AT-RISK BIODIVERSITY
Mapping Biodiversity Protecting species at risk
Biodiversity protection is at the heart of our mission. It’s in everything we do. It underpins every aspect of life on our planet— but it’s currently declining at an unprecedented rate. In Missouri, we have more than 70 species listed as state endangered. That list includes a wide range of species from tiny Ozark mussels and minnows, greater prairie-chickens and Indiana bats, to a variety of trees, shrubs and flowers. Each species plays vital role in the larger ecosystem. The nature we need is under threat, but it is also profoundly resilient and can regenerate if we work with it instead of against it. Our collaborative Habitat Strike Teams and stream work are helping to protect these at-risk species as well as supporting the broader suite of biodiversity in the region. This map from NatureServe, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy and other groups, identifies hot spots of at-risk biodiversity—or areas most likely to support plant and animal species that are at high risk of extension— and the work taking place to protect some of the species in each area that are under threat. To dive deeper, you can read more about the work of our Habitat Strike Teams on pages 3-5 and more about our stream work on pages 10-11.
NEBRASKA
Osage Grasslands Habitat Strike Team • American burying beetle • Mead’s milkweed • Greater prairie-chicken Western Ozarks Habitat Strike Team • Eastern hellbender • Bachman’s sparrow • Niangua darter
KANSAS
Elk River Basin • Yellow mud turtle • Neosho madtom • Ozark cave fish
OKLAHOMA
Interior Highlands Due to its rich biodiversity and threatened landscapes, the Interior Highlands is a priority region for TNC—and requires strategic collaboration across state boundaries. You can read more about the work taking place in the Interior Highlands on pages 6-7.
THIS PAGE © Mapping Specialists. Creature Illustrations: Nirupa RAO
8 MISSOURI : ACTION AND IMPACT
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