KANSAS Species In Need of Conservation (SINC)
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO SPECIES LISTED AS SPECIES IN NEED OF CONSERVATION IN KANSAS BY THE STATE GOVERNMENT. INCLUDES SPECIES DESCRIPTION, AND RANGE MAP.
Edited and published by the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks, Environmental Section. INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE Macroclemys temminckii
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Alligator Snapping Turtle is a secretive deep water turtle of large rivers, swamps, lakes and sloughs. It is active during the warmer months of the year, generally at an air temperature of 65 degrees F or above. Little is known of the daily habits of this large creature. They forage for food at night. They mate probably at any time during warm weather. The female lays a single clutch per season ranging in size from 15-50 round, white eggs and hatch in 3-4 months. They are carnivorous, eating anything they can overpower. Platt recommended close scrutiny of any pesticide use or flood control projects along rivers in southeastern Kansas which might seriously harm this turtle. In 1978, they were protected as a threatened species in Kansas. Historic specimens are documented from the Arkansas River drainage in Cowley County and from the Neosho River drainage in Labette and Lyon counties. Recent sightings have occurred in Montgomery and Sumner counties. They are probably restricted to the major rivers of southeastern Kansas. The population declines are due to exploitation by trappers and habitat alteration.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 3 Subject to future revisions BANDED DARTER Etheostoma zonale
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Banded Darter inhabits clear, permanently flowing streams of moderate size. They prefer deep riffles over a rocky bottom. It is found also in clumps of algae-covered debris where water flows slowly over smooth bottoms. They feed on larval insects and spawn in April or May in Kansas. They probably attach their eggs to strands of algae or other fibrous material on stones in flowing water. This species is common in Shoal Creek, Cherokee County and (less abundantly) in the neighboring Spring River.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 4 Subject to future revisions BANDED SCULPIN Cottus carolinae
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Banded Sculpin lives in swift riffles over rubble bottoms in clear, permanent streams. They eat the larvae of stoneflies, mayflies, and caddisflies, as well as amphipods, small mollusks, crayfish, and small fish. Little is known of the reproduction of this species in Kansas. Spawning probably occurs in March. Banded Sculpins are abundant in Ozark streams. The Sculpin enters Kansas only where reliable springs maintain a streamflow cool and clear enough to sustain the species through the summer. It is now known only from Shoal Creek, Cherokee County. If that stream should fail or be impounded, the Sculpin and other species would be lost from the state fish fauna.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 5 Subject to future revisions BLACK RAIL Laterallus jamaicensis
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Black Rail is usually found statewide in wet meadows or meadows near marshes, such as Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Management Area and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge and probably other wetlands in Kansas. It consumes insects and some seeds of water plants. This bird is shy and probably more common than data indicate, but populations are no doubt declining because of the disappearance of wetlands in Kansas. Apparently, this bird does not require large areas of marshland or wet meadows because several Kansas records are from areas with only a few suitable acres. While it may use cattails and similar habitats, shallow wetlands with short dense vege- tation is preferred. The major threat to the Black Rail is the disappearance of small shallow wetlands in Kansas.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 6 Subject to future revisions BLACK REDHORSE Moxostoma duquesnei
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION Black Redhorses live in streams that have gravel bottoms and permanent flow of clear, cool water. Usually they are found in deep- er “runs” (places where the water flows rapidly, but smoothly) rather than in quiet pools or turbulent riffles. They feed on aquatic insects, mainly fly larvae. Spawning occurs in April or May when water temperatures are above 60 degrees F. Eggs are deposited on clean gravel bottoms in the current, just upstream from riffles. The Black Redhorse is now confined to Spring River and Shoal Creek (Cherokee County) although nineteenth century reports sug- gest it occurred more widely in the Arkansas basin and possibly in the Marais des Cygnes.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 7 Subject to future revisions BLACK TERN Chlidonias niger
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Black Tern needs wetland marshes and shallow lakes and ponds, relatively large size, with approximately 50% emergent vege- tation. They require emergent vegetation of floating mats on which to build nests. The birds also need open water areas for foraging for insects and minnows, their main food source, and frequently forage over small ponds and open streams. The Kansas status and range of the Black Tern is statewide during migration; nesting has been confirmed at Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuges. They are usually a late April migrant but have seen as early as March 20. The normal arrival time is April to September. The nesting population is unknown, only that it occurs. The global decrease in population will effect the num- ber of migrants coming through Kansas. Large numbers can be seen at the central Kansas marshes, where apparently many nonbreed- ing birds remain during the summer; a few nest. Threats to the Black Tern include disappearance of suitable wetlands, and there is indication of organochlorine contamination with resulting eggshell thinning. Breeding bird surveys have shown a 7% annual decline in recent years.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 8 Subject to future revisions BLACKNOSE DACE Rhinichthys atratulus
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Blacknose Dace population in Kansas appears to be a remnant, but stable, population found only in areas where the last glacier extended. They prefer small, usually cool, gravelly streams of high to moderate gradient. They use pools, slower runs, and backwaters as microhabitats. Major threats to the Blacknose Dace include limited quality habitat left due to highly erodible soil, channelization, irrigation, herbi- cide and pesticide use, livestock pollution, and destruction of riparian buffer. The Blacknose Dace has only been found in five localities in Pole, Manley, and Clear Creeks of the Nemaha River system in north- eastern Kansas.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 9 Subject to future revisions BLUE SUCKER Cycleptus elongatus
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Blue Sucker concentrates in “chutes” or rapids where the water is deep and the bottom is rocky, wholly free of silt in the Neosho River. This species probably spawns in spring, scattering its eggs on rocky bottoms in the current often migrating upstream. In sum- mer, the young are found along gravel bars in slightly shallower water and less swift currents than adults. They feed off of insects and probably microorganisms including algae attached to stones on the bottom. Blue Suckers occur in the Missouri, Kansas, and Neosho Rivers, where they occupy swift currents in the main channels. Many have also been found in the stilling basin where water is discharged into the river from John Redmond Reservoir in Coffey County.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 10 Subject to future revisions BLUNTNOSE DARTER Etheostoma chlorosoma
