Wildlife Ecology and Management

Missouri is home to a diversity of wildlife. These wildlife resources are extremely valuable to the state’s residents — whether you are a hunter, a bird-watcher or just enjoy being outdoors and in nature, the chance to observe and learn about wildlife is important to most Missourians.

Each wildlife species and wildlife community relies on an appropriate set of conditions or habitat for its survival, reproduction and life history. More than 90% of Missouri’s land base is privately owned, which means that Missouri’s wildlife resources are dependent on the land use and management decisions made by landowners and homeowners in both urban and rural environments across the state. All properties provide habitat for some wildlife species, but the quality of that habitat can be improved in most cases to attract particular species.

All wildlife species have the same four basic requirements: food, water, shelter and space. However, each species requires different kinds and combinations of food or cover, which often vary in time and space. For example, some wildlife are migratory and only spend a portion of the year in the state, while others are resident species and are here year-round.

Find information and tips on this website and access publications to help you achieve wildlife habitat goals and objectives on your property and manage for the species of wildlife that are of interest.

Resources

Edge Feathering — Fencelines and Woody Draws (PDF)

Find information on edge feathering along fencelines and woody draws to provide shrubby cover for wildlife in this fact sheet, part of a series created by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Missouri Department of Conservation and MU Extension–School of Natural Resources.

Edge Feathering — Forest Edge (PDF)

Find information on creating woody escape cover along forest edges for wildlife in this fact sheet, part of a series created by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Missouri Department of Conservation and MU Extension–School of Natural Resources.

Glade Restoration fact sheet (PDF)

Find information on restoring an existing glade to provide habitat for wildlife species in this fact sheet, part of a series created by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Missouri Department of Conservation and MU Extension–School of Natural Resources.

butterfly on a flower
Learn about the relationship between pollinators and a healthy ecosystem.
man testing trees
Learn more about the program that helps woodland owners feel competent and connected.
Magnifying glass looking at an insect on a flower
A community-based natural resource education and volunteer service program.

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