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GRASSLAND SPECIES
Take a look at just some of the species integral to the Great Plains Grasslands
Plains Bison
Photo: Caden Connelly
Black-Tailed Prairie Dog
A Keystone prairie species, keeping the prairie healthy through grazing, seed distribution, and providing habitat for numerous other species when they leave a burrow behind to dig a new one.
Photo: Caden Connelly
The state bird of South Dakota, the Ring-necked Pheasant will guard a group of females during breeding season, ready at all times to fight off any approaching males. They also are known to steal nests from Prairie Chickens.
Ring-necked Phesant
Greater Roadrunner
An iconic ground bird of the dry grasslands, known for its speed and hunting prowess.
Photo: Tom Luck
Buff-tailed Bumblebee
Buff-tailed Bumblebees are just one of the essential pollinators of the Great Plains Grasslands. They ensure the pollination of native plants, promoting seed and fruit production that feeds many other species and facilitates needed plant growth.
Swift Fox
Photo: Paige Miller
Named the National Mammal in 2016, the Bison is one of the most beloved animals in the nation for a litany of varying reasons. Ecologically, their movement and weight stimulates plant growth as they move through the prairie.
American Bison
Photo: Linda Leinen
One of the core 4 grasses found in the prarie, little bluestem fills the praries and turns a deep rust color in the fall (seen above). A reliable, short prariegrass.
A unique small owl that lives underground in abandoned burrows of prairie dogs.
Little Bluestem Grass
Photo: Sheila Newenham
Western Meadowlark
A symbolic bird of the plains known for its vibrant yellow breast and beautiful flute-like song.
American Beaver
Beavers control water levels with their construction, in turn controlling flood levels and maintaining habitat for numerous species. They create wetlands in ecosystems that are in great need.
Prairie Chicken
Photo: Caden Connelly
The fastest land mammal in North America, the Pronghorn is a staple in the Great Plains Grasslands. Look for cotton balls flying in the wind and you are sure to find Pronghorn flying across the reeds.
Pronghorn
Pronghorn
Sandhill Crane
Photo: Caden Connelly
A migratory species that is reliant on the water and food the Great Plains Grasslands provide. They also bring immense tourism to Nebraska and Kansas every March.
Photo: Mark Seth Lender
The landscape engineers of the prairie, creating vital habitat for numerous other species.
Prairie Dog
Prairie Rattlesnake
Prairie rattlesnakes help to maintain balance in the Great Plains Grasslands by controlling rodent populations and in turn decreasing the risk of harmful diseases that rodents can pass to humans and other organisms.
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