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Bluntnose Darter inhabits small, slowly flowing creeks with bottoms of mud or clay in the eastern part of the Arkansas River system. The creeks may be intermittent during severe drought. This species is also found in oxbows and overflow pools, particularly if they remain clear and have aquatic vegetation. This fish probably spawns in April or May in Kansas. Little is known of its reproductive habits in the state. They feed off larval insects, especially midges, and microcrustaceans. Bluntnose Darters occur in only a few places in the Spring and Neosho River basins, always in small numbers.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 11 Subject to future revisions BOBOLINK Dolichonyx oryzivorus
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Bobolink prefers tall grasslands such as wet meadows, hayfields, and moist tallgrass prairie. Migrants frequently visit alfalfa fields. They nest on the ground in a shallow depression made of grasses and weed stems. The birds feed on beetles, grasshoppers, cater- pillars, and other small invertebrates as well as seeds of various grasses and weeds. In seasons other than summer, they feed primari- ly on domestic and wild grain and weed and grass seed. The Bobolink is an irregular transient and summer resident in eastern and central Kansas. It is casual westward where it may possi- bly breed very locally. Nesting has been confirmed from Barton, Cloud, and Stafford counties. The spring migration falls mainly between May 2 to May 20. The fall migration ranges, with poor documentation, from August 15 to October 13, or even April 2 to October 13. They nest in southern Canada and the northern United States, south to eastern Oregon, Kansas, and West Virginia. It win- ters in southern South America.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 12 Subject to future revisions BRASSY MINNOW Hybognathus hankinsoni
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Brassy Minnow prefers small, clear streams having sluggish current and sandy bottoms overlaid by organic sediment or weedy pools. Little is known of their reproductive habits other than they spawn in May. They probably feed on microorganisms attached to plant stems or in the bottom ooze. Brassy Minnows are known only from the headwaters of the Smoky Hill and Republican Rivers in northwestern Kansas and from the Missouri River and one of its tributaries in Atchison County in northeastern Kansas.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 13 Subject to future revisions BRINDLED MADTOM Noturus miurus
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Brindled Madtom is a small member of the catfish family that measures just over 3-inches in length. There are distinct black and yellow markings on its body and fins. This fish avoids large rivers and riffles, but can be found in leaf-littered pools of clear streams. Known as a nocturnal feeder, this fish feeds mostly on aquatic insect larvae that inhabit the substrate. Few brindled madtoms are thought to survive beyond 3 years. In the last twenty-five years, it has been documented in the Spring River (Cherokee County) and Cedar Creek (Chase County). The majority of the natural range of the Brindled Madtom is east of Kansas in the Mississippi and Ohio River valleys. The western periphery of its range extends up the Arkansas River basin into southeast Kansas.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 14 Subject to future revisions CERULEAN WARBLER Dendroica cerulea
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Cerulean Warbler can be found in mature, deciduous trees along rivers. In the western part of Kansas, they might be found in shelter belts, along rivers, or in towns mainly in the canopies of trees. They are known to feed on caterpillars and small arthropods. This bird is a rare transient and summer resident in the eastern part of the state and a casual transient in the west. They arrive in the eastern part of Kansas around April 24 and probably do not depart until August, or at the latest, September 13. The first Cerulean Warbler nest was found in a silver maple tree on May 26, 1985 and was located near the Marais des Cygnes Refuge in Linn County. The major threat is reduction of floodplain forests; what remains is subject to alterations by stream impact, agriculture, and devel- opment. The Cerulean Warbler needs mature deciduous forests, both upland and riparian, with closed canopy floodplain forest pre- ferred.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 15 Subject to future revisions CHIHUAHUAN RAVEN Corvus cryptoleucus
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Chihuahuan Raven is the largest member of the crow family still found in Kansas. In the summertime, it is usually found in the far western part of the state. They do not require trees, but their stick nests may be found in isolated trees and on windmills on the prairie. Their breeding range formerly encompassed the western part of Kansas along the Colorado border eastward to as far as Ford, Kearny, Finney, and Gray counties. Little is known of the food habits of this raven. They have been seen at garbage dumps in Seward County. It is probably an opportunist and will eat carrion or vegetable matter as it is available. The Chihuahuan Raven has been recorded as occurring every month of the year. This species appears to be an uncommon summer resident in the extreme southwestern part of the state and rare elsewhere in the state. It is a rare winter resident in the west and may occasionally wander eastward in the winter. This species needs arid areas, particularly desert and scrubby grasslands. They are mistakenly harvested for crow. Wintering popu- lation losses may be due to changes in landfill and packinghouse management.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 16 Subject to future revisions CRAWFISH FROG Rana areolata
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Crawfish Frog originally inhabited low wet meadows in tallgrass prairie, although populations do persist in non-native grass- lands. They require heavy spring rains and fishless temporary pools that persist into May or June for successful reproductions. This species has considerable range in Kansas and remains common in many areas. They range from south of a line from Lyon to Johnson counties and east of the Flint Hills. Distribution has changed little, although populations in Douglas County have apparently been extirpated. There are populations throughout their range in Kansas. Little definite population information is available. Based on loss of suitable habitat, populations have gradually declined in Kansas. Major threats to the Crawfish Frog are continued loss of habitat due to agricultural and urban development and reservoir construc- tion. The current pace of habitat loss appears to be slow but steady.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 17 Subject to future revisions CREEPER MUSSEL Strophitus undulatus
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Creeper Mussel is an obligate riverine species found in perennial streams where it prefers gravel substrates. Fish hosts include largemouth bass, creek cub, and green sunfish. It can also mature without going through a parasitic stage. Current probable range would include portions of the Caney, Cottonwood, Elk, Fall, Little Osage, Marais des Cygnes, Marmaton, Neosho, Spring, Verdigris, and Walnut Rivers and Grouse and Pottawatomie Creeks. Organic and inorganic pollutants, impoundments, gravel dredging, and channelization are major threats for this mussel.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 18 Subject to future revisions CURVE-BILLED THRASHER Toxostoma curvirostre
