The Mississippi River is home to a wide array of wildlife, including numerous aquatic and terrestrial species that thrive along its banks. Its tremendous variety of habitats, which range from sandbars and wetlands to deep pools and eddy waters, provide numerous diverse species with the ideal conditions for survival and reproduction. From fish and algae to birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals, an incredible array of animals have adapted to life alongside the powerful, majestic Mississippi River.
The list of species that call the Mississippi River home is vast, with many varieties found only within this particular region. For example, the state-endangered tiny Higgins eye pearly mussel, a species of freshwater mussel unique to the Mississippi and Ohio river basins, is found in the river itself. Meanwhile, the long-eared myotis bat and gray bat, both of which are listed as threatened species, can also be spotted in the area. Among the more visible creatures are the great blue heron, osprey and bald eagle, which can be seen gliding along the river or perched atop tall trees.
The array of fish species is also quite remarkable, with many of the most popular game fish seen in and around the Mississippi, such as smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, white bass and flathead catfish. Other commonly seen fish include silver carp and freshwater drum, both of which are known to school up in large numbers in many areas. Anglers also have an opportunity to pursue species such as walleye, sauger, and northern pike when fishing the river.
The Mississippi River also serves as an important habitat for various amphibians and reptiles. American bullfrogs, green tree frogs, and northern leopard frogs, can often be seen and heard in the wetland areas along the river. Meanwhile snapping and mixed water turtles are common in the area, and American alligators can sometimes be spotted basking on the banks of the river, especially in areas further south.
Mammals are also abundant, ranging from small cavies such as white-tailed deer and river otters, to large creatures like black bears, beavers and muskrats. Coyotes have also adapted to life alongside the Mississippi and can often be heard howling at night, with an occasional sighting along wooded areas. When it comes to mammals, the river is also home to a wide variety of bat species, one of the most outstanding being the hoary bat, a species native to the region that is particularly important as its ability to serve as a pollinator.
The Mississippi River is a unique and ecologically important environment that supports a wide variety of animal life, offering the perfect conditions for both aquatic and terrestrial species to thrive. Its abundance of aquatic resources and the vast array of habitats it presents make it one of the most essential waterways in the United States.
Invasive Species
In recent years, the Mississippi River has seen an influx of invasive species, most notably Asian carp, which have become one of the river’s main inhabitants. The main concern with the presence of these invasive species is that they can outcompete native species and destabilize the overall ecosystem, as they can quickly multiply and cause other species to dwindle in numbers. Asian carp, for example, consume the same food sources as native fish, making food harder to find for the latter.
In addition to Asian carp, the Mississippi River has seen the arrival of other invasive species such as the zebra mussel and the round goby, which can have a drastically adverse impact on the river’s complex web of life as they’ve disrupted the food chain, reducing the availability of native species and increasing competition for food.
A number of initiatives are being put forth by organizations such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nature Conservancy to prevent and control the spread of invasive species. This includes the use of large under-water electric barriers, which help to restrict the movement of the species, as well as the use of trap nets and other management strategies.
Human Impact
Humans as well have a major impact on the animal life of the Mississippi. While the river is home to a number of endangered and threatened species, such as the bald eagle and Higgins eye pearly mussel, other species suffer disproportionately due to human activity, particularly water pollution and climate change.
Water pollution has been an issue for years, with human activities such as the dumping of sewage and the runoff from agricultural land leading to a significant buildup of contaminants. This pollution can have a direct effect on the animals living in the water, as well as the health of the entire ecosystem.
Climate change is also a major concern, with the increasing temperatures putting added stress on many species. Warmer temperatures can lead to a reduction in food resources for many of the river’s inhabitants and can also cause them to become less adapted in their environments, as well as susceptible to predators.
In order to protect the Mississippi River and the animals that inhabit it, it is necessary to take steps to reduce the amount of human-caused pollution, protect the environment, and slow the impact of climate change. Education and outreach are essential in this process, as understanding the impact of human activity and taking the proper steps to conserve and protect the river can help to ensure the future health of its ecosystems.
Conservation Efforts
Conservation efforts are being increasingly recognized as necessary and important to protect the Mississippi River and its denizens, and are supported by organizations such as the Mississippi River Conservation Alliance (MRCA). This initiative, which has the support of numerous organizations from all over the United States, strategically focuses on the protection and conservation of the river’s unique habitats and species, as well as its waterways, wildlife and habitats.
Organizations like the MRCA, who recognize the importance of conservation, are helping to provide the necessary leadership and guidance in the protection of the Mississippi River and its animal residents. This, in turn, can help to ensure the continuation of the river’s aquatic and terrestrial species for future generations.
An International Sanctuary
The importance of the Mississippi River in terms of conservation and preserving animal life has been recognized internationally as well, with UNESCO designating the river as an international biosphere reserve in 2018. The reserve spans over 10,000 kilometers of the river, covering nine states across the United States and Mexico. By being designated as a biosphere reserve, the river is given international protection, and activities such as fishing, hunting, and trapping are carefully monitored and regulated.
This designation marks a major milestone in terms of the conservation of the Mississippi River and its residents, and is further testament to the importance of the river’s complex ecosystem. It is hoped that this action will help to uphold the river’s diverse animal population, preserving this remarkable natural landscape for generations to come.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River has a remarkable array of animal life that has adapted to the river’s conditions and thrives alongside it. From fish and amphibians to reptiles, birds, and mammals, this powerful and majestic river is essential to the continuation of many species of wildlife, some of which are unique to the area.
Humans too have a major impact on the river’s inhabitants, making it essential to take steps to reduce the amount of water pollution and prevent climate change, and help conserve the river’s fragile ecosystem. International efforts such as the designation of the Mississippi River as a biosphere reserve demonstrate the importance of preserving its wildlife for generations to come.
