BioBlitz Finds Unusual Plants and Animals
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| Image courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
“We are just starting to go through the data. I’m sure many other species of interest will turn up,” said Vera Leopold with The Wetlands Initiative.
Some highlights of the 24-hour intensive survey include:
King Rail — a secretive marsh bird that is state-endangered.
Snakes — A 6-foot-long bull snake and three milk snakes were found, along with a number of other reptiles and amphibians.
Fungi — Experts identified more than 50 species of fungi, far more than were expected.
Loon — A common loon was discovered, usually not seen during summer in Illinois.
Dragonflies — Three species of dragonflies and damselflies, not previously known to occur at the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge
Plants — Several plants new to the site have not yet been identified.
Source: News Tribune