Biodiversity
When people things of Iowa they tend to think about corn, pigs, and cows. They do not normally think about the diversity that is in the state. Today researcher put the number of wildlife species at over 1,000. That does not even include the large number of plant species that also call the state home.
These numbers were higher in the past, like most of the planet. At one time the entire state was covered in tall grass prairies, which were incredibly diverse. Today though a small percentage of our land is still in its natural state.
Endangered Species
Just like the rest of the world Iowa has its own endangered species. According the DNR Iowa has 18 invertebrate species endangered and 29 vertebrate species. This does not even include the number of species that are threatened or under special concern. The full list can be found here.
Below are images of Endangered species here in Iowa.
Conservation
Even in your own backyard there are species that need protecting. One way to help some of them is the plant native species in your gardens. This will provide food sources to invertebrates like bees and butterflies, but also can help other species that feed on insects or the plants themselves.
Also, when one of the species gets into your home, like a bat or other species that we see as pests, don’t kill them. Remove them safely so they can continue to live and reproduce.
Native prairie, forest, and other habitats need to be protected as well. These areas will help the endangered species bounce back and continue to reproduce.
Species Spotlights 