Terrestrial and Aquatic Biota

In the year 2000, there were 126 birds, 38 mammals, 50 reptiles and 19 amphibians identified in the Ozark Plateau region of Kansas. These numbers seem low when compared to other physiographic regions of the state, but actually indicate a wealth of diverse species living in the area due to the small size of this region. The Mississippian limestone caves, cold springs and/or moist areas near streams are habitat for several endangered and threatened species including the cave salamander (endangered), many-ribbed salamander (endangered), eastern narrowmouth toad (threatened) and longtail salamander (threatened). The Arkansas darter, green frog, grotto salamander, central newt, greybelly salamander and northern redbelly snake share habitat east of State Highway 66 where outcrops of Mississippian limestone provide caves and springs required by these species. Game species in the area include bobwhite quail, mourning dove, eastern cottontail, squirrel, whitetail deer, and a number of species of waterfowl.  Coyote, muskrat, raccoon, bobcat and red fox also share this habitat.

Upstream of the confluence with Center Creek, Spring River contains at least 74 fish and 23 mussel species, including the federally and state-threatened Neosho madtom.  Ten other fish and shellfish species are listed as either threatened or endangered in the state of KS, and 35 species are designated as in need of conservation. Low-lying lands surrounding the river provide habitat for nesting birds and denning mink, allow fauna to travel from one location to another.  The river is classified by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks as critical habitat for numerous threatened and endangered species.

Spring River, especially downstream, has elevated metals levels including impairment by lead, copper and zinc which is probably due to drainage from mines and mine tailings piles along the creeks that flow into the river.  The concentrations of metals have impacted the fish and mussel populations. Empire Lake's benthic invertebrate community has suffered a reduction in numbers, as well, and the proposed cause is an elevated concentration of cadmium, lead and zinc in the sediments. Ducks, geese, herons, egrets, pelicans, swans and shorebirds use the Spring River and Empire Lake wetlands, a concern due to the contamination identified in these areas. Also, recent studies advise that some bird species in the Tri-State District may have been injured as a result of metals exposure.

To Top of Page

Most of the area's prairie has been converted to cropland. Various light industries are in and around the area.