INDIANA – In 2023, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources saw wildlife wins for many rare and endangered species.
DNR biologist and Purdue University found a very young hellbender salamander in the Blue River while conducting routine surveys in south-central Indiana. The presence of a young salamander suggests that conservation efforts and rearing programs are accomplishing their goals for the recovery of this endangered species.
There was increased public awareness and interest in bat conservation.
DNR biologist discovered the banded pygmy sunfish at Twin Swamps Nature Preserve.
They also doubled the number of active barn owl nests from five years ago.
These wildlife wins would not have been possible without those who support the Nongame Wildlife Fund. To all of you who help care for Indiana’s rare and endangered wildlife, the Department of Natural Resources thank you.
If you’d like to make a positive impact on Indiana’s wildlife, consider getting involved.
Subscribe to the DNR newsletter, Instagram, and Facebook to stay up to date on the department’s latest wildlife wins. Make a volunteer profile and learn more about how to become a DNR volunteer, or make a donation to the Nongame Wildlife Fund. For every $50 given to the Nongame Wildlife Fund, an additional $43 is unlocked in federal funding, making every dollar you donate go even further for Indiana’s wildlife.
