The Wildlife of Mississippi River
Reptiles make a part of the Mississippi River wildlife. These are turtles, snakes and the alligator. Turtles in this river include musk turtle and common map turtle. Snakes here include cottonmouth and diamondback water snake. The most famous of all is the American alligator which was once close to extinction. It is believed that the alligator first returned to the Mississippi River in 1980.
Fish form a major part of the Mississippi River’s wildlife. This includes more than 130 species of fish, such as large mouth bass, blue catfish, walleye, northern pike, bullhead and yellow perch. These fishes can be seen taking refuge in deeper pools or rocky areas when the river is in flood.
Birds like bald eagles and great blue herons are common along the Mississippi River’s banks. The endangered or threatened species like peregrine falcon, Mississippi kite, whooping crane and yellow-crowned night heron are also seen in the river.
Mammals also make a huge part of the wildlife seen along Mississippi River. These include raccoons, beavers, minks, bobcats, muskrats and otters. Large mammals like red wolves and coyotes can also be often seen around the Mississippi riverbanks.
Insects and other invertebrates can sometimes be the biggest nuisance for visitors and locals alike. Mosquitoes, gnats and other biting insects like black flies, horseflies and midges can be found in large numbers around the river.
In addition to the native species, several introduced species also live in the Mississippi River. This includes crayfish, bighead carp, silver carp, sitzkrieg, Asian carp, black carp and golden tilefish.
This great diversity of species found in the Mississippi River shows the importance of the river to the wildlife and its significance to the local people. This river has a long and rich history, and the biodiversity here will continue to thrive if proper measures are taken.
The Habitat of Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is an important source of habitat for a great variety of animals. The river is full of various aquatic vegetation such as algaes, ducks, waterfowl, and several aquatic invertebrates. Additionally, the river provides nourishment for many other species like nesting and foraging animals, amphibians and reptiles.
The Mississippi River also provides nesting sites for many fishes. In addition to providing a suitable habitat for aquatic species, the river also provides shelter for a variety of birds, particularly migrating species. The water also provides food for birds like wood ducks and black-crowned night-herons.
The riparian wetlands along the Mississippi River provide valuable refuge for wildlife. These areas are more resistant to human disturbance and support abundance of wildlife. The wetlands are a great source of food and safety for the wildlife.
The bottomlands of the Mississippi River are filled with soils rich in nutrients and minerals. These bottomlands provide food and shelter to many species of animals like raccoons, white-tail deer, minks, fox squirrels and beavers.
There is a wide variety of recent research that show how changes in the river’s environment affects the diversity of animal species. The degradation of the river impacts the number of species of plant and animals that can inhabit the river. The water quality of the Mississippi River is monitored closely by the Environmental Protection Agency in order to protect the river’s ecological systems.
The Threats to Mississippi River
In the past few years, the Mississippi River has come under immense pressure from pollution and human activities. It is estimated that over 8 million tons of crude oil and other hazardous waste have been discharged into the river in the last century. This has resulted in a reduction of species diversity in the river and endangering many aquatic species.
The river’s banks are also heavily affected by soil erosion, caused primarily due to deforestation and agricultural practices. The lack of natural vegetation on the banks of the Mississippi River has resulted in increased turbidity of the water, reduced water depth and loss of essential habitats for the wildlife.
The river is also facing problems from the introduction of non native species. Several species of fish, plants and even animals have been introduced to the river over the years. These non-native species are taking over the environment of the Mississippi River and reducing the native species.
The dams on the Mississippi River fragment the river into smaller areas and prevent the movement of aquatic species. This fragmentation causes significant changes in the river’s ecology and has grossly affected the food chain of the species living in the river. These dams also cause disruption to the smaller fish, notably bass.
The Conservation of Mississippi River
The conservation of the Mississippi River is important in order to maintain its ecological balance. Conservationists have identified various strategies to protect the river, such as restoring the water quality, preventing soil erosion and pollutant run-off, restoring the natural vegetation and reducing the introduction of non-native species.
One of the most important and effective conservation strategies is the establishment of protected natural areas. This will help protect the river from exploitation and over-development and provide safe harbor for the species within. Specifically, these protected areas can be used for spawning and mating of fish in order to restore their numbers.
In addition, research and monitoring of the river are essential for proper conservation management. Proper research and monitoring can provide valuable information about the health of the river and the species living there. This information is crucial for policy makers, who can use it to make decisions about the river’s management.
It is also important to collaborate with local stakeholders and communities to ensure the success of the conservation efforts. Working with the local communities that are affected by the river can ensure long-term success of the conservation management as they can provide invaluable insights into the river’s health and identify the most pressing threats to the rivers wildlife.
The Impact of Mississippi River on people
The Mississippi River has shaped the lives of those who have lived along its banks for generations. It has been the source of food and fuel for the locals, who have lived in harmony with the nature of the river and its wildlife.
The river is also incredibly important to the local economy, providing jobs and businesses to the local people as well as tourists who visit the area for vacation. Tourism is an important source of income for local communities as it helps them create jobs, increase household income and alleviate poverty.
The river also provides the necessary infrastructure for navigation and transportation, connecting communities and businesses to adjacent cities and states. The river is used for shipping, transport of goods and for general commercial activities. It also provides a vital source of water for people in the area.
The Mississippi River has been an important source of inspiration for local creatives, including painters, writers and musicians. Many towns have emerged along its banks and have been home to some of the greatest American writers and musicians, such as Mark Twain and Elvis Presley.
The Mississippi River is an important part of America’s culture and history, and the people living along it are committed to its conservation. As long as the river remains healthy, it will continue to provide benefits to the local people and their environment.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an ecosystem full of life and diversity, and its importance for people in the region cannot be understated. It is essential that the river is conserved in order to maintain its rich biodiversity, which is essential for the local economy and culture. Conservation efforts must be welcomed and celebrated as they will ensure the river’s health and success for generations to come.