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION In the summertime, the Curve-billed Thrasher is restricted to arid parts of the southwest, usually in sandsage grasslands and usually near a cholla cactus. In the winter they wander and have been reported in barnyards, windbreaks, cemeteries, and brushy ravines. Breeding has been reported from Hamilton, Gray, Kearny, and Morton counties. Nest building began by mid-April; in each case the nest was in a cholla cactus. They feed on insects and small invertebrates and a considerable amount of fruit and berries, especially in winter. The Curve-billed Thrasher has been reported during all months in the southwest. Most sightings elsewhere are between November 2 and April 23, but a few have been sighted in May and June. This bird is a casual visitor and occasional (local) summer resident in the southwest, where it is apparently a resident some years. It is vagrant to casual elsewhere in the north and east to Norton, Ellis, Barton, Reno, and Cowley counties.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 19 Subject to future revisions CYLINDRICAL PAPERSHELL MUSSEL Anadontoides ferussacianus
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Cylindrical Papershell Mussel is currently known only from the Smoky Hill River. They may occur in the lower Republican and lower Solomon Rivers. These mussels can occur in impoundments and streams and can utilize a wide range of substrates from silt to rubble. Fish hosts include common shiner, bluntnose minnow, and fathead minnow. Stream dewatering and pollution are major threats to the Cylindrical Papershell Mussel.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 20 Subject to future revisions DEERTOE MUSSEL Truncilla truncata
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Deertoe Mussel is an obligate riverine species requiring swift clean currents and gravel substrates. This mussel is currently known in portions of the Fall, Little Osage, Marais des Cygnes, Neosho, and Verdigris Rivers and Pottawatomie Creek. Fish hosts include freshwater drum and sauger. Organic and inorganic contamination, siltation, and gravel dredging are major threats to the Deertoe Mussel.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 21 Subject to future revisions DELTA HYDROBE Probythinella emarginata
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Delta Hydrobe is small in size and distinctly shaped. Its shell measures 0.1 inch in length. The flattened apex at the shell spire gives this snail a unique appearance.The Delta Hydrobe is a gill-breathing aquatic snail. It had been documented only as fossil speci- mens from the Pleistocene until the discovery of a relic population on Cedar Creek in Chase County. This is the only population known to occur in Kansas. . The next nearest known population is 250 miles to the east in Osage County, Missouri. There are only 5 species of gill-breathing snails in Kansas. All of them are highly sensitive to pollution. The presence of this animal indicates the good water quality of this spring-fed stream
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 22 Subject to future revisions EASTERN HOGNOSE SNAKE Heterodon platirhinos
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Eastern Hognose Snake lives in widely varying habitats, from the forested areas of eastern Kansas to the open prairies along the Colorado border. It prefers sandy areas and is most common along valleys of rivers and in the eastern tier of counties. Mating occurs during April and May after emergence from winter inactivity. Courtship is not known. Females lay a single clutch each year. The numbers of eggs vary from 4-61 with an average of 22. They feed primarily on frogs and toads, although it has been recorded that they eat salamanders. This snake ranges statewide except perhaps for the northwest corner. It has been documented in over forty-seven counties in recent years. It has declined in at least one site, but there is no evidence of widespread declines. Most of Kansas (except along the eastern bor- der) is not optimal habitat for this snake and populations of this species in Kansas are probably somewhat isolated. Major threats to the Eastern Hognose Snake are pesticides and destruction of habitat.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 23 Subject to future revisions FAT MUCKET MUSSEL Lampsilis siliquoidea
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Fat Mucket Mussel is an obligate riverine species preferring slow moving current. They can tolerate a wide variety of substrates, but generally do not occur in areas of shifting sand. Fish hosts include crappies, common shiner, largemouth bass, tadpole madtom, and white sucker. The current probable range of this mussel would include Grouse Creek and Walnut River in the Arkansas River basin; the Marais des Cygnes, Little Osage River, Marmaton River, Paint Creek, and Pottawatomie Creek in the Marais des Cygnes basin; and Caney River, Verdigris River, Spring River, and Neosho main stem within the Neosho basin. Alteration of stream flows by impoundment, siltation, and water contamination by nutrients and chemicals are major threats to the Fat Mucket Mussel.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 24 Subject to future revisions FAWNSFOOT MUSSEL Truncilla donaciformis
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Fawnsfoot Mussel is an obligate riverine species currently limited to the Fall, Neosho, and Verdigris Rivers and Pottawatomie Creek. This mussel utilizes a wide range of substrates from mud to gravel. Fish hosts are believed to include freshwater drum and sauger. Impoundments, organic and inorganic contaminants, and siltation are major threats to the Fawnsfoot Mussel.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 25 Subject to future revisions FERRUGINOUS HAWK Buteo regalis
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Ferruginous Hawk spends much of its time sitting on the ground, on low perches, or soaring high overhead. They hunt from the air or a perch or by waiting near burrows of prairie dogs or ground squirrels. This species eats chiefly small mammals, especially prairie dogs, gophers, and ground squirrels as well as snakes, large insects, and occasionally small birds. These hawks nest primarily in steeply eroded canyons along the Smoky Hill River from Gove County westward. Some nests are found in trees such as cottonwood and locust, and in rockfaces, bluffs, and pinnacles. The bird occurs year round and breeds locally in the west. During migration and in winter, it occurs eastward in progressively reduced numbers. Vagrants are widespread, especially in the late summer. In winter, the birds disperse eastward to farmlands, marsh- es, and other open areas where small rodents are numerous.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 26 Subject to future revisions FRANKLIN’S GROUND SQUIRREL Spermophilus franklinii
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Franklin’s Ground Squirrel inhabitats the eastern half of Kansas. It extends westward along riparian vegetation in the northern part of the state and is associated with the zone where tallgrass prairie and deciduous forest come into contact. It prefers the sheltered cover of dense grasses, weedy fields and wastelands, and shrubby forest edges. They are active mainly during the day but spend a large amount of time underground. The squirrels may live in colonies of 10-100. During hot weather, these squirrels may aestivate. They hibernate from around the last of July to September and extend until April or later. This squirrel breeds in late April or May and may have 2-13 (usually 6-9) young a year. The young mature by the following spring. They fed on green vegetation, seeds, grasses, insects, and some small vertebrates. The Franklin’s Ground Squirrels are regarded as important predators of ground nesting birds in some areas. Badgers, coyotes, foxes, weasels, snakes, and hawks prey upon this squir- rel. Its maximum longevity is considered to be five to six years.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 27 Subject to future revisions GLOSSY SNAKE Arizona elegans
