Oklahoma Natural Heritage Program is responisble for maintaining an inventory of the state's habitats and species. Our focus is on rare and endangered species, species of special concern, and significant ecological communities. Heritage biologists conduct field inventories of rare species and communities to gather current information about the state's biodiversity. We provide this information for environmental planning, resource management, protection of significant natural areas, endangered species review, and biological research and education.
Owen Edwards, Heritage Zoologist, recently published two papers on frogs (family Ranidae). One study focused on population dynamics of Crawfish Frog (Rana areolata) migration, while another detailed hybridization in three frogs: Crawfish Frog (Rana areolata) Pickerel Frog (R. palustris), and Leopard Frog (R. sphenocephala). Owen began this research as a Master's student at Oklahoma State University.
Dr. James Hung and colleagues at the University of California San Diego investigated the impact of feral honey bees on native bee habitat and resource availability. This research was featured in an article written by Sharon Udasin with The Hill.
A voluntary conservation program for private landowners who have rare species, natural habitats, or unique geologic features on their property.
500+
Species are considered Critically Imperiled in Oklahoma
12
Ecoregions in Oklahoma
21
federally threatened or endangered species in Oklahoma
2200+
Plant Species are Native to Oklahoma
