Wildlife and Habitat
At nearly 400 miles long, Illinois hosts tremendous biological diversity.
From the Iowa Pleistocene snail in the northwest, to bird-voiced treefrogs in 1,000-year-old cypress swamps in the south, Illinois is home to some 58 mammal species, 383 different resident and migrant birds, 104 types of reptiles and amphibians, 174 species of fish, and some 27,000 types of insects, mussels, and other invertebrates.

food production
Farms cover about 75% of the Illinois' total land area.

Habitat & Wildlife
Native Illinois habitats are changing and disappearing.
Wildlife in Illinois
Native habitats are key to our wildlife’s future—unfortunately, habitats in Illinois have changed enormously and many wildlife populations have declined at alarming rates as a result. For example, the size of woodlands in Illinois act as a limiting factor on some native species’ populations, making the protection of larger size woodlands necessary. Moreover, there are cross-benefits to protecting wildlife habitat—flood control, recreation, soil erosion control, and open space.
Moreover, the Illinois economy realizes nearly $1.1 billion every year from expenditures related to watching wildlife and hunters spend nearly $150 million a year pursuing game. More than $550 million is spent each year on recreational fishing, and the annual retail value of commercial fishing is $4 million. This wildlife-oriented recreation plays an important economic role in many depressed and declining small communities.
Habitats of Special Significance in Illinois
Conservation Updates
2023 Environmental Scorecard
IEC is proud to present our 2023 Environmental Scorecard for the Illinois General Assembly. Scores are based on the environmental impact of their voting record...
Read More >>2023 Chicago Transition Report Analysis
IEC's City Programs Director, Iyana Simba, provides an in depth analysis of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's Transition Report, with attention to Environmental Justice goals for...
Read More >>2023 Legislative Report
IEC's state policy team has published our 2023 Legislative Report detailing environmental wins and setbacks during this year's legislative session.
Read More >>2023 Environmental Legislative Update, May 27
Important deadlines this week and big updates on priority bills
Read More >>2023 Environmental Legislative Update, May 23
Important deadlines this week and big updates on priority bills
Read More >>400+ Illinoisans Advocate for Slate of Legislation Promoting Environmental Protection and Climate Justice
Springfield, IL. — More than 400 Illinoisans mobilized today to urge their representatives in the Illinois General Assembly to pass bills that protect the environment...
Read More >>