South Dakota's Diverse Lands, Waters, and Wildlife
Grasslands and prairie pothole wetlands in eastern South Dakota support some of the highest concentrations of breeding waterfowl and other wetland birds in North America. Much of the landscape in western South Dakota is still intact, which will help species such as long-billed curlew, pearl dace, and burrowing owl. Meanwhile, although bisected by four dams, there are still places along the Missouri River where a person can experience the wide and meandering "Bug Muddy." The Black Hills' forests, streams, and grasslands support many species found in few other places in the state.
An Ecosystem Planning Approach
The key to healthy people and healthy wildlife is habitat - clean air and water, healthy and diverse landscapes, and other features that help fish and wildlife survive. The South Dakota wildlife action plan identifies and locates South Dakota's essential habitats, identifies the habitats that have changed since the state was settled, determines which animal species need special attention to ensure their long-term survival, and develops ways for the state to be more proactive in wildlife and habitat management.
South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks
