The Northern Tallgrass Prairie is a dense, grass-dominated ecosystem found in the northern prairies of North America, stretching from Iowa through Minnesota, the Dakotas, and into Manitoba, Canada. Characterized by tall grasses like big bluestem and yellow Indiangrass, along with diverse forbs such as Canada goldenrod, this prairie thrives in rich, mesic soils. Historically maintained by fire and grazing, much of the Northern Tallgrass Prairie has been lost to agriculture, leaving only fragmented remnants. Conservation efforts focus on restoring these areas through prescribed burns and grazing to preserve the ecosystem’s biodiversity and prevent woody encroachment.

California Vernal Pools are unique seasonal wetlands found primarily in California, with some extending into southern Oregon and Baja Norte, Mexico. These pools form in shallow depressions that fill with water during the rainy winter, bloom with diverse vegetation in spring, and dry out completely by summer. They are critical habitats for many rare and endemic plant species that thrive at different moisture levels as the pools recede. Vernal pools are highly vulnerable to habitat loss from agriculture, urbanization, and climate change, making conservation efforts crucial for protecting these fragile ecosystems.

As North America’s heaviest owl, weighing about four pounds, the snowy owl is well-insulated against the cold with thick feathers. Though widespread, snowy owls face challenges from climate change, habitat loss, and human-related threats, making their future uncertain.

Download EBAR Maps

You can bulk download EBAR species ranges by category and taxa group (expert reviewed only) or by individual species (includes all levels of review).

GIS Data Downloads include ecoshapes that overlap the species range, but you can also download the full set of ecoshape polygons with supporting information.

Meet the inspiration behind NatureServe's logo: the blue-spotted salamander! The blue-spotted salamander is only available for adoption for a limited time in honor of NatureServe's 50th anniversary. By adopting this species, you'll also contribute to NatureServe's vital mission of protecting biodiversity, ensuring that we continue to thrive for the next 50 years and beyond.