Ranging from the unfamiliar to the famous—from the inconspicuous, plankton-sucking Elktoe Mussel to the majestic, soaring Bald Eagle—endangered or threatened plants and animals of Kansas continue to play a vital, although diminished, role in the state's ecology. Providing, for the first time, easily accessible information for the professional naturalist and amateur nature lover alike, this guide highlights the habits and habitats of sixty plants and animals currently listed as endangered or threatened in Kansas and protected by state or federal law. The authors illuminate not only the common bond of these species—their precarious status—but also their widely varying routines, idiosyncrasies, and circumstances. All known Lake Scott Riffle Beetles in the world, they show, spend their lives in one spring area of Western Kansas while the nomadic Whooping Cranes alight only a night or two in the state's central and eastern swamplands during migration. For each species—three plants, three mammals, nine birds, eight reptiles, ten amphibians, fourteen fishes, and thirteen invertebrates—the guide features a full-color photograph, standard common and current scientific name, range map, threatened or endangered species status, and information on appearance, size, breeding, habits, surroundings, food preference, and natural history. The authors also list possible causes of species reduction, from loss of habitat through land use change, water diversion, and pollution, to hunting and fishing practices and natural selection. Richly illustrated and informative, this unique guide will be indispensable to anyone wanting to preserve the state's irreplaceable biological diversity.

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a far-reaching law that has sparked intense controversies over the use of public lands, the rights of property owners, and economic versus environmental benefits. In this volume a distinguished committee focuses on the science underlying the ESA and offers recommendations for making the act more effective. The committee provides an overview of what scientists know about extinction--and what this understanding means to implementation of the ESA. Habitat--its destruction, conservation, and fundamental importance to the ESA--is explored in detail. The book analyzes Concepts of species--how the term "species" arose and how it has been interpreted for purposes of the ESA. Conflicts between species when individual species are identified for protection, including several case studies. Assessment of extinction risk and decisions under the ESA--how these decisions can be made more effectively. The book concludes with a look beyond the Endangered Species Act and suggests additional means of biological conservation and ways to reduce conflicts. It will be useful to policymakers, regulators, scientists, natural-resource managers, industry and environmental organizations, and those interested in biological conservation.