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Download This booklet contains facts about native species found in Kansas
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This booklet contains facts about native species found in Kansas, some of which are found here in the zoo. Do not depend on this fact book solely. Consider it a starting place for your own research. Remember, guests come for the experience & you are a major part of their experience. Biofacts to possibly include: Prairie dog skull, cougar skull, bobcat skull, bob cat prints, cougar print, deer pelt, Bison pelt This touch cart can be done by: cougars, North America (zoo), North America (museum), in conjunction with animal encounters (native species), or prairie dogs. Theme Ideas: 1) Animals in your back yard—mammals, birds, reptiles (all or just one group). 2) How you can help without leaving your home! 3) Pest or friend? Kansas can be broken in to two main ecological communities—grasslands (prairie) and temperate deciduous forests—which meet in the middle to create transitional ecological community, known as the grassland-forest ecotone. Because of this ecotone the flora and fauna of the two communities often mix for reasons such as hunting and shelter. The Kansan prairie is part of the Needlegrass-Pronghorn-Grama grass biome. This biome is the largest biome in North America, stretching from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico in Texas. The prairie itself is home to ground dwellers such as voles, moles, mice, prairie dogs, and swift foxes, and to larger animals such as bison, pronghorn, and the black-footed ferret. Kansas was, at one time, home to over 740 vertebrates (mammals, reptiles, birds, & amphibians). This touch cart will cover a few of the mammals, reptiles,& birds who call Kansas home. When we compare the number of species in Kansas and our neighboring states (Oklahoma, Colorado, Missouri, & Nebraska) we find: Oklahoma Colorado Kansas Missouri Nebraska Mammals 106 123 87 74 87 Birds 442 444 456 393 410 Reptiles 83 46 67 66 47 Amphibians 51 18 32 42 14 Total: 682 631 642 575 558 The Bison is the official state mammal of Kansas. Important on the Great Plains as a food and cloth source for American Indians. Once abundant across the plains, due to overhunting in the early 1800’s this once endangered species is only viewable in Kansas in private herds. Although it’s population is once again stable, the bison is still considered Near Threatened by the IUCN. The pronghorn is the fastest mammal in the Western hemisphere. Can sustain speeds of 70 mph for 3-4 minutes and bound 20 feet. Will run with its mouth open to obtain more oxygen. Inhabit open terrain and rely on their eyesight and speed to escape predators. The bobcat is very shy and difficult to approach. Has a keen sense of smell & excellent hearing. It’s main predators are humans and mountain lions in Kansas. Preys on rabbits, rodents, and birds. Thought to thrive well in Kansas because of size and reclusiveness. The black-footed ferret are listed as endangered, with increasing populations on IUCN. Their diet primarily consists of black-tailed prairie dogs. These ferrets were once considered extinct. Reintroduction efforts were used for this species. White-tailed deer can be found in EVERY state of the U.S. When alarmed, they raise their “flag” on their tail to alert other deer in the area. Deer are good swimmers & have a top running speed of 35 mph. The age of a deer cannot be told by their antlers. Virginia Opossum use their prehensile tail for balance, gripping, and carrying objects, not to hang from. They’re omnivores, their diet includes fruits, carrion, small animals, insects, etc. They are resistant to snake bites & rabies. Are the only pouched animals in North America (marsupials) Has opposable thumbs on its hind feet. Biofact: Fur Biofact: Deer Tract Biofact: Skull, pelt, tracks Biofact: prairie dog skull, ferret puppet Biofact: Tracks Biofact: sample diet Live animal These master bluffers can be found throughout Kansas. The western hognose is a stout snake, growing only to be 2-3 feet in length These snakes are great “roommates” feeding on insects, lizards, small rodents, small birds, and frogs/toads. While preyed on by birds of prey, it’s biggest threat is habitat deconstruction. The ornate box turtle is the state reptile of Kansas. Biofact: snake shed, skull. Biofact: Turtle shell, Live Animal Biofact: N/A Animal on exhibit Biofact: bag of marbles Biofact: Live animal Biofact: N/A They are most active between April & October. They primarily eat insects & bugs, but occasionally eat plants and carrion. They will hibernate in the winter months (Nov-March). The eastern glass lizard make look like a snake, due to its lack of legs; however, it is a leg-less lizard. Glass lizards have the ability to lose their tail—their tale makes up 2/3 of their length. They are most active mid-April through September. They can be found in prairies, savannahs, and in woodlands neighboring these habitats. The Blanchard’s Cricket Frog, is a small frog, growing to 1-1 1/2 inches in length. It consumes small insects It’s sound is distinctive: think of a bag of marbles being vigorously shaken Found throughout Kansas; least common in arid western High Plains. The barred tiger salamander can be found throughout Kansas; however, finding it is difficult. They are nocturnal and feed on insects and worms with the occasional small frog. They have 4 “toes” on their front feet & 5 “toes” on their back feet. The western chorus frog is the most abundant and widespread chorus frog in Kansas. It becomes active in late January/February looking for a mate It sings its chorus from a nearby pool It is preyed upon by larger frogs, skunks, birds, shrews, and snakes. Listed as least concern, the eastern screech owl can vary in color from gray to reddish-brown. Biofact: Owl pelt, wings They are generally about 7 inches tall & dwell in natural tree cavities or holes left by woodpeckers. Live animal It feeds on insects, mice, and other small nocturnal creatures. Many have moved into city areas to avoid predation. Wild turkeys travel in groups called “gangs” or “rafters” Wild turkeys forage forest floors, prairies, and swamps. The gobble of a male can be heard up to a mile away. Females care for young—feeding for a few days after hatching— males have no role in parental care. Biofact: Turkey feathers Biofact: N/A Plant a butterfly and/or hummingbird garden using flowers such as: butterfly bushes, butterfly weed, milkweeds, swallowtails, blackeyed susans, goldenrods, gayfeathers, balm, honeysuckle, and Texas sage. Using clay pots and saucers create little toad abodes for native amphibians to call home. Decorate the pots & make amphibian cities! Common in most of eastern & central U.S. Live in forests Blue Jay’s have a bad reputation because they occasionally eag bird eggs or nestlings; however, majority of their diet consists of seeds, acorns, and, nuts, with the occasional worm They are typically found solo, but may live in pairs or family groups. Bats are often misunderstood, but any animal who can eat thousands of insects in one night (a single bat, that is) is a great friend to many people! Building a bat box is an open invitation for them to call your backyard home. If you live in a city with few trees, invite birds to nest in a safe area, with decreased predators or human interference. Be sure to stick a feeder near by to help attract them to the new bird community. Ferrets Prairie Chickens Bats Migratory Animals Ticket sales allow Our vet provides Bat boxes can be Canada Geese and us to donate to physical exams on found throughout monarch butterBlack-footed Ferchickens before the zoo flies use our zoo as ret (BFF) conservathey are relocated a mid-way stop Ed programs help tion. to help populaduring migration teach the imtions in other re Staff help with BFF Butterfly garden portance of gions tagging research these misunderby Giraffes for stood mammals monarchs & other Vet provides physibutterflies Butterfly gardens cal exams in the field for BBF attract bat bugs Injured geese get too! vet care, as needed.
