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
Illinois Environmental Council Announces Illinois’ 2021 Environmental Legislative Agenda
Agenda Tackles Clean Energy, Clean Water, Sustainable Agriculture, Wildlife Protections and More SPRINGFIELD, IL — On behalf of their over 100 member affiliate organizations, the...
Read More >>Illinois’ 2021 Enviro Legislative Agenda
See the top environmental bills being considered by the Illinois General Assembly this year.
Read More >>FAQs: Managed Native Gardens Registry
Learn more about Chicago's proposed Managed Native Gardens Registry Ordinance with this FAQ document!
Read More >>Gov. Pritzker’s Mid-term
IEC's environmental analysis of Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration midway through his first term.
Read More >>2021 IEC Policy Platform
We convened seven town halls open to the public, all of our 100+ affiliate organizations, our individual members and our staff to deliberate and develop...
Read More >>Replace Toxic Lead Service Lines NOW
Take Action to ask your lawmakers to pass legislation replacing all toxic lead-contaminated service lines.
Read More >>