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Glossy Snake is found in dry, open, sandy areas. Little is known of its habits, but apparently it is active from April to October. They are primarily nocturnal, prowling for food. During the day it retires beneath rocks or into burrows to avoid the heat and preda- tors. This snake mates during May, June, or July following emergence from winter activity. The female lays a single clutch of eggs rang- ing from 3-23 eggs with an average of 8. Eggs hatch in 2-3 months. They kill their food by constriction, and feed primarily on lizards and small rodents. Predators of this species probably include snakes, mammals, and owls. The range of the Glossy Snake is in western Kansas, southwest of a line from Cheyenne, Rice, and Harvey counties. Statewide pop- ulation trends are unknown, but it continues to be a common species in at least part of its range in the state. Records and recent accounts from experts indicate that the Glossy Snake is stable in Kansas and is not in any great jeopardy.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 28 Subject to future revisions GOLDEN EAGLE Aquila chrysaetos
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Golden Eagle is not closely related to the bald eagle, and more resembles large Buteo in its habits. It occurs most regularly over open grasslands in western Kansas, but it winters sporadically eastward. The birds are usually shy and nesting sites are fairly isolated. Each pair occupies a large home range of thirty-five square miles. Most hunt either from a perch or by a steep dive from a consider- able height; pairs frequently hunt together. Courtship involves spectacular, aerial maneuvers, and pairs are said to mate for life. Recent nests in Kansas were built in isolated trees in native grassland or on the steep sides of deeply eroded gullies. Nests may be rebuilt and used in successive years, or a pair may alternate from different nests in the same general area. Within its range, which covers most of the temperate zone, the eagles feed on a great variety of vertebrates, with jackrabbits, cottontails, rodents, and snakes predominating. They also take large prey occasionally. However, studies show that their predation on healthy domestic livestock has been greatly exaggerated. A considerable amount of carrion may be eaten in the winter. Golden Eagles are an uncommon transient and winter visitor, chiefly in the west. There is one early report of breeding and recent nesting in four far western counties. They are most common from early October through early April. Extreme dates, for nonbreeding birds, are September 2 and May 8. Midsummer vagrants occur occasion- ally in the east.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 29 Subject to future revisions GRAVEL CHUB Erimystax x-punctatus
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Gravel Chub resides in deep riffles over gravel bottoms in the Neosho and Spring Rivers. Their food source is unknown. They spawn in April at water temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, generally at a depth of 2-3 feet. Spawning sites are on gravel bars in swift current. Platt, et al. (1974) recommended control of pollution over long stretches of clear gravel bottoms.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 30 Subject to future revisions GRAY PETALTAIL DRAGONFLY Tachopteryx thoreyi
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Gray Petaltail Dragonfly is found in moss and vegetated margins of wooded upland spring seeps. There is a single known loca- tion in Kansas. They may occur in suitable habitat in southeast Kansas. Clearing of upland woodlands and destruction of wooded springs are major threats to this dragonfly.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 31 Subject to future revisions GREENSIDE DARTER Etheostoma blennioides
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Greenside Darter inhabits deep, swift riffles over rubble bottom. It requires permanent flow and is most abundant in streams having a large, stable volume of flow, allowing the growth of filamentous algae on riffles. The water must remain clear and cool. They spawn in April in Kansas. Eggs are deposited near the bases of dense stands of algae attached to stones in fast water. This fish feeds on all small animals, including insects, that live on the surfaces of stones or attached vegetation along the stream bottom. This species originally occupied streams in the Kansas River basin as far west as Manhattan, and probably occurred more widely in the Osage and Arkansas river system than it does now. It has been taken recently only in the Osage and Spring Rivers. There are two subspecies of Greenside Darters in Kansas: Etheostoma blennioides newmani in the Spring River system in Cherokee County and Etheostoma blennioides pholidotum in the Osage River drainage in Bourbon County.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 32 Subject to future revisions HENSLOW’S SPARROW Ammodramus henslowii
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Henslow’s Sparrow is primarily a breeder in the northeastern United States and winters in the Gulf States. It is a very local sum- mer resident in Kansas, but it is probably more widespread as a transient and is probably often overlooked. This species spends most of its time on the ground in dense vegetation and is a difficult species to flush and observe. In much of its range, it prefers moist areas, but in others, as at Konza Prairie, it occurs in dry upland prairie. The nests of Henslow’s Sparrows are well hidden on the ground under grass clumps that overhangs and covers the nest. The female lays 3-5 eggs, the incubation is by the female alone. In some areas, they are at least semicolonial. They feed on grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, caterpillers, ants, and other invertebrates and, during the nonnesting season, on seeds of a variety of grasses, sedges, and weeds. This species is an uncommon transient and very local summer resident in eastern Kansas. They occur in Kansas from April 14 through October 15. The relatively few sight records of transients are from April 10 to May 4 and August 3 to October 26. Nesting has been documented from Anderson, Geary, Morris, Riley, and Shawnee counties, and single males have been observed during the breed- ing season at other localities in eastern Kansas. The largest and most stable population in Kansas is at the Konza Prairie.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 33 Subject to future revisions HIGHFIN CARPSUCKER Carpiodes velifer
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Highfin Carpsucker likes clean streams with clear water and rocky bottoms. Reproduction is unknown in Kansas. This fish feeds on microorganisms that settle on stream bottoms, including algae. Only one Highfin Carpsucker has been known to be caught in the past 20 years and occurred in the Neosho River, Labette County. Much earlier, Highfin Carpsuckers were reported from the Kansas, Blue, Wakarusa, and Marais des Cygnes Rivers. They are extreme- ly rare in Kansas and are declining in several other parts of its range.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 34 Subject to future revisions LADDER-BACKED WOODPECKER Picoides scalaris
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Ladder-backed Woodpecker is primarily a bird of the southwestern United States. It reaches its northeastern limits in southwest- ern Kansas, where it is found frequenting the cottonwoods and willows along the Cimarron River. It is an uncommon resident of south- western Kansas where it has been recorded from Hamilton, Morton, and Clark counties; only nesting in Morton County has been recorded. They seem to be increasing in numbers along the Cimarron River. The birds lay anywhere from 2-6 eggs and the incubation period is about 13 days. This species is a resident. They feed upon wood- borer larvae and other insects gleaned from trees. The Ladder-backed Woodpeckers have also been observed feeding upon the cactus fruit.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 35 Subject to future revisions LONG-BILLED CURLEW Numenius americanus
