Alabama is an oft-forgotten destination in the southeastern United States, excluding college football season. However, one could argue that this is simply a case of lack of education on behalf of the American populace about all that the state has to offer.
The Northern Alabama hills have stunning bluffs, shoals, and cliffs surrounding crystal-clear lakes and running rivers. To the south, white sand beaches abut the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. In between is, well, a little bit of everything!
Long, flat, endless fields of freshly plowed farmland? Alabama has it! Dense forestland, swamps, and pine thickets only broken by game trails? Alabama has that, too.
Wide, rushing rivers chock full of catfish, bass, alligator, and all manner of gilled and amphibious creatures? Just ask a local for the closest place to slide in a fishing boat or a canoe.
A state with this much natural diversity would be an obvious place for abundant wildlife. Alabama not only has this but is also home to four endangered species.
Read on to learn more about these incredible creatures and the state they call home.
Vermilion Darter
Photo Courtesy Eric Spadgenski/USFWS
In 1962, a local biologist noticed an odd-looking fish in their samples. After decades of research, scientists finally classified this Alabama native, the vermilion darter, in 1992. These tiny creatures (only 2–3 inches long) are much like other species of darters except for their vibrant, distinctive coloring, which makes them unique worldwide.
Interestingly, the vermilion darter is native only to the headwaters of Turkey Creek near Birmingham, Alabama, and because of its proximity to suburban areas, pollution and silt runoff threaten its existence. The hope is that with dedicated study and continued monitoring, the fish will thrive in number once again.
Alabama Cave Shrimp
Photo Courtesy Dave Dieter
This Alabama endangered species is as hard to find as they come! The Alabama cave shrimp is aptly named because its typical habitat is in the cool, dark waters of the cave systems beneath parts of the state. The tiny creature, less than an inch long, is colorless and largely transparent.
A part of the Palaemonias family, the only other of its kind can be found in Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave system. However, the Alabama cave shrimp is decidedly smaller than its Bluegrass State brethren. While its numbers have dwindled, a recovery plan has been in place since 1997 to protect and grow the crustacean’s population.
Birdwing Pearlymussel
Photo Courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Freshwater mussels are among North America’s most endangered species and Alabama’s birdwing pearlymussel is no different. This freshwater mussel is quite small, growing to only 50 mm long. Its shell resembles a wing-like design — thus the name — and the birdwing pearlymussel begins its life as a greenish color before maturing into a more brown-like hue as it ages.
The birdwing pearlymussel was once a staple of the Tennessee River system, which runs throughout the South. However, in recent decades, their numbers have dropped perilously low, and the mollusk was placed on the endangered species list in 1976.
Fortunately, removing some dam systems and the infusion of oxygen into its local waterways have seen an uptick in the pearly mussel numbers. Hopefully, this trend will continue into the future.
Alabama Gray Bat
Photo Courtesy Jennifer Pinkley volunteer/USFWS
While they may get a bad rap due to their nocturnal nature and portrayal in TV and film, bats are vitally important species in any habitat they live, and the Alabama gray bat is no exception! Mostly a cave-dwelling species, these gray bats can also be found in dams, barns, and pipe systems in more populated areas.
Unfortunately, the growth of the human population, in addition to increased predation, has landed the Alabama gray bat on the endangered species list. About 95% of the known gray bat population is concentrated in one area of Northern Alabama, putting them at an increased risk of danger. However, with greater protection and study, the Alabama Gray bat can grow again and thrive throughout the South.
