4 Missouri Animals On The Verge Of Extinction

Habitat loss, pollution, and climate change are the leading factors to why these four animals found in Missouri are on the verge of becoming extinct.

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Sadly, there are a few animals that are in danger of becoming extinct and if Missourians work together we can help save these animals. According to A-Z Animals, four animals call Missouri home that are on the endangered list.

The Eastern Small-Footed Bat, the smallest bat in North America, has seen a major decrease of 70% of its population.

because these bats spend so much of their time hibernating in caves, cave closure or collapse impacts their population.

The Sheepnose Mussel, found in freshwater, is also on the list. This species has seen a 50% reduction in the U.S.

The mussel was listed as endangered in 2013 because of a severe decline in their geographic range. This decline is primarily caused by habitat degradation due to pollution, channelization, mining, impoundments, and sediments.

The cute Blanding's Turtle has slowly been declining in population over the past few years. The loss of habitats is leading the way in the decline in the turtles.

The main threats to Blanding’s turtle include collection for trade and increased road mortality caused by the constant development and expansion of rural road networks.

The Pallid Sturgeon mainly found in the Mississippi & Missouri Rivers is the last species on the endangered list in Missouri. measuring between 30 and 60 feet long, this fish is becoming extinct due to the pollution of both rivers.

The situation in the Upper Missouri River is slightly different, as the pallid sturgeons inhabiting the area are mainly threatened by dams that cause habitat fragmentation and alter ecological processes.