| Introduction | |
| Natural History Survey scientists study the plants and animals of Illinois
and how they interact among the variety of ecosystems throughout the state.
Through its research and other activities, the Survey fosters intelligent
and responsible management of the biological resources of Illinois and public
appreciation of the state's natural heritage. It is recognized as the nation's
premier natural history survey. Founded in 1858, the Survey, now a division of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, is headquartered on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Its collections of plant and animal specimens are among the oldest in North America. The above graphic depicts Kinosternon flavescens spooneri, the Illinois mud turtle. This turtle lives in undisturbed sand areas with permanent ponds and sloughs in west-central and northwestern Illinois. The Illinois mud turtle is aquatic in the spring and fall but can become terrestrial in summer. It is a state endangered species because its numbers have decreased in the past 10-20 years because of habitat destruction. |