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Long-billed Curlew is an uncommon transient in the western half of the state and rare in the eastern half. It breeds rarely in the southwest and appears casually as a nonbreeder elsewhere in summer. They were former breeding birds in Kansas but now records show breeding only in Morton, Finney, and Stanton counties. They nest in arid places usually remote from water. The birds feed by probing the mud with their long bills for invertebrates such as worms. In upland areas, they feed on insects and probably on berries when available. The easiest place to observe Long-billed Curlews is at Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Management Area or Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. They are also seen readily in the summer on their nesting grounds on dry upland pastures in Morton County. Although they are not abundant, there is a reasonably good chance of seeing them during migration. Few remain to nest, the rest depart approximately March 23 and most by May 17. Migrations southward are hard to determine, but birds have been seen from August 21 to September 25.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 36 Subject to future revisions MOUNTAIN PLOVER Charadrius montanus
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Mountain Plover occurs only on the dry upland shortgrass prairie during the breeding season; however, during the nonbreeding season it may be found in wetter areas. There are records for Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Management Area. The plowing of the shortgrass prairie has left little breeding habitat. Most recent breeding records are from Hamilton County. The plovers feed mainly on insects; grasshoppers are probably the largest part of the diet. The Mountain Plovers once were common summer residents of the high plains of western Kansas but are now reduced in numbers and are quite rare. The birds occur from April 18 to September 16 in Kansas as records sporadically show, but they probably arrive much earlier and leave much later.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 37 Subject to future revisions NEOSHO MIDGET CRAYFISH Orconectes macrus
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Neosho Midget Crayfish is a small, olive-tan crayfish with a prominent black saddle mark across the junction of the carapace and abdomen. Pincers are short, broad and powerful. The carapace is nearly equal in length to abdomen. The Neosho Midget Crayfish is currently known from only one locality on the Spring River and is likely restricted to that basin in Cherokee County. This crayfish inhabits clear, permanent flowing Ozarkian streams over a firm gravel substrate in swift, shallow water. This crayfish burrows short tunnels in areas of small gravel and beneath rubble and boulders.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 38 Subject to future revisions NIGHT SNAKE Hypsiglena torquata
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Night Snake has smooth scales, a divided anal scale, and eye pupils that slit vertically when exposed to strong light. This snake is gray or grayish yellow with 50-70 dark brown blotches on its back. There are three elongate brown blotches at the neck. Adults grow to 14-16 inches in length. Known populations are found in dry rocky areas in open terrain in the Red Hills of South-central Kansas near the Kansas-Oklahoma border. Recent survey work showed that this snake is one of the most common snakes within survey areas in the Red Hills. This species was recently downgraded from Threatened status because research showed that the Kansas population is not isolated from the Oklahoma population and no threats to its continued existence could be identified to warrant maintaining its status as Threatened.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 39 Subject to future revisions NORTHERN HOG SUCKER Hypentelium nigricans
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Northern Hog Sucker lives in deep riffles of small or medium sized streams that have a permanent flow of clear, cool water over rocky bottoms. They spawn in April or May at water temperatures of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This fish forages by sucking small organisms off the exposed surfaces of stones or overturning rocks to obtain insect larvae that live in crevices within the loose rubble. Northern Hog Suckers now occur only in the Spring River and Shoal Creek, Cherokee County. A century ago, they were reported from the Neosho and Osage Rivers in Kansas. They have become rare because only Shoal Creek has maintained the permanent flow of clear water and deep gravel riffles that this species must have.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 40 Subject to future revisions OZARK EMERALD DRAGONFLY Somatochlora ozarkensis
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Ozark Emerald Dragonfly occurs in small scattered populations in the Ozarks. The only known Kansas occurrence was in Woodson County where a single specimen was collected. This dragonfly requires perennial streams with good woodland canopy cover. Stream channelization and clearing of riparian woodlands along streams are major threats to the Ozark Emerald Dragonfly
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 41 Subject to future revisions OZARK MINNOW Notropis nubilus
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Ozark Minnow prefers high gradient, clear, strongly flowing streams. They spawn in May or June. The minnow feeds on algae and microscopic animals that grow as a film on rocks along the bottom. The Ozark Minnow is confined to Shoal Creek, Cherokee County, in extreme southeast Kansas. It is listed as a peripheral species meaning that its population is now so localized that it could be lost to our fauna. They probably couldn’t occur much more widely under present climatic conditions, but fossils prove its existence in southwestern Kansas during an earlier geological period.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 42 Subject to future revisions PALLID BAT Antrozous pallidus
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Pallid Bat is known only from Barber County where it hibernates in the caves and rock crevices during winter. In summer, it uses buildings or crevices in cliffs or hollow trees during the day. Night roosts are used for feeding and resting. Breeding takes place in autumn and ovulation occurs during spring. The female has 1-2 young and has a strong bond with them. She flies with them to and from day and night roosts. The Pallid Bats feed on insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, ground beetles, and scorpions. They fly slowly along the ground and catch their meal on the ground. Owls, hawks, and predators that forage in caves prey on the Pallid Bat.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 43 Subject to future revisions PLAINS MINNOW Hybognathus placitus
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Plains Minnow is abundant in all Kansas streams that have broad beds of sand and shallow, braided flow. Within such streams, this minnow is most numerous where sediments accumulate in shallow backwaters, gentle eddies, and along the deeper edges of sand “waves” that are formed on the shifting substrate by the action of the current. They spawn from April to August. Its reproductive habits are not fully understood. Some reports indicate that it releases its eggs in strong currents to drift downstream during their development. The minnows gather in large schools to scatter their eggs in shallow backwaters. They feed along the bottom on microscopic plants (diatoms or other algae), making them partly herbivorous, and animals that occur in calm, shallow backwaters. The Plains Minnow is most commonly used for a bait fish in Kansas due to its abundance and large size.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 44 Subject to future revisions PRAIRIE MOLE CRICKET Gryllotalpa major
