Protecting Wisconsin's biodiversity

The value of biodiversity is more than the sum of its parts.

--Bryan G. Norton

Biodiversity is a shortened form of the term "biological diversity." Simply stated, it is the entire spectrum of life forms and the many ecological processes that support them. Wisconsin is blessed with abundant biodiversity. Located at the junction of the eastern deciduous forest, northern boreal forest and temperate grasslands, we have a wealth of species and natural communities.

Europe Bay Woods State Natural Area. Photo by Thomas Meyer, Wisconsin DNR.

Explore Wisconsin's rare species and natural communities

Approximately 1,800 species of native plants and 657 species of native vertebrates have been identified in Wisconsin. In addition, there are thousands of species of nonvascular plants and invertebrates. These pages highlight the uncommon and rare species, along with the natural communities found throughout Wisconsin.