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The Endangered Species Act of 1973 charged the US Department of the Interior with listing various plant and animal species
as threatened or endangered. The list of endangered or threatened species present on this report is the list of endangered
or threatened species in the county. The most detailed, publicly-available information on the location of endangered or threatened
species is county level. Use the educational material to determine if the land analyzed is likely to have endangered
or threatened species present. For example, endangered species that live in the Missouri River will be listed
on all counties bordering the Missouri River. But only those farms actually bordering the Missouri River
will have any endangered fish species near their property.
There are 3 types of animals listed on a report.
- "Federally threatened” means that the species' numbers are declining significantly.
- “Federally endangered” means that the species is in danger of becoming extinct.
- “State Concern” are species that are not on the federal list of threatened and
endangered species but which the Missouri Department of Conservation believes may be becoming extinct in the state. Plants
of "State Concern" are not listed due to numerous amount.
Endangered Animals: Missouri has endangered animals designated by the Missouri Wildlife Code. Anyone found taking
(collection or destruction) these designated animals faces a Class B Misdemeanor. The habitat of these animals is not specifically
regulated by the state of Missouri; landowners are not required to take any steps to maintain habitat for these species on their
private land. However, if a landowner is using federal money for a development project, then the federal agency managing the project
must ensure that there is no negative impact on the threatened and endangered species. It is also illegal to destroy or alter habitat
that results in harm to the species.
Endangered Plants: The Center for Plant Conservation (CPC)
is dedicated to preventing the extinction of America's imperiled, native flora and helps recover endangered plants. The CPC's national
office is hosted by the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, Missouri. The
CPC's participating institutions work with these imperiled plants off-site and in the wild. In the greenhouse, institution
scientists conduct horticultural research and learn how to grow the plants from seed or from cuttings. The Center's scientists
then provide plant material for restoration efforts in the wild. Institution scientists also assist in monitoring populations in
the wild, managing habitat and restoring plants to native habitats.
Plants may seem insignificant but each species contains a unique genetic code and once lost, cannot be duplicated. Many plants are the
sources of effective treatment for devastating diseases and are valuable as indicators of environmental quality. Certain plants,
such as the eastern white pine, are particularly good indicators of excess ozone, sulfur dioxide, and other air pollutants. In Missouri,
the "running buffalo clover, an endangered species once believed to be extinct is now being screened as a possible forage crop
because of its higher protein content and perennial nature."
Opportunities: Many private landowners view having an endangered species on their land as a liability, but this is not necessarily
true. If the landowner does discover an endangered species on their land, this means that their agricultural or land management practices
do not likely have a negative impact on the habitat of the species. Having an endangered species or managing land for one makes landowners
ore competitive for many technical and financial assistance programs.
The Missouri Department of Conservation Regional Biologists and
US Fish & Wildlife Service can provide assistance if you think endangered or threatened
species reside on your property. Landowners are encouraged to consider the following technical assistance and cost share programs
that exist for protecting E&T species and their habitat.
Successful Management Stories
News stories of landowners who have lost certain rights because the presence of an endangered species are common. The adage of
bad news travels faster than good news is true in this case too. There are less well publicized success stories of farmers
who have taken advantage of certain species to improve their business.
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