Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation: Iowa species at risk

This article first appeared in INHF's Fall 2007 magazine.

Figure 1: Species of Greatest Conservation Need by taxonomic group.	Figure 2: Species of Greatest Conservation Need by percentage of total within group. Note that aquatic or semi-aquatic species are predominant.
	By protecting wildlife habitat, we also protect places for Iowa residents and tourists to get the physical, educational and spiritual benefits of outdoor recreation. *Photo by Cathy Engstrom/INHF*
	State wildlife action plans, including Iowa’s version, are designed to protect “species of greatest concern” while keeping common species common. *Photo by Ron Moore, Iowa DNR*
	Like people, most plant and animal species require good water quality. Mussels like these, found during the BioBlitz event, require good water but then filter it through their bodies, making it even cleaner. *Photo by Kelly Poole*

For more information, e-mail Cathy Engstrom, Director of Communications, or call (515) 288-1846.