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Prairie Mole Cricket requires undisturbed or lightly disturbed tallgrass prairie. They can utilize native hay meadows. The gen- eral range of this cricket is east of the Flint Hills and south of the Kansas River. Overgrazing and/or conversion of native tallgrass prairie are major threats to the Prairie Mole Cricket.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 45 Subject to future revisions RED-SPOTTED TOAD Bufo punctatus
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Red-spotted Toad inhabits rocky areas of dry prairies and canyons in southwest Kansas. Like most toads, it is nocturnal. During the day, it hides beneath rocks where the soil is fairly moist. Their range is restricted in Kansas to the Red Hills and the extreme Southern High Plains. Little is known of their annual activity. All observations of these amphibians have been made from May to September in Kansas. Breeding occurs between late April and early May or after heavy rainfall during spring or summer. The species congregates in small numbers around canyon pools and streams to mate. The female deposits her eggs singly as the male fertilizes them. The eggs adhere to plants, other objects, and sometimes each other to form a small, single-layered mass. This toad eats beetles, ants, and bees, with ants predominating. Nothing is known of its food preferences in Kansas. It is recommended to increase stock watering ponds as potential breeding sites and to reduce the use of pesticides in those areas where the Red-spotted Toad occurs.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 46 Subject to future revisions RIVER DARTER Percina shumardi
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The River Darter inhabits shallow, rocky areas with moderate current in large rivers. They spawn in April at a water depth of two feet or less on rock in currents near shore. The darter feeds on insects. The River Darter is known in Kansas from the Neosho River in Labette and the Spring River in Cherokee County. This fish barely enters Kansas. The only records are from the broad, shallow channels from the Neosho and Spring Rivers below the low dams at Chetopa and Baxter Springs.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 47 Subject to future revisions RIVER REDHORSE Moxostoma carinatum
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The River Redhorse inhabits pools and deep, flowing waters which are clear and unpolluted. They usually spawn in May on gravel shoals. Shallow nests are prepared, and the eggs are covered with gravel after being released and fertilized. This fish feeds mainly on mollusks (small clams) and several kinds of larval insects that cling on or burrow into the bottom. The River Redhorse has been taken recently in the Spring, Neosho, and Verdigris Rivers. Formerly, it also inhabited the Kansas and Osage Rivers. Only a few River Redhorses have been seen in the past twenty-five years. Early records indicate that this species was fairly common in the larger rivers of the eastern third of the state. It has declined throughout its range in the Mississippi valley.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 48 Subject to future revisions RIVER SHINER Notropis blennius
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The River Shiner prefers flowing water over sand bottoms in large streams having broad, exposed channels. They spawn from mid- June to mid-July. Little else is known of their reproductive habits in Kansas. Their food source is unknown. The River Shiner is common in the Missouri River and the lower Arkansas River. It has rarely been found in the lower Kansas River, Ninnescah River, and the Arikaree and Smoky Hill Rivers in extreme northwest Kansas.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 49 Subject to future revisions ROUGH EARTH SNAKE Virginia striatula
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Rough Earth Snake inhabits the rocky hillsides of dry open woodlands and woodland edge. They are restricted to the Cherokee Plain and southern Osage Questas in Kansas, particularly the Chautauqua Hills area. This snake is active from March to October and is probably nocturnal. It spends the day beneath rocks and logs, or in leaf litter. During winter, it burrows deep beneath the ground to avoid cold temperatures. They mate during April or May after emergence from winter activity. The female gives birth anytime from July to September. They prefer a diet of earthworms but also feed on slugs and snails.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 50 Subject to future revisions ROUND PIGTOE MUSSEL Pleurobema coccineum
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Round Pigtoe Mussel is an obligate riverine species preferring larger perennial rivers where it occurs in gravel substrates with swift currents. Stable populations occur in the Spring River and declining populations are in the Fall, Little Osage, Marais des Cygnes, Neosho, and Verdigris Rivers. Fish hosts are not confirmed, but bluegill is a probable host. Organic and inorganic pollutants, gravel dredging, channelization, and impoundment are major threats to the Round Pigtoe Mussel.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 51 Subject to future revisions SHORT-EARED OWL Asio flammeus
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Short-eared Owl was a widespread common resident during the mid 1800's, but since the 1930's, it has been a rare, irregular, or very local summer resident. This species is probably the most diurnal owl, and it is often seen, especially in winter, as it courses over fields, marshes, or fence rows in search of prey. They nest in prairies, marshes, fallow fields, and grain fields. Nests are often in wheatfields or alfalfa fields. They are shallow scrapes lined with vegetation and feathers and are often placed at the base of a tall weed. These nests are often destroyed either by farming operations or by predators attracted to a strip of uncut vegetation left by a well meaning farmer. The male helps feed the young after they hatch. Up to ninety percent of its food is small mammals, chiefly mice, with a few small birds and large insects also eaten. The present status of the Short-eared Owl is uncertain. It is now very local or absent from much of the west and greatly reduced in numbers in the east. It is a transient and an irregular or local winter resident statewide. Most records of occurrence are from October 16 to April 15, but a few may occur at any time in proper habitat.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 52 Subject to future revisions SLOUGH DARTER Etheostoma gracile
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION Unlike most darters, the Slough Darter inhabits quiet lowland pools having muddy bottoms. It prefers small, shaded streams and overflow ponds where there is leaf litter or aquatic vegetation. They tolerate occasional muddy water but always avoid strong currents. This darter spawns in April and May in Kansas. The female attaches eggs to a thin plant stem or twig in a single row. The male fol- lows to fertilize each egg as it is laid. They feed on larval midges, mayflies, and microcrustaceans. Slough Darters are known in Kansas from only three streams: Cow Creek, a tributary to the Spring River in Crawford County; Fly Creek, a tributary to the Neosho River in Cherokee County; and Elk River in Montgomery County. Agricultural improvements that eliminate permanent, weedy overflow pools alongside stream channels reduce the habitat for this and several other species of fishes.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 53 Subject to future revisions SNUFFBOX MUSSEL Epioblasma triquetra
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Snuffbox Mussel is an obligate stream dweller usually found in medium sized gravel in clear, swift water. Fish host(s) unknown. There are two historic records, one from Marais des Cygnes and one from the Wakarusa, but no records since the early 1900's. Impoundments and sediment pollution are major threats to this mussel.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 54 Subject to future revisions SOUTHERN BOG LEMMING Synaptomys cooperi
