Arkansas, situated in the southeastern United States, harbors a diverse array of wildlife across its varied landscapes, from the rugged Ozark Plateau to the fertile lowlands of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. The state’s humid subtropical climate influences the distribution of species, with black bears and white-tailed deer thriving in the Ozarks, while wetlands in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain provide habitat for waterfowl, alligators, and various fish species.
Arkansas’s rivers and streams are home to native fish like the Smallmouth Bass, popular among anglers but facing challenges from habitat degradation. The Alligator Gar, inhabiting slow-moving waters, grapples with threats of habitat loss and overfishing. Reptiles, including the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake in drier regions and the Ouachita Map Turtle native to mountainous streams, add to the state’s rich biodiversity.
In the forests of Arkansas, the iconic Arkansas Black Bear roams, particularly in the Ozarks, while the adaptable White-tailed Deer thrives in various habitats. The state’s wildlife also includes unique or endemic species like the vibrant Red-Cheeked Salamander in the Ouachita Mountains and the Arkansas Darter, a small fish facing challenges from habitat destruction and pollution in the Ozark and Ouachita Highlands.
However, Arkansas’s wildlife encounters challenges such as habitat loss due to urbanization and agriculture, threatening the survival of many species. Additionally, invasive species disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting or preying on native wildlife. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) plays a crucial role in managing these challenges, overseeing the conservation of the state’s fish and wildlife resources, and engaging in educational and habitat restoration initiatives. Through collaborative efforts, Arkansas strives to balance human activities with the preservation of its diverse and vital ecosystems.
