The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States, stretching over 2,320 miles from its source in northern Minnesota to its outlet in the Gulf of Mexico. This vast swath of water is teeming with life, sustaining an incredible array of animal species. From towering bald eagles and majestic American white pelicans to playful river otters and small-clawed crayfish, the Mississippi plays an important role in the survival of countless species.
The banks of this historic river are home to a variety of birds, reptiles, fish and mammals. Migratory birds, such as gadwalls, mallards, wood ducks, and more can be found in the habitats of the Mississippi. Reptiles are also present, including the exotic American alligator, turtles and lizards. Fish such as catfish, bass, sturgeon and shad also swim along the river’s bottom. Large mammals, like the American black bear, beaver and white-tailed deer can also be seen along the Mississippi’s borders, but these animals tend to be less populous than the birds, reptiles and fish.
The Mississippi River is an important resource that provides clean drinking water from its many tributaries and a home for a variety of aquatic and terrestrial species. The river plays an important role in maintaining local food webs. By providing nutrients and habitat for plants and animals, the Mississippi River sustains an incredibly diverse array of aquatic and terrestrial life.
In recent years, human activities in the Mississippi River basin have caused significant changes to the river’s ecosystem. Pollution, agricultural runoff, overfishing and development have dramatically altered the river’s habitats, throwing many species into peril. Watershed management programs and efforts to reduce pollution have had some success in restoring the health of the Mississippi River and its inhabitants.
The Mississippi River is undoubtedly an integral part of the United States’ natural heritage. Without its animal inhabitants, the river would be a much less vibrant place – and the sheer diversity of animal species found here is a testament to the rich biodiversity of the entire region. In order to protect this fragile ecosystem, it is important that we continue to invest in measures to reduce pollution, protect endangered species and restore habitats in the Mississippi River basin.
Water Birds
The Mississippi River provides a rich habitat for water birds such as Brown Pelicans, Egrets, Herons and Cormorants. These birds can often be seen soaring above the water, fishing in the shallows or preening on the banks. These birds are important to the Mississippi River’s ecosystem, as they feed on fish, frogs and other aquatic organisms, providing essential nutrients to the local food web.
Water birds can be found throughout the Mississippi River basin. In the south, the American white pelican is an iconic sight along the shores of the river and its tributaries. In the north, species such as the Great Blue Heron, American Bittern and Snowy Egret can be found in marshy areas along the edge of the river. Long-legged wading birds such as Great Egrets and Snowy Egrets also dot the riverbank, fishing in the shallow waters for their prey.
Conservation efforts have been successful in increasing the population of water birds in the Mississippi River basin. By protecting their habitats and restoring wetlands, the birds have returned to their former abundance. Ongoing measures are needed however, to ensure the long-term viability of these species in the region.
Fish and Other Aquatic Animals
The Mississippi River is home to an array of fish and other aquatic animals. These include the ever-present carp, catfish, sunfish, striped bass and walleye, as well as darters, suckers, shad and sturgeon. The Mississippi is also home to a variety of crayfish, mollusks and other bottom-dwelling organisms, which provide vital sustenance for a variety of river wildlife.
In the north, the Mississippi provides a vital habitat for several species of lampreys, a primitive type of fish. These fish filter feed on small organisms in the river, playing an important role in the local food web. The Mississippi River is also home to the endangered pallid sturgeon and other threatened species such as the shovelnose sturgeon and the pallid shiner.
The fish of the Mississippi are vulnerable to pollution, overfishing and destruction of their habitats. In order to protect these species and their habitats, it is important that we take measures to monitor and reduce water pollution, enforce sustainable fishing regulations and protect wetlands.
Reptiles and Amphibians
The Mississippi River is home to a variety of reptiles, amphibians and aquatic creatures. Among the animals found in the caves and crevasses of the river are frogs, salamanders, turtles, lizards and snakes. The most common lizard along the riverbanks is the Texas spiny lizard. Turtles such as the red-eared slider, painted turtle and softshell turtle can be found along the river, as well as the American alligator, an ancient and threatened species.
Reptiles and amphibians are important to the health of the Mississippi River’s ecosystem. Many of these species feed on insects and small aquatic organisms, playing an important role in the local food web. Reptiles and amphibians are also important for their aesthetic value, providing an interesting and unique sight for visitors to the river.
Unfortunately, these species are vulnerable to pollution and destruction of their habitats. In order to protect the reptiles and amphibians of the Mississippi River, it is important that we take measures to reduce water pollution and protect wetlands.
Mammals
The Mississippi River supports a number of mammals, including raccoons, river otters, beavers, bobcats and white-tailed deer. These animals are typically found along the banks of the river, in the forests and wetlands nearby. Beavers, in particular, play an important role in maintaining the health of the river, as their dams slow the flow of water and create zones for fish, frogs and other animals.
Mammals of the Mississippi River are threatened by pollution, urbanization and wildlife trade. It is important that we take measures to protect these species and their habitats. To this end, conservationists have taken a number of steps to establish preserves and limit human activities in certain regions. These measures are starting to have positive effects, with some species making a comeback in recent years.
Insects and Other Invertebrates
The Mississippi River is home to a vast array of insects and other invertebrates, including dragonflies, mayflies, caddisflies and more. These small creatures are important to the health of the river, as they feed on algae, provide sustenance for river predators and generally play a crucial role in the local food web. These creatures are also important to the health of the river’s fish, as some species provide necessary oxygen to the water.
Insects and other invertebrates of the Mississippi River face a variety of threats. Pollution, habitat destruction and inadequate regulations threaten the survival of these creatures. In order to protect these species and their habitats, it is important that we take measures to reduce water pollution and limit habitat destruction.
Marine Mammals
The Mississippi River is connected to the Gulf of Mexico, providing access to an array of marine mammals. Animals such as bottlenose dolphins, manatees and sea turtles inhabit the waters of the Mississippi River. These animals are important to local ecosystems, as they feed on fish, shrimp and other aquatic organisms essential to the health of the river.
Unfortunately, the marine mammals of the Mississippi River are threatened by pollution. Many of these creatures are vulnerable to toxins and other pollutants that find their way into the river and eventually into the Gulf. To protect these species, it is important that we take steps to reduce water pollution and reduce our impact on the local ecosystems.
Birds of Prey
The banks of the Mississippi River are home to many birds of prey, including hawks, eagles, owls and falcons. These birds are important to the local ecosystem, as they feed on fish, small mammals and rodents.
The most iconic bird of prey of the Mississippi River is the majestic Bald Eagle. These large birds soar along the banks of the river searching for food. Their numbers have increased significantly in recent years, thanks to conservation efforts and a reduction in water pollution.
In addition to the Bald Eagle, Ospreys, Kestrels, Red-shouldered Hawks and other birds of prey can be found along the banks of the Mississippi River. These birds are an important part of the local food web, as they help to control the population of other animals. By protecting the habitats of these birds, we can ensure their continued presence in the region.
