Plants & Animals That Live in the Mississippi River
Mention the word ‘Mississippi’ and the first thing that comes to your mind is probably the alluvial plain, or the Mississippi River which extends across the US and Canada – one of the world’s most important and diverse ecosystems. Though it’s an open-air waterway, the Mississippi River is home to countless species of animals and plants that have evolved over centuries to survive the harsh conditions and extreme temperatures of the river.
In the Mississippi River, more than 75 species of fish are known to inhabit the waters. These include the largemouth bass, black and white crappie, blue sucker, redhorse, and bowfin. Among the game species, the largemouth bass, catfish, and striped bass are the most popular. Recently, scientists have revealed that the river is also home to an endangered species of sturgeon – the pallid sturgeon. This species, which has been living in this same region since the Pleistocene era, has been facing extreme threats in recent times due to the human activities such as land development, dam building, and over-harvesting.
The Mississippi River is also home to a wealth of waterfowl and birds, including the canvasback, ring-necked duck, and Canada Geese – among the most popular species. Other birds found near the river include herons, egrets, grebes, pelicans, and many more. They are known to inhabit the wetlands and other marshy areas close to the river.
Additionally, more than 70 species of mammals are also known to survive on the banks of the Mississippi River. This includes the white-tailed deer, coyote, eastern cottontail, raccoon, beaver, red and gray fox, opossum, river otter, mink, and muskrat – among others. The river banks are also known to be home to numerous species of reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
The Mississippi River also sustains a sizable population of aquatic vegetation, thanks to the numerous tributaries and backwaters which also provide spawning and nursery areas. The cypress swamps and freshwater marshes in the area provide enough areas for aquatic plants to thrive, as well as food and shelter for necessary species such as catfish and many bird species. The abundant floating aquatic plants are also known to provide food for waterfowls, fish, and amphibians.
Overall, the river is home to numerous species of species, from fish and birds to reptiles, amphibians, and insects. While the human activities are degrading the river’s biodiversity, many conservation efforts are underway to protect the Mississippi River and its inhabitants. With restrictions on navigation, preventing poachers and unchecked pollution, as well as creating more refuge areas for animals and plants, the river is already improving and looks to continue for many years to come.
The Impact of Human Activity on the Mississippi River’s Biodiversity
Human activities, both on land and in the water, have had a significant impact on the Mississippi River’s biodiversity. Much of the damage is due to the development of industry, agriculture, and navigation. For example, the construction of dams has increased the salinity levels in the river and altered the natural flow of water – which in turn, have had an adverse effect on some species of fish, birds, and other animals that inhabit the areas around the river.
Apart from that, pollution has been another major factor for the deterioration of the river’s ecological health. This is due to the release of toxic chemicals and industrial waste, which can be found in abundance near the spillages of major industries. This has had a serious effect on the river’s water quality and led to the death of many aquatic species. These human activities have also made it difficult for anglers and others to enjoy fishing as certain species of fish have become endangered.
Furthermore, unchecked exploitation of the river’s resources and other anthropogenic activities have significantly impacted the wildlife that thrive in and around the river. This includes hunting, fishing, and trapping – which have significantly reduced the number of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and even fishes. All such activities have resulted in extensive degradation of the river’s habitat and destroyed the species that were aboriginally found in and around the river.
Moreover, fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural chemicals have also had a great impact on the environment. These elements seep into the water and affect the river’s aquatic food web, affecting the growth of phytoplankton and other edible creatures. The resulting decrease in the population of these microorganisms reduces the food supply for the larger animals, including fish, birds, and mammals.
Lastly, global warming has had a direct impact on the river’s flora and fauna. This includes the rising temperatures and changes in the water levels which have drastically changed the environment. This has, in turn, caused many species of birds, mammals, and other animals to migrate to different places, making them more vulnerable to threat and extinction.
Preservation & Conservation Efforts
In recent times, many conservation efforts have been underway to preserve the Mississippi River and its inhabitants. Many organizations have come forward to protect the river’s biological resources and safeguard it from the damages caused by human activities. Such activities include prohibiting over-fishing and other destructive practices, limiting the introduction of exotic species, and encouraging the conservation of habitat for the different species that inhabit the river.
Apart from that, more efforts are also being made to reduce the effects of pollution on the river. This includes introducing various technologies that can filter out pollutants from the river, as well as carrying out regular surveys to monitor the water quality and take action if necessary. Additionally, development of riparian zones and other artificial wetland areas have been implemented in order to protect the natural habitats of the river’s inhabitants.
Furthermore, the US Fish & Wildlife Service has been continually funding the restoration and conservation of several species of wildlife that inhabit the river’s ecosystem. This includes animals such as the pallid sturgeon, bald eagle, and great blue heron – all of which have been on the endangered list in recent times.
Moreover, more advocacy groups are also joining in to protect and spread awareness about the river’s ecological resources. These groups organize regular campaigns, direct interventions, and other activities to create a better understanding between the people and the environment. Such advocacy efforts encourage and motivate people to act for the benefit of the river’s inhabitants.
Finally, the Mississippi River and its inhabitants are also being protected from the harsh effects of climate change. This includes a range of steps such as constructing wetlands and natural vegetation, reducing energy usage, and changing behaviors that add to global warming. All these efforts are helping to create a sustainable river ecosystem that is vital to the environmental health and well-being.
Threats to the Mississippi River’s Biodiversity
Despite the ongoing efforts to protect the Mississippi River and its inhabitants, several threats still remain. This includes the continuous construction of dams on the river, which has caused its flow to become unpredictable and affected its temperature. It has also eliminated the spawning areas of several fish species and caused other forms of ecological disruption.
Additionally, the river’s flora and fauna are under threat from over-harvesting, hunting, trapping, and other activities. This includes illegal fishing and hunting of certain species that inhabit the river, whose population has significantly decreased over the years. Moreover, the increased presence of exotic species, which are not native to the area, is also cause for alarm. They compete with native species for resources, thus leading to their gradual replacement in the river’s ecosystem.
Climate change is another looming threat for the biodiversity of the Mississippi River. Rising temperatures and changes in the water levels have caused many species of animals, plants, and fishes to migrate to different parts of the river, which can threaten the local populations. Pollution is also a major factor, as the river’s water has been contaminated by industrial waste, sewage, and other pollutants, which can lead to disease, distress, or even death among the inhabitants.
Apart from that, the invasive species have posed a major threat due to their high adaptation and reproductive rate. These animals, plants and other species have been known to spread quickly and wreak havoc on the local ecosystem, leading to a decrease in native species. This is especially true in cases where the invasive species are able to out-compete their native counterparts.
Lastly, ecosystem disruption from human activities such as land clearance, farming, and urbanization is also having an adverse effect on the river. This includes increased sediment runoff and other pollutants which lead to decreased water quality and the death of several species. Moreover, land development and other human activities also result in the introduction of pollutants, leading to the degradation of the river’s habitats.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. It is home to numerous species of plants, animals, birds, and fishes, which have adapted to its harsh conditions. Despite the ongoing efforts to protect the river’s inhabitants, several threats still remain. These include pollution, over-harvesting, and climate change, which have all caused the river’s biodiversity to dwindle significantly. As such, more efforts need to be undertaken in order to ensure the long-term conservation of the Mississippi River and its inhabitants.
