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Wildlife
The Mark Twain National Forest, situated in the ancient and beautiful Missouri Ozarks, is home to over 650 native wildlife species. These include almost 200 kinds of fish, over 100 different amphibians and reptiles, over 300 breeds of birds, and around 60 types of mammals. Species range from “A” (Amphiuma tidactylum, the three-toed amphiuma – an aquatic salamander that resembles an eel) to “Z” (Zenaida macroura, commonly known as the mourning dove.)
The far-flung locations of our Ranger Districts make it possible to encounter a surprising variety of animals. In the southwest part of the state (Ava and Cassville units) you might catch sight of a roadrunner or painted bunting; in the southeast part of the state (Poplar Bluff unit) you might see wood ducks or bald eagles; and in any part of the Forest you might glimpse wild turkeys, deer, a variety of songbirds, and perhaps even a black bear!
The Mark Twain National Forest strives to maintain healthy populations of all native wildlife species while providing many opportunities for humans to enjoy them – from hunting and fishing to wildlife viewing and photography.
Providing conditions that will ensure habitat for all species means protecting some species, including those that are threatened and endangered, and managing habitat for those that are abundant. The wild turkey is an example of successful habitat management on the Forest and in Missouri. Decades ago, when the Forest was designated, turkeys were all but extinct in Missouri. Today, we have a flourishing wild turkey population on Mark Twain National Forest, and some of the best turkey hunting in the nation.
I hope you will visit Missouri’s national forest soon and that you will return often. When you come, I’m sure you will agree it is a wildlife paradise.
Threatened, Endangered, and Candidate Species
There are many different types of species in the U.S. from the very large to the very small. Some of these species, because of limitations due to habitat destruction, overexploitation, or other environmental factors, are in danger of becoming extinct. These species are known as federally endangered or threatened species. The Mark Twain National Forest has potential habitat for 14 federally threatened, endangered, and candidate species in Missouri. They are the gray bat, Indiana bat, bald eagle, Hine’s emerald dragonfly, pink mucket pearly, Scaleshell, Spectaclcase, Sheepnose, Tumbling Creek cave snail, Topeka shiner, Ozark hellbender, Mead’s milkweed, running buffalo clover, and Virginia sneezeweed. The following is a small introduction into each of these 14 species that inhabit the State of Missouri.
Read more about Threatened, Endangered, and Candidate Species.
Wildlife Watching
The Mark Twain National Forest offers outstanding opportunities for wildlife watching and nature study. You can watch wildlife as you camp, fish, hike, canoe, or drive through the Forest. Or you can make a special trip to see that elusive animal you have always wanted to see.
You can also find opportunities for wildlife watching across the state on the Missouri Department of Conservation website.
Wildlife watching opportunities are available on all the National Forests across the country. Please visit the following websites to browse through the variety of places to go and things to see on your National Forests:
- National Park Service - Smart Wildlife Watching
- NatureWatch
- Celebrating Wildflowers
- If you can’t get out, but still enjoy wildlife viewing, please visit the USDA Forest Service’s Find A Photo site to see spectacular photos taken on your National Forests.
- US Fish and Wildlife Service Digital Library
- Interested in wildlife photography? Check out our Wildlife Photography tips.
Birding
The best time for birding on the Mark Twain is in the spring when migrants are coming through and resident birds are breeding and raising young. However, all times of the year offer excellent birding opportunities.
Bald eagles are fairly common on the large rivers of southern Missouri throughout the winter months. You can see them on the Eleven Point, Current, and North Fork Rivers, as well as the Gasconade and Big Piney Rivers, and at Table Rock Lake or Lake Wappapello. A few bald eagles are staying through the summer, and you may get lucky enough to see a bald eagle nest along the river bank as you are canoeing or boating. Please watch these magnificent birds through binoculars and do not approach the nest, as this can disturb the parents and disrupt their feeding of the young.
Because of the varied habitats, from dry, rocky glades, to cool, moist fens; from oak-hickory and shortleaf pine forests to grasslands; and along clear, flowing streams, the Mark Twain National Forest is a great place to see songbirds.
Here is a Checklist for Birdwatchers or visit the MDC Birding Field Guide for a list of Missouri bird species.
Butterflies and Moths
These beautiful, but often overlooked, animals play a vital role in pollinating plants which we use for food, clothing, medicine, and many other purposes. Once you start watching these fascinating creatures, you may get hooked!
Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation Butterflies and Moths Field Guide for a list, with photographs, of all the butterflies and moths you may see in Missouri.
To learn more about pollinators of all species, please visit: Celebrating Wildflowers website or our Pollinators website to learn more about all types of pollinators.