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Cause for Concern in the United States, Canada, Bermuda, Alaska
Nearctic
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Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands
California Central Valley grasslands
The California Central Valley was once one of the most diverse, productive grasslands in North America. But times have changed, and virtually all Central Valley habitats have been altered. Several factors have caused this change: introduced species, clearing for agriculture, growth of cities, fires, pollution, logging, channeling of rivers, building of dams, and conversion of habitat to pasture for livestock grazing. The result? As many as 66 percent of the vernal pools have been destroyed and less than 6 percent of the original marsh area remains. The other habitats exist as only small, scattered fragments. These isolated areas no longer have the habitat connections that animals such as reptiles and amphibians depend on for movement to find food and mates.
Nearctic
•
Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands
Canadian Aspen forests and parklands
Less than 10 percent of the natural Canadian Aspen Forest and Parklands habitat remains intact. Most of the loss is due to converting habitat to pastures for grazing livestock and to agricultural fields for raising crops such as canola, alfalfa, and wheat. Much of the original forests have been cut for timber. Oil and gas exploration is also happening in many areas.
Nearctic
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Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands
Central and Southern mixed
Only about 5 percent of the ecoregion's habitat is intact today, most having been converted to croplands or pasture. This area was part of the dustbowl in the 1930s, when tons of soil were lost from drought combined with poor farming practices. The bit of remaining habitat is still unprotected and threatened by future conversion to cropland. The suppression of fires in the area also creates unnatural habitat, which changes the mix of species that are able to grow here.
Nearctic
•
Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands
Central forest-grasslands transition
Because of its rich soil, this is one of the most converted of all ecoregions; less than 1 percent of the remaining habitat is intact. It is almost completely farmed for corn and soybeans.
Nearctic
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Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands
Central tall grasslands
Because this region has such rich soils, it is a prime location for farming and now is covered with fields of corn and soybeans. This area is called the "Corn Belt" of the United States. Virtually all of the habitat has been converted to crops or is used for grazing domestic animals.
Nearctic
•
Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands
Edwards Plateau savanna
Virtually all of this ecoregion has been converted to pasture, urban areas, and farmland. Only about two percent of the original habitat survives, and only in small, scattered pieces. Overgrazing has fragmented the grasslands, eliminated native grassland species, and contributed to the spread of shrubs and other woody plants. The suppression of natural fires has also encouraged shrubs and discouraged native grasses. Urban and suburban development around Austin and San Antonio continues to threaten the few remaining habitat fragments.
Nearctic
•
Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands
Flint Hills tall grasslands
Although this ecoregion escaped the plow, livestock grazing has been widespread here. Yet this area has fared comparatively well and still has blocks of relatively intact habitat. Future threats are minimal, since the area is difficult to farm and conservation efforts have been successful so far. Excessive grazing of cattle remains the largest potential threat.
Nearctic
•
Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands
Montana Valley and Foothill grasslands
The cities of Montana and Alberta are expanding into this ecosystem, cutting off travel routes and winter ranges for elk, mule deer, and other animals. New housing developments also introduce exotic plant species that spread and drive out the native grasses and shrubs. Additional threats include large-scale agriculture, pollution from mining, and toxic waste sites.
Nearctic
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Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands
Nebraska Sand Hills mixed grasslands
As much as 85 percent of the Nebraska Sand Hills Mixed Grassland is intact. Toward the eastern section, habitat loss is higher because of irrigation and development. The absence of farming in the Sand Hills has allowed this ecoregion to escape extensive plowing. Excessive cattle grazing is the primary disturbance here.
Nearctic
•
Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands
Northern mixed grasslands
Virtually no large areas of intact mixed grassland habitat remain today, and nearly 80 percent of the area's wetlands have been destroyed or damaged, largely due to the conversion of the habitat to farmland.