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION Southern Bog Lemmings are colonial and inhabit communities of thick matted ground cover with high overhead vegetation in both forest and grassland, but are not restricted to bogs. Vegetation surrounding springs, damp to wet grasslands, and marshes are their favored habitat. From here, they move out into upland grasslands and other surrounding communities. The home range of this mammal is limited. They are active in winter and summer, and in areas of dense overhead cover, they are frequently active during the day. Their nests are made 100-150 mm below ground, under logs, or above ground among bunches of grass, generally above ground in summer and below ground in winter. The female has 1-7, usually 3, young and may have 3-4 litters a year. They feed on stalks and blades of green grasses, and rarely, invertebrates. The lemming is a good source of food for snakes, hawks, owls, shrews, weasels, foxes, coyotes, and bobcats. Average longevity for this mammal is less than one year. Two subspecies of the Southern Bog Lemming occur in Kansas, Synaptomys cooperi gossi in the eastern half of the state and Synaptomys cooperi paludis in a small area in the southwestern part of the state.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 55 Subject to future revisions SOUTHERN FLYING SQUIRREL Glaucomys volans
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Southern Flying Squirrel is found in the eastern third of the state among groves of dense deciduous forests, especially the native oak-hickory community. It is rarely seen because of its strictly nocturnal habits. They are best located at night with a flashlight around old woodpecker holes. They may breed twice a year with a litter of 2-7 young. The nest is located in a tree hollow and is lined with shredded bark and other soft plant material sufficient to insulate it against the lower winter temperatures; this squirrel does not hibernate but is the only noctur- nal one in the state. Old woodpecker holes are often occupied. They share the nest with other Southern Flying Squirrels for warmth. The squirrels feed on green vegetable matter, buds, flowers, fruit, seeds, berries, mushrooms, insects, and nuts of various kinds. Nocturnal predators that prey upon this squirrel include bobcats, coyotes, foxes, snakes, and especially owls. Maximum longevity of this mammal is five years in the wild, and it can live ten years in captivity.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 56 Subject to future revisions SPECKLED DARTER Etheostoma stigmaeum
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Speckled Darter lives in large, clear streams having moderate or steep gradients. It prefers pools below swift riffles, often at depths of two feet or more, except when spawning. They spawn in April. The males gather on broad, shallow riffles over clean, round- ed gravel of uniformly small size. The spawning activity of this species is similar to that of the orange-throat darter. The food source is not known for this species. The Speckled Darter is found only in the Spring River and Shoal Creek in Kansas.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 57 Subject to future revisions SPIKE MUSSEL Elliptio dilatata
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Spike Mussel is an obligate riverine species found in a wide range of substrates but avoids areas of shifting sand. Fish hosts include gizzard shad, flathead catfish, and the crappies. Channelization and pollution are major threats to this mussel.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 58 Subject to future revisions SPOTFIN SHINER Cyprinella spiloptera
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Spotfin Shiner prefers moderate currents adjacent to gently sloping, clean gravel bars at depths of one to four feet. They prob- ably spawn from late May to June in Kansas. Reports elsewhere state that the eggs are laid on submerged logs near riffles in a slight current. The logs must have loose bark or crevices for egg deposition. Their food source is unknown, but it probably includes insects. The Spotfin Shiner is restricted in Kansas to the Spring River drainage in Cherokee County. It may formerly have occurred in the upper parts of the Neosho and Verdigris drainages.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 59 Subject to future revisions SPOTTED SUCKER Minytrema melanops
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Spotted Sucker avoids currents, living in pools of small streams and overflow ponds in the floodplains of rivers. The pools occu- pied usually have firm bottoms and aquatic vegetation or other plant debris. They seem to require clear, relatively soft water. This fish spawns in late spring or summer and feeds mainly on small insects and crustaceans. The Spotted Sucker has been found recently only in the Arkansas and Osage river system.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 60 Subject to future revisions STIPPLED DARTER Etheostoma punctulatum
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Stippled Darter lives in brooks near sources of springs. It prefers small, clear pools or recesses beneath cut-banks where it con- ceals itself near large stones, in hanging roots, or fallen leaves. They also occupy shallow overflow and seepage pools, maintained by ground water, alongside channels of larger streams. This fish probably spawns in April in Kansas. Its reproductive habits and food source are unknown. The Stippled Darter barely enters Kansas where it occurs rarely in the Spring River drainage, Cherokee County.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 61 Subject to future revisions TADPOLE MADTOM Norturus gyrinus
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Tadpole Madtom hides beneath woody debris or vegetation during the day. Although found in both clear and muddy water, this species usually lives on a mud bottom rather than the shallow riffles or rocky bottoms preferred by most madtoms in Kansas. Spawning takes place once a year from May to June. They feed on larval insects and small crustaceans. This fish lives in the calm waters of oxbows and sluggish, lowland streams of the Osage River system in eastern Kansas. It has also been found in tributaries of the Missouri River near Atchison. Although it is not thought to be endangered at present, the Tadpole Madtom is known from so few places that efforts to protect it are encouraged.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 62 Subject to future revisions TEXAS MOUSE Peromyscus attwateri
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Texas Mouse is found only in the extreme southeastern part of the state along dry brushy slopes with oaks and junipers often associated with high cliffs. They are nocturnal and remain active all year. The mice find concealment in crevices and cavities adjacent to trees among cliffs and locate its nests of dry plants and grasses there. They are well adapted for climbing rugged rock surfaces on which it moves deliberate- ly and cautiously, using its tail for balance. The bases of cliffs and rocks are important avenues of travel. Little is known of the reproductive activity of this mammal. They have 2-6 young in a litter. This species feeds on acorns, one of their principal foods, and other nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects. Hawks, owls, small carnivores, and snakes may prey on this mouse. Longevity of this small mammal is usually less than one year, but maximum length of life is about two years in the wild.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 63 Subject to future revisions TIMBER RATTLESNAKE Crotalus horridus
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
