Three Northeastern
Rivers Surveyed
Wildlife diversity biologists recently completed a two-year
survey of the Neosho, Spring, and Elk rivers; documenting at least 58 species
of fish and 14 species of mussels.
Fish of these three Grand Lake tributaries were surveyed
using seines, hoop nets and electrofishing techniques while living mussels were
documented in snorkel surveys. Biologists also identified potentially occurring
mussels by searching for empty mussel shells on the river banks and gravel
bars. Ten of the documented species – 7 fish and 3 mussels – are considered
species of greatest conservation need.
The Neosho River at Miami Park and continuing one mile
upstream had the greatest fish diversity with 25 species detected. Mussel
diversity appeared greatest at the Neosho River’s Stepps Ford Bridge where
gravel shoals and exposed bedrock created the best opportunities for
opportunistic mussel sampling.
Read the full report
Species Spotlight: Common Buckeye
With every flutter of its wings, the Common
Buckeye transforms from a subtle brown butterfly to a brightly colored beauty. Orange patterning
and relatively large eyespots on the edges of the upper fore and hind wing are
easy clues that can help in identification. This butterfly is common in
Oklahoma from April to November.
Learn more about this butterfly
Ideas for Creating a Wildlife-friendly Backyard Available
Online
The Wildlife Department recently added “Landscaping for
Wildlife: A Guide to the Southern Great
Plains” to its online resources. The 200-plus page book is designed to help wildlife
enthusiasts establish a successful wildscape that may attract birds, butterflies,
lizards, and more to rural and urban backyard settings. Included are landscape
designs, plant lists, nest box blueprints, step-by-step instructions for
creating a water source and kid-friendly projects that encourage youngsters to
engage with nature.
Flip through the digital pages at
wildlifedepartment.com
The Century-old McCurtain County Wilderness Area Benefits
Oklahoma’s Wildlife
Red-cockaded
woodpeckers and their specialized habitat needs are a major consideration for
biologists at the McCurtain County Wilderness Area – the Wildlife Department’s oldest
management area and home to Oklahoma’s last remaining population of the
federally endangered bird. But management efforts for the rare woodpecker have
also benefitted a host of other Oklahoma wildlife.
Learn the recipe for
habitat and wildlife success
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