Remember all the fun you had during this presentation?
Continue this journey of exploration and relaxation on your next vacation...
Come visit Prairidise!
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
WHAT ANIMALS CAN I SEE?
The Prairies are so diverse, that there is a huge variety of flora and fauna available.
To get the full experience, you'll have to come check it out for yourself,
but here's a sneak preview...
Herbivores
Plains Bison
This majestic creature is one of only two species of bison found in North America and has been protected for some time due to its low population numbers. Yellowstone National Park not only contains an impressive prairie system, but also has worked toward reintroducing populations of bison back into the wild.
These unique animals, the heaviest land animals in North America, occupy prairies to graze and control grass growth, a vital niche to the grasslands.
Pronghorns
The fastest land animals in North America running over 50 mph, the Pronghorns are close relatives to the antelopes. These graceful mammals are part of a unique population: they are the only living mammals with double-branched horns. What a sight to see! With horns that can grow up to one foot in length, these amazing creatures also play an important role in grazing.
Interesting fact: in the spring, females will give birth to twins!
Jack Rabbit
Hare me out before you say anything! Jack rabbits, also known as hares, are astoundingly fast mammals bigger than your average bunny at home. Thumper could not compare to this incredible creature. Unlike its rabbit counterpart that burrows into the ground, the hare builds nests above ground, allowing interested tourists to see it at all times!
Also, if you decide to come visit the prairies in the frosty wonderland of winter-time, you'll be in for a special treat: seeing the snowshoe hare go from brown fur to white fur!
A type of constrictor, the Bull Snake lives primarily in prairie grasslands and makes for a ssssssssuper fun animal to visit! Also known as a gopher snake and pine snake, this carnivore follows the lead of its scaly brethren and eats its prey whole. A sight to see! The Bull Snake is known for its hisssssssssing noise and is often mistaken for a rattlesnake. But now you know, so you'll be able to impress your family when you visit the prairie!
Carnivores
American Badger
If you're a night person, the badger is the animal for you! A mysterious nocturnal creature, the American Badger is found primarily, you guessed it, in prairies. These carnivorous animals burrow into the ground to make their homes, living together in clans. If you see a badger digging furiously, you've probably caught it hunting for its prey, which includes, pocket gophers, moles, and rats.
Come meet this furry creature!
Bull Snake
A type of constrictor, the Bull Snake lives primarily in prairie grasslands and makes for a ssssssssuper fun animal to visit! Also known as a gopher snake and pine snake, this carnivore follows the lead of its scaly brethren and eats its prey whole. A sight to see! The Bull Snake is known for its hisssssssssing noise and is often mistaken for a rattlesnake. But now you know, so you'll be able to impress your family when you visit the prairie!
Red Tailed Hawk
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, the first one. It's a red tailed hawk! The most common hawk in North America, you won't have to strain your eyes much to see this bird. This bird of prey is known to eat rodents, reptiles, and even other birds. Helping to control the rodent populations along with its fellow hunters above, the red tailed hawk plays a vital role in prairie life.
You'll have to look up to see this majestic animal!
Monday, October 28, 2013
Issue
Is there anything that is not absolutely perfect about this utopia of a biome?
Unfortunately, yeah.
Overgrazing:
Occurs when wildlife and livestock eat too much of the edible grass species as we settle these lands
- compacted and eroded soils
- non-edible plant species crowd out the edible ones.
Dominant Plant Species
In the Prairie Biome, you will see...
Herbs, Grass, and Shrubs
But isn't there some kind of awe-inspiring plant species that's highly prominent, well-adapted, and resilient under the most harsh of conditions that I will see when I'm there on my vacation?
yes.
Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans)
Why is Indiangrass so awesome?
- High Drought Tolerance
- Seeds germinate due to Dry Stratification
- Becomes dormant during winter and grows tall during summer
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