Wildlife

The Mississippi River system is an oasis for life. It supports over 400 species of wildlife, many of which are endangered. Wildlife refuges protect some of the River’s most vital habitats, like the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, the longest river refuge in the United States. It alone hosts 119 species of fish!

The Mississippi River valley is one of Earth’s great migration corridors. It’s a flyway that provides birds with direction, resting places and food. Songbirds that winter in Central and South America and over 40% of North America’s ducks, geese, swans and wading birds rely on the Mississippi River during their epic seasonal migrations. In fact, the longest migration route in the Western Hemisphere, which goes from the Arctic coast of Alaska to Patagonia in Argentina, includes the Mississippi River in-between.

But development, pollution and structural changes like locks and dams have changed the River, destroying much of its ecological vitality. Poor water quality and loss of habitat are limiting the River’s ability to support life. Plant and animal species are declining dramatically.

River Citizens can help protect the River’s habitat and many species by supporting habitat restoration programs on both public and private lands and getting involved in local projects to clean up and restore the River. At home, we can reduce fertilizers and pesticides that can pollute the River and threaten wildlife health.

For more information on Mississippi River wildlife, visit the National Audubon Society’s Mississippi River Initiative or the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.