4 Endangered Animals Fighting For Survival In Kansas

The Kansas Nongame and Endangered Species Conservation Act (KNESCA) was passed in 1975. Since then, the Sunflower State has worked to maintain several key species that are integral to its diverse ecosystems. These include a playful ferret, America’s tallest bird, and two cave-dwelling creatures clawing their way back from the brink of extinction. Kansas’ dedicated conservationists are working to protect these vulnerable animals through a mix of advocacy, research, awareness, and regulatory safeguards. Read on to discover four endangered species fighting for survival in Kansas.

Black-footed Ferret (Mustela nigripes)

Playful, lively, and very vocal, the black-footed ferret is the only ferret native to the Americas. In the early 1900s, they were plentiful throughout the United States, but had become almost extinct by the 1970s. The last record of a sighting in Kansas was in the 1950s, and researchers estimate that there are now only around 300 black-footed ferrets left in the country. Members of the weasel family, black-footed ferrets are quick, resourceful, and feed almost exclusively on prairie dogs. This specialized diet is the reason they’re fighting for survival. As prairie dog populations declined, so did the ferret.

In Kansas, the ferrets ranged over the western part of the state, feeding on black-tailed prairie dogs. These habitats have since disappeared thanks to the conversion of the land to agricultural use and the poisoning of prairie dogs as the land was cleared. In 2007, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reintroduced captive-bred black-footed ferrets onto ranches in western Kansas. The initiative is proving successful, with the newly homed ferrets reproducing every year. A partnership between the conservation organization, Audubon of Kansas, and private landowners continues to monitor and support the new colonies.

Gray Bat (Myotis grisescens)

Endangered both federally and in Kansas, the gray bat is a medium-sized, cave-dwelling bat that’s particularly vulnerable to disturbance. These shy mammals cluster in caves, but when humans use those caves, light, noise, and intrusion disturb their hibernation. Bats that are roused too often during that vitally important time use up precious energy reserves, leave their roosts too soon, and die.

Kansas has a small but unusual colony of gray bats. First discovered in the 1960s, the breeding colony was found in a water system in the southeast region of the state. Their highly unusual location has one major benefit — it gives conservationists easy access for long-term monitoring.

Researchers from Pittsburg State University recently used automated radio telemetry to track the bats, monitoring their migration between summer colonies. Around 60 bats have been fitted with transmitters, and results so far suggest that the bats leave their summer roost in Kansas in October and November to fly east to Missouri. The team hopes continued monitoring will shed light on their migratory routes and behaviors, as well as information that can be used to better preserve their habitats along the way.

Whooping Crane (Grus americana)

The whooping crane is the tallest bird in North America, standing 5 feet tall and with a wing span of 7-8 feet. It was listed as endangered in Kansas in 1978 and passes through the state in spring and fall, resting and feeding in wetlands as it undertakes its long migration journey between Canada and Texas. At these times of year, it can be seen at the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.

Population collapse in whooping cranes is attributed primarily to habitat loss and hunting. Audubon of Kansas has worked to protect the birds through research, advocacy, and building public awareness. The group has also pushed for stronger protections during hunting season and greater hunter education. While it’s illegal to hunt whooping cranes in Kansas, sandhill and geese are not protected, and hunters often mistake the three species, accidentally killing endangered whooping cranes.

Cave Salamander (Eurycea lucifuga)

Bright orange-yellow with black spots, cave Salamanders are eye-catching lizards that grow between 4 and 8 inches long. As the name suggests, their preferred habitat is limestone caves, but they can also be found near cold springs in forested areas. They’re found in only one place in Kansas, the Ozark Plateau region, which has been designated a ‘critical habitat’ by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP).

Cave salamanders are very specialized in their habitats, which makes them very vulnerable. Human disturbance in caves and mining activities has reduced their numbers. Salamanders are lungless, absorbing oxygen through their skin. They also need moist environments to keep their skin wet, which makes them especially vulnerable to groundwater pollution.

In 2023, KDWP biologists made a fortunate discovery when conducting a cave study in Cherokee County, finding all three species of Kansas’ threatened and endangered salamanders, including the rare cave salamander. Earmarking these areas as critical habitats helps the state government monitor their use and protect them from pollution, development, and disturbance. It’s difficult to get an exact number of cave salamander populations, as the reclusive lizard likes to hide in crevices, but the KDWP has created a recovery plan for the species that allows for further surveys to monitor and track the amphibians.

Safeguarding Diversity In Kansas

The most resilient animals are those that can readily adapt to human development, changing their feeding habits, environments, and behaviors to align with a more urban world. Unfortunately, not all animals have that adaptability. Creatures that rely on a single food source, like black-footed ferrets, or those that live in a specialized environment, like cave salamanders, can’t afford to be flexible. Those habitats and food sources must be maintained if they’re to survive. Environmental groups, government bodies, and the public are working together in Kansas, recognizing that their rare and specialized wildlife is part of the state’s unique natural heritage. With this coordinated action and focus, it’s hoped that Kansas’ endangered animals can rebound and become conservation success stories.