Species of Conservation Concern

Species of Conservation Concern

The Ozarks and the Illinois River Watershed are blessed with a wide variety of habitat and abundant floral and faunal biodiversity. From cave ecosystems to dry, upland, deciduous forests, the Illinois River Watershed has those and many different ecosystems in between. Because of this diversity of habitats, a large diversity of species is present (or was historically) within the watershed. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, ten species qualify as Threatened or Endangered while 3 species are Proposed Endangered or Candidate. All species are either dependent on aquatic habitat or on healthy native plant population and oak-hickory riparian forests that surround them. IRWP works to conserve and restore these habitats; particularly in and around creeks, rivers, and streams in order to maintain or improve water quality.