There are many endangered species in Oklahoma and it’s important that we protect them and learn about them. They are a valuable part of Oklahoma’s wildlife.
It’s important that we protect our wildlife species so they don’t just disappear. These animals play different and important roles in our ecosystem. For one, bats help keep bug populations down, including the hated and disease-carrying mosquitoes. If we lose a whole species of bat we can end up with far more mosquitoes and more of the diseases they spread.
One example of how losing species in the state can affect things is our increased number of deer. Which can cause more car accidents and makes the deer population less healthy as a whole.
“Historically, large predators played a major role in controlling deer herds, but with the removal of the gray wolf and near elimination of the mountain lion, the only effective means of controlling deer numbers is through regulated hunting.”- Ecology and Management of Deer in Oklahoma
When we mess with one species others are affected, this is why protecting endangered species is so very important. We also want our grandkids to get to see the great wildlife Oklahoma has to offer.
Endangered Species in Oklahoma
State-listed Threatened Wildlife Species
State-listed Endangered Wildlife Species
Federal-listed Threatened Wildlife Species
- Arkansas River Shiner
- Leopard Darter
- Neosho Madtom
- Northern Long-eared Bat
- Ozark Cavefish
- Rabbitsfoot
- Rufa Red Knot
Federal-listed Endangered Wildlife Species
- American Burying Beetle
- Gray Bat
- Indiana Bat
- Neosho Mucket
- Ouachita Rock Pocketbook
- Ozark Big-eared Bat
- Piping Plover
- Red-cockaded Woodpecker
- Scaleshell
- Whooping Crane
- Winged Mapleleaf
Ways You Can Protect Endangered Species in Oklahoma
Learn About Local Endangered Species
Using the links above you can learn about the endangered species we have living here in Oklahoma. You can also look at ways to volunteer to help these animals and inform friends and family about them.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle & Don’t Litter
Trash can impact endangered species in many ways. The production of new items can pollute the air, water, and land. It can also take resources away from animals.
Litter can also end up consumed by animals. Plastic trash is a big problem for many species that think it’s food and end up dying with their stomachs full of plastic.
Reducing what you consume, reusing what you can, and recycling the rest can be a big help. And never litter! Even food scraps can be dangerous to some animals so dispose of things properly.
Eat Local
The big increase in population has brought on a large demand for food. This has led to factory-farmed meats that can come from poaching, and illegal animal trafficking, and these farms often also are harming the land.
Buying locally when possible can help avoid a lot of these problems. Eating local comes with so many other benefits as well, like supporting your local economy.
Make Your Home Wildlife Friendly
Planting native plants instead of invasive species can help attract wildlife and avoid harming native food sources. These plants are often easier to care for as well.
Keeping pets indoors or at least feeding them indoors can help protect at-risk animals. Also, be sure to secure trash can lids to keep animals from getting sick or injured from the trash.
You can get stickers to put on windows to help keep birds from flying into them. And be sure to disinfect all bird baths and feeders often.
These are small changes but they can make a big difference.
Reduce Your Personal Impact on the Environment
Any changes that help you reduce your environmental impact have a positive impact on wildlife. Start small and keep adding new good habits.
No change is too small and it’s not about perfection. A lot of people doing things imperfectly helps more than a few doing them perfectly!
Never Purchase Items Using Ivory, Coral, or Tortoise Shell
While the Endangered Species Act has helped reduce this harmful practice it still happens. An estimated 20,000 elephants were harmed or killed last year.
The best way to help reduce this practice is to never purchase these items or from any business that is selling these items.
The biggest thing is to keep learning about Oklahoma’s wildlife and ways you can help protect it. A great place to learn more is the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife. You can also visit the Oklahoma City Zoo and Tulsa Zoo to learn more about these amazing animals.
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