MNR Wildlife Branch

Wildlife Management

Bats

Bats are an important species to consider for conservation practices as their populations nationwide have been diminishing due to spread of disease, deforestation, and various other factors. In 2019 and 2020, MNR conducted bat surveys to determine the species types that are utilizing forests on the settlement for roost sites. There are 9 species that reside in the State of Iowa. One species, the northern long-eared bat, is classified as threatened. Another species, the Indiana bat, is classified as federally endangered. Through the surveys conducted, it was concluded that all 9 species exist and use the forests for either roost sites or feeding sites. It is exciting to see how the diverse and large swaths of forested areas are being utilized by all species and find it to be suitable habitat. MNR uses this valuable information to help with decision making for environmental assessments, forest management, and any potential development that the Tribe undertakes in the future.

Pollinators

Pollinators include any living organism that transports pollen from a plant’s male reproductive organs to a plant’s female reproductive organs, and thereby aids in the propagation of fruits and viable seeds. Many plant species on which we rely directly for food or indirectly for the sustenance of our native ecosystems depend on pollinators. Therefore, both native and introduced pollinators play an essential role in propagating wild ecosystems and agroecosystems. Bees have become the poster species of pollinator conservation, but butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, bats, and birds, among others, are often overlooked. A vast reduction in scale and diversity of nectar, overwintering, and nesting habitat resources in the Midwest over the past two centuries has threatened pollinator abundance and diversity, which has in turn threatened the stability of wild ecosystems (many songbirds birds, for example, are notably dependent on caterpillars to feed their young), and agricultural ecosystems. In order to mitigate the impact of these dwindling resources on pollinator populations, MNR has joined efforts with other conservation agencies to monitor pollinator populations, locate threatened and endangered species, and restore essential pollinator habitats by diversifying floral and nesting resources and adapting land management practices to promote pollinator abundance and diversity on Settlement lands. If you are interested in adapting your landscape to meet pollinator needs, please contact MNR to discuss relevant plant species and land management options.

Deer

Starting in 2021, Meskwaki Natural Resources will be working on Deer Abundance and movement throughout the settlement. MNR also tracks CWD around the Settlement to inform the State of Iowa if there’s a case.

Turkeys

It is the goal to conduct turkey surveys to determine an estimated population on the settlement in the future.

Aquatic Life

Aquatic life is managed by the MNR Environmental Branch.