The prairies and oak savannas that once dominated the landscape of most of the Midwest now rank among the most threatened habitats in the world. Less than 0.01% of Wisconsin’s former prairie and oak savanna remains. Water quality has also significantly declined.
Not surprisingly, the plants and animals that depend on this grassland landscape are also being lost. For example, there have been dramatic, long-term declines for many grassland birds, such as meadowlarks and bobolinks. Many of these birds need large areas of treeless grasslands in order to survive—landscapes that are virtually gone from southern Wisconsin.
The quality of life and beauty of the MRPHA is attracting more and more people each year. Scattered and unplanned residential development jeopardizes the area’s unique plants and animals and their habitat, and it impacts water quality. Ultimately, it also threatens the rural character and quality of life in the area. The natural resources are also threatened by invasive species, lack of management, and intensification of agriculture. Follow the links below for more information on the ecosystems and species found in the MRPHA.
Insects: Unlike the grassland birds, which were able to adapt to changing landscape conditions, many insects have very specific habitat requirements that can only be filled by native prairie vegetation. Two species found in the MRPHA include the red-tailed leafhopper and the regal fritillary butterfly, both listed as Endangered in Wisconsin. Endangered means there is scientific evidence that the continued existence of the species in the state is in jeopardy. The red-tailed leafhopper only feeds on one type of grass called prairie dropseed. The caterpillars of the regal fritillary butterfly only feed on violets, especially prairie violet and birdsfoot violet. The plant species, and therefore the associated insect species, are most often found in the small remaining pieces of native prairie. Five other rare leafhoppers are found in the MRPHA, as well.
Reptiles and amphibians: While birds and insects may get most of the attention in this area, there are many other species that depend on the native habitat of the MRPHA. Specifically there is one rare reptile, Blanding's turtle, and one rare amphibian, pickerel frog, found here. Blanding's turtle is listed as Threatened in Wisconsin, which means there is scientific evidence that the species is likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. The turtles use a variety of aquatic habitats including marshes, river backwaters, drainage ditches, and sedge meadows. They are semi-terrestrial and often move between wetlands during the active season, which can run from early March to mid-October. The pickerel frog is listed as special concern in the state, meaning a problem with the population is suspected but not yet proved. The frog overwinters in cold water, including streams, but moves to warmer ponds to breed. Adults are activee from late March to early November, and spend much of their time foraging along streams and rivers.
For more information on these species and communities visit the Department of Natural Resource's Endangered Resources and Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan websites.