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Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Timber Rattlesnake is found along heavily vegetated, rocky outcrops on partially forested hillsides. It is restricted to the eastern third of Kansas and ranges no farther west than the Flint Hills. They are diurnal during spring and fall but prowl at night during the summer months to avoid the higher daytime temperatures. It is active from April to October and prefers air temperatures of 80 to 90 degrees F. Although this snake may travel over thirty yards during a day to seek areas of abundant food, it frequently spends long periods of time coiled and immobile, patiently waiting for prey to approach. Females wander less than males. The females do not feed during pregnancy, relying on fat storage to maintain them. This species feeds on mice, rates, squirrels, rabbits, bats, and other small mammals. This shy snake has a fairly mild disposition compared with the prairie rattlesnake or massasauga. When approached, it frequently remains motionless and quiet in order to avoid being seen.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 64 Subject to future revisions TOWNSEND’S BIG-EARED BAT Corynorhinus townsendii
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Townsend’s Big-eared Bat is a year round resident in Kansas and is known only from the south central part of the state (Barber, Kiowa, and Comanche counties). It hibernates in small clusters in caves from October to April and inhabits natural caves, mines, and buildings in the summer. The bats fly at night and do not leave their roost until well after dark. Their flight pattern is near the ground and rather rapid and twisting, although they may hover and flutter. They feed on nocturnal insects, mostly moths, in the air, from foliage, or the ground. These mammals feed, return to night roost, feed again, and then on to their day roost. They have one offspring a season. Raccoons and snakes that hunt in caves and, to a lesser extent, hawks and owls, are their principal predators. These bats live from 4- 10 years; maximum longevity record is sixteen years.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 65 Subject to future revisions WABASH PIGTOE MUSSEL Fusconaia flava
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Wabash Pigtoe Mussel is an obligate riverine species that prefers gravel substrates and moderate currents. Fish hosts include crappies and bluegill. Pollution, impoundments, and commercial harvest are major threats to this mussel. They apparently cannot tolerate discharges from municipal wastewater treatment facilities.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 66 Subject to future revisions WARTYBACK MUSSEL Quadrula nodulata
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
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Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Wartyback Mussel is an obligate riverine species occurring in clean streams with gravel substrates and moderate currents. Populations are widespread through the streams where found but generally are not abundant at any location. Fish hosts include white crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, largemouth bass, and black crappie. Gravel dredging, pollution, impoundments, and commercial harvest are major threats to this mussel.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 67 Subject to future revisions WASHBOARD MUSSEL Megalonaias nervosa
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Washboard Mussel is an obligate large river species preferring deep water with slow current over a substrate of mud or mud- gravel. Fish hosts include crappie, channel catfish and flathead catfish, black bullhead, and drum. It is most likely to still occur in the lower Fall, Marias des Cygnes, Neosho, and Verdigris rivers. Pollution by organic and inorganic contaminants, impoundments, channelization, and illegal commercial harvest are major threats to this mussel.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 68 Subject to future revisions WESTERN HOGNOSE SNAKE Heterodon nasicus
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Western Hognose Snake is generally found in grassland or sand prairie in the western two-thirds of Kansas reaching its peak abundance on the High Plains. Its range extends east to the Flint Hills with a few isolated records along the western boarder of the Osage Cuestas. Most records in the eastern part of the state are probably from isolated populations in sandy areas. Their home range is quite variable, depending on available habitat and food. This animal is not territorial. Population density may be as much as one to three snakes per acre. Although they usually mate during May after emergence from winter inactivity, a few matings occur in the fall. The number of eggs per clutch varies from 4-23 with an average of 9. They are laid in July in nests a few inches below the soil. Evidently, females deposit a clutch every other year. They detect their prey by smell and dig a food item from its burrow beneath the soil. Their upturned snout makes it very efficient at digging up toads, reptile eggs, small lizards, and snakes. They also consume rodents and birds when they can capture them.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 69 Subject to future revisions WHIP-POOR-WILL Camprimulgus vociferus
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Whip-poor-will is a locally common transient and summer resident in the eastern part of the state. The range in eastern Kansas seems to be shrinking as the chick-will’s-widow continues to encroach upon its traditional territory. Both species occupy woodlands, apparently of the same composition; the Whip-poor-will does not seem to compete and disappears from the area. It breeds west to at least Riley County, but its breeding status and western distribution are poorly known. They have been recorded to occur from April 3 to October 14. The birds feed on insects taken on the wing at dusk and dawn.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 70 Subject to future revisions YELLOW SANDSHELL MUSSEL Lampsilis teres
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Yellow Sandshell Mussel is an obligate riverine species preferring perennial slow moving current over a wide variety of sub- strates but avoids areas of shifting sand. Fish hosts include crappie, common shiner, largemouth bass, white bass, tadpole madtom, and white sucker. Current probable range would include portions of the Caney River, Chikaskia River, Cottonwood River, Elk River, Fall River, Grouse Creek, Little Osage River, Marais des Cygnes River, Neosho River, Paint Creek (Marais des Cygnes basin), Pottawatomie Creek, Spring River, Verdigris River, and Walnut River. Polution, inpoundments, and channelization are major threats to this mussel.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 71 Subject to future revisions YELLOW-THROATED WARBLER Dendroica dominica
RANGE MAP STATUS
KANSAS: SINC FEDERAL: NA
MAP KEY
Known Current Range
Probable Historic Range
Known Historic Range
SPECIES DESCRIPTION The Yellow-throated Warbler is confined mostly to riverine forests, particularly in southeastern Kansas. It prefers tall sycamores for nesting and foraging. This bird seems to be a regular nester at Schermerhorn Park, Cherokee County. In the summer months, they have also been found around Neosho Falls, Woodson County. They may also breed in Linn, Leavenworth, and Woodson counties, but no nests have been found. Their nests are made out of thin grasses, small fine pieces of bark, lichen, moss from overhanging rocky ledges, and tent caterpillar webbing. These birds feed primarily on insects.
KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND PARKS Effective January 2005 72 Subject to future revisions CONTACTS
Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs described herein is available to all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or handicap. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to Office of the Secretary, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, 1020 S Kansas Ave. Suite 200, Topeka, KS 66612-1327 03/05