being done to manage these species?
The ways plants and animals are managed by land owners and biologists differ
with each species. The number of individuals present is an important factor
in developing a management plan. Managers may also consider the economic
importance of the plant or animal to people. This factor includes the value
of the species as a food resource, such as fish, wild turkey and white-tailed
deer, that many people harvest and eat. Wood products that we use in our
home and school are also economically important.
In some instances
resource managers may reintroduce a species. Prairie chickens, white-tailed
deer, wild turkeys and river otters have been captured in areas where
their populations are healthy and released into suitable Illinois habitats.
of the habitat may make the area more suitable for a plant or animal.
To improve a habitat, biologists may recommend prescribed fires, timber
cutting, removal of exotic species, reflooding a historic wetland or restricting
human use of an area. In many cases, the best action is no action. By
having the area develop naturally, many plants and animals will return.
conduct research on endangered and threatened species to learn more about
the food, water, cover and space they require to survive. From this information,
plans can be made to improve habitats for these rare species.