Illinois Wildlife Action Plan

Six species of bats are Illinois state-threatened or endangered and so are Species of Greatest Conservation Need within the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan. To accurately and efficiently census bat populations and evaluate their conservation status IDNR and its partners perform winter bat hibernacula surveys. Hibernacula are used by bats in winter for hibernation and include areas such as caves, mines, and cliffs. Hibernacula surveys record the number of bat species as well as estimates for the number of individuals. Surveyors must be careful not to awaken the bats which may deplete their energy reserves and be fatal. Managing these areas are also important for protecting bat species from White-nose syndrome (WNS). WNS is a fungal disease that effects hibernating bats and has resulted in large decreases in many bat populations. One of these species is the northern long-eared bat of which numbers have declined by more than 95% across the species range. Conservation efforts for bats includes direct management of hibernacula to ensure appropriate microclimate conditions for overwintering survival.

Prescribed burns typically occur in the spring or fall but can also be done in the winter. Winter burns are done in areas where the plants being burned area very tall and create large flames, and by doing it in the winter it is much safer and more easily controlled. Although burns may seem harmful to plants, it is actually a very important process for maintaining appropriate habitat conditions. Burns can help by controlling invasive plants, recycling nutrients, and making room for new growth. IDNR staff conduct multiple burns throughout the year to protect and promote native plant growth and diversity in wetlands, prairies, forests, and other habitats listed in the Wildlife Action Plan. Historically burning may have occurred from natural processes such as lightning and has been practiced by indigenous peoples for thousands of years.

The Outdoor Illinois Journal is home to many articles regarding the flora and fauna of Illinois, including species and communities related to the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan (IWAP). Articles range in topics from monitoring threatened and endangered species such as the Black-crowned Nigh-heron and Osprey, to Ways to Have a Wild-Life Friendly Yard this Fall. Check out the Outdoor Illinois Journal for more information on all natural resource related articles. https://outdoor.wildlifeillinois.org/category/recreation/

For many migratory species, the migratory period is the period of their full life cycle with the greatest mortality. Illinois hosts approximately 350 species annually—half of which are migrants passing through Illinois on their spring and fall migration. Many of these species are of conservation concern, and loss or degradation of migratory stopover habitat may be one of the greatest limiting factors. Stopover habitat is needed to allow migratory birds to safely replenish fat stores during their migration.

SWG Project T-138 will focus on providing information on the habitat use and behavior of migrating grassland birds to inform conservation planning for Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) and Illinois Wildlife Action Plan (IWAP) Farmland & Prairie Campaign focal species. Specifically, the project will determine the seasonal distribution of grassland birds in the two migratory seasons and compare the distribution and habitat use to the species’ habitat use and distribution in the breeding season.

For more information on SWG Project T-138: https://dnr.illinois.gov/conservation/iwap/t-138-r1-identifying-high-quality-habitat-for-migrating-grassland-birds.html