cycle of life that supports us. Many endangered species and species of special concern depend on this vital area. Henslow’s sparrows, great egrets, bald eagles, Indiana bats and many more have been sighted here according to the refuge’s web site. I encourage everyone to read the beautifully written history of the Patoka Refuge found on the web site www.fws.gov/midwest/patokariverthen get out there and experience this rich natural resource that is also rich in history.
The nature center at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve in Evansville offers excellent opportunities to see some of the state’s endangered species up close including the alligator snapping turtle/ the ornate box turtle and the barn owl. Call (812) 479-0771 or go to www.wesselmannaturesociety. org for more information.
You don’t have to venture far to experience a nature adventure in Indiana. Wetlands^ woodlands and caves are just a short drive away, so “unplug” the children and introduce them to nature’s connection. Check the DNR’s web site or the recreation and fishing guides for area rules and regulations. Please visit and support funding for these very important wild places that really do support us.
