Habitats of the National
Bison Range
All species of animals and plants need a proper combination
of food, water, cover, and space in order to live and reproduce. Together
these elements make up their "Habitat," an area meeting these needs. Habitat
is the key to the survival of many species.
The specific habitat requirements of many animals and plants differ, although a variety of species may live in the same area. White-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, and tree squirrels, for example, prefer woodlands, while cotton-tail rabbits and song sparrow prefer fields. Waterfowl, fishes, mussels, and pitcher plants are at home in wetlands or rivers, while other species, such as the desert tortoise and most cacti depend on dry habitat. The common pigeon, starlings, and roof rats can easily adapt to the urban habitats of large cities, towns, and suburbs.
Perhaps the most important type of wildlife habitat is wetlands. These areas are often called marshes, bogs, swamps, ponds, potholes, and bayous. Historically, wetlands were often regarded as wastelands, breeding areas for mosquitoes and suitable only for draining. In fact, more than half of the country's wetlands have been drained and filled in since colonial times. More recently, however, wetlands have become recognized as vital to the survival of hundreds of animals and plants including nearly half the nation's endangered species.
Wetlands are also important to people because they filter pollutants and sediments from water, provide dependable water supplies, and serve as a natural means of flood and erosion control.
