Illinois Habitats Are Homes

              fishes
mammals
invertebrates
birds
AQUATIC
mammals
I l l i n o i s
Ahabitat is the place in which a species is suited to live. There are four important components of a
habitat: food; water; shelter or cover; and space. Habitat components must also be in the proper
quantities and arrangement. The amount of suitable habitat available generally determines the
diversity of species and the number of individuals that can live in an area. Habitat requirements may be sim-ilar,
but they are unique for each species. Habitat destruction and alteration are the most serious problems
facing wildlife species today. Human actions are often detrimental to wildlife habitat, but humans can also
have a beneficial influence on habitats. There are many reasons to become involved in wildlife habitat devel-opment
or restoration projects, including the direct benefits to native organisms. A diverse natural habitat
may also help homeowners and businesses reduce heating and cooling costs. The beauty of a natural habitat
can enhance property values. Undertaking a habitat improvement project can give you and your students a
connection to the land and the knowledge that you are doing something to help our world. Today’s students
are the future stewards of the earth. It is important for them to make that connection.
tiger swallowtail Papilio glaucus
six-lined racerunner Cnemidophorus sexlineatus
praying mantis Family Mantidae
regal fritillary Speyeria idalia
northern bobwhite Colinus virginianus
eastern cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus
cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus
greenside darter Etheostoma blennioides
eastern pondhawk Erythemis simplicicollis
great blue heron Ardea herodias
bullfrog Rana catesbeiana
muskrat Ondatra zibethicus
red shiner Cyprinella lutrensis
eastern box turtle Terrapene carolina
Fowler’s toad Bufo fowleri
gray fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus
wild turkey Meleagris gallopavo
white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus
American robin Turdus migratorius
(shown in the top two boxes)
raccoon Procyon lotor
hoary bat Lasiurus cinereus
spider Class Arachnida
This poster was made possible by:
Illinois Department of
Natural Resources
Division of Education
Division of Natural Heritage
Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund
Funding for this project was made possible in part
by contributions to the Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund.
Species List
Photo Credits
© William N. Roston
greenside darter
red shiner
© Russell Verbofsky/
Painet Inc.
muskrat
© Steven Wayne Rotsch/
Painet Inc.
gray fox
© Adele Hodde
Office of
Public Services
Illinois Department of
Natural Resources
All Other Photographs
WOODLAND
invertebrates
invertebrates
fishes
birds
reptiles
PRAIRIE
mammals
birds
mammals
mammals
URBAN
amphibians
birds
reptiles
reptiles
invertebrates