Missouri is home to a diversity of flora, fauna and funga. There is a large amount of fresh water present due to the Mississippi River, Missouri River, and Lake of the Ozarks, with numerous smaller rivers, streams, and lakes. North of the Missouri River, the state is primarily rolling hills of the Great Plains, whereas south of the Missouri River, the state is dominated by the oak-hickory Central U.S. hardwood forest.
Some of the native species found in Missouri are included below.[1][2]
Within historic times, pronghorn, gray wolf, and brown bear were all found in Missouri, but have since been extirpated. American bison and elk were formerly common, but are currently confined to private farms and parks. Elk can be found in a small restoration zone in three counties in the southeast Ozarks.
Year-round:[2]
Summer/breeders:
Winter residents:
Within historic times, the passenger pigeon, the Carolina parakeet, and the ivory-billed woodpecker were all found in Missouri, but they have since been extirpated.[3]
Reptiles of Missouri include:[4]
Amphibians of Missouri include:[5]
There has also been a migration of insects from the south to Missouri. One example of this is the wasp Polistes exclamans.[6]
