Introduction
The Mississippi River is one of the world’s major rivers, running 2320 miles through the Great Plains and draining over 31 states in the US. It is abundant with life and home to a diverse range of both plant and animal species. This article will look at the variety of animals that live in and around the Mississippi River, their environmental importance and the measures taken to protect them.
Background on Animals Around the Mississippi River
Animals that inhabit the Mississippi River and its local environment include species of mammals, reptiles, birds, and aquatic lifes. Abundant mammals such as white-tailed deer, mink, and muskrat, can be found along the river’s banks while river otter and beaver inhabit its shallow waters. Reptiles that inhabit the region include garter snakes, frog, and painted turtle. It is estimated that over 250 species of birds call the Mississippi River home, such as herons, egrets, cranes, and many other wetland species. Additionally, over 100 fish species live in its waters, with many of these fish acting as major food sources for birds and large mammals.
Environmental Importance
Each species plays a unique role in the balance of the environment, a feature known as biodiversity. Due to the Mississippi River’s sheer size and location, it is a hotspot of biodiversity and serves as a crucial resource for many species. It not only acts as a home and birthplace for many species, but also provides much of the food and water necessary to sustain life. Furthermore, the Mississippi River features an incredibly diverse freshwater ecosystem and is a vital breeding ground for many species of fish.
Efforts To Protect Animals Around the Mississippi River
Given the importance of these animals to the environment, there have been various measures taken by authorities to protect them and ensure their health. Wildlife refuges are established along the Mississippi River to help conserve and protect the critically endangered species, while the US Fish and Wildlife Service regularly monitor the river and its environment. Additionally, the US Army Corps of Engineers have also taken measures in restoring the water level and quality to help promote the habitat for aquatic life.
Insights and Analysis
By looking at the impact, environmental importance and efforts taken to protect the animals of the Mississippi River, it is clear to see the vital role that all the species living in and around it play in its balance. If a disturbance is caused to the balance, it can in turn lead to disrupted habitat and loss of species, which can lead to further negative impacts. Therefore, every effort made to ensure their protection, both by authorities and the public, is paramount in order to ensure the sustainability of both the river and its many inhabitants.
Animals From Nearby Land Areas
In addition to those living in the Mississippi River, many animals also inhabit the nearby land areas. Some of these include coyote, black bear, raptors, snowshoe hare, and striped skunk. These species provide essential roles in their native environment, some providing food source to local Indigenous populations while others act as sources of entertainment and/or decorative products.
Animals from nearby land areas also benefit from a diverse range of climates and terrain, allowing them to adapt quickly to environmental change and thrive. Furthermore, the abundance of land-based wildlife in the area contributes to the overall variety and sustainable development of the area. Whether it is for food, sport or decoration, there are plenty of species that locals and visitors can take advantage of.
Animals From Aquatic Environments
In addition to the land based animals, there is also a large number of aquatic species that inhabit the Mississippi River. These species include various species of fish as well as many other aquatic organisms. Fish that live in the river and its tributaries include northern pike, sunfish, smallmouth bass, and bluegill.
The range of aquatic species provides a source of food, recreation and business opportunities, such as commercial fishing. Furthermore, they also provide a necessary service of maintaining the balance of the river’s ecosystem, as they act as a natural filter, consuming detritus and helping to keep its waters clean.
Invasive Species
In addition to native species, the Mississippi River and its environment is also subject to invasions from non-native species. These species can often have far reaching consequences, as they are not a part of the native food web and can outcompete native species for food and habitat. Species such as Asian carp and the rusty crayfish are some of the most notable invasive species in the Mississippi River and can have harmful effects on the environment and native species.
Therefore, regulations have been put in place to help prevent the introduction of these species. Research and monitoring programs have also been implemented to help understand the impacts and mitigate them. By doing this, it not only helps to protect the native species, but also maintains the health of the river and its environment.
Human Impacts on Animals Around the Mississippi River
Due to human influence, the Mississippi River and its environment are subject to various forms of pressure, from oil and gas drilling to pollution and alteration of its natural habitat. These environmental stresses can lead to reductions in biodiversity, disruption of migration patterns and destruction of nesting sites. Furthermore, hunting activities can also lead to the depletion of populations of animals, rendering certain species vulnerable and some even endangered.
In order to counter the effects that humans have on the animals of the Mississippi River, various regulations have been established to protect them. These include protecting migration routes of the biological population, hunting bans to designated areas and more strict regulations on the use of resources. These regulations can help ensure the health of the species and its environment.
Conservation Efforts
In addition to governments and authorities protecting the animals of the Mississippi River, many organizations and individuals have taken steps to help conserve and protect it. This includes signup to clean up efforts and river animal rescues to sponsorships and donations. Additionally, educational initiatives have been created to raise awareness to the plight of the animals that live in and around the Mississppi River.
The goal of these organizations is to ensure that these species of animal can live in harmony with their environment and humans alike, allowing them to thrive and contribute towards its overall balance. By actively engaging people and inspiring them, these organizations can spread the message of conservation and create a lasting impact.
