Humans have thrived in grassland ecosystems for millennia. Grasslands, particularly those in Africa, have been referred to as the “cradle of human evolution.” The rich soils and other benefits found in grasslands have allowed our species to prosper and flourish across the planet. But the very things that have made grasslands so critical to humanity are now causing them to rapidly disappear.
This map from the US Geological Survey (USGS) shows the shrinking range of the North American grassland biome. Thanks to agricultural conversion, invasive species, and climate change, grasslands are being lost faster than they can be preserved.
The map uses a binary red/blue color scheme to show the state of grasslands in North America. Areas in red have lost grasslands. Places where they still exist are shown in blue. Grasslands once ranged from Canada to Mexico, through the Great Plains and prairies of the US. Some states, like Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, have lost nearly all of their historic grasslands.
A circular stacked bar chart quantifies the acreage of grasslands in each state. Texas has lost more than 80% of its grasslands, with around 12.5 million acres remaining. Other states have seen less loss. New Mexico, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Montana still have significant shares of their historic grasslands.
Overall, only 38% of the historic North American grassland biome remains. Per IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), they are now “the most altered and endangered ecosystem on the planet.” The loss of these lands means less critical habitat for several species, including bison and prairie dogs. They also impact migrating monarch butterflies that rely on wildflowers in these landscapes during their journeys.
In the US, the Fish and Wildlife Service works with local partners to conserve grasslands. Maps like this can help people understand the scale of what we’ve already lost. And they can also empower agencies and communities with precise data about where to target conservation and restoration efforts.
More to Explore
- Discover more maps about grasslands.
- Learn more about grassland biomes and their benefits.
