There are many wildlife species that have not fared well in the changing Iowa landscape and have been listed as endangered or threatened.
Endangered species are animals and plants that are in danger of becoming extinct and threatened species are animals and plants that are likely to become endangered in the near future.
No, doubt that bald eagle which was once listed in the endangered species list is flying off the list. But still there are many species that remain on the list.
The Interior Least Tern and the Piping Plover are among the two species that are there in the list of endangered species and are facing the challenges. This means if steps are not being taken, they can become extinct.
Interior Least Tern:
Interior least tern is the interior population of the least tern which tops the list of endangered species. Dams, reservoirs, and other changes to river systems have eliminated least tern habitat. Least terns prefer the wide channels dotted with sandbars and these have been replaced by narrow forested river corridors.
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Piping Plovers:
A resident of sand-flats and shorelines east of the Rocky Mountains, the population of Piping Plovers has declined dramatically due to human actions. There have been continuous loss of habitat and predation of their young.
Development and recreational activities along shorelines are the primary causes of these declines. Commercial, residential, and recreational development have decreased the amount of coastal habitat available for piping plovers to nest and feed.
Human disturbance often restricts breeding success. Foot and vehicular traffic crush the nests or young ones. Interruption of feeding stresses young birds during critical periods in their development. The human activities are causing much harm to the environment and the wildlife species.
Various steps are being taken to save the wildlife. MidAmerican Energy Company has worked with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to protect the Iowa nesting areas and help these species to survive.
Source: KTIV