Help our rare and endangered wildlife
There are nearly 160 Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Indiana that need your help. Habitat management and conservation programs for these species are supported through the generosity of Hoosiers who donate to the Indiana Nongame Wildlife Fund. No state tax dollars are used to manage these species.
In 2022, the Nongame Wildlife Fund turned 40 and celebrated by sharing 40 stories of conservation successes. These successes were made possible through the generosity of donors, partners and volunteers. As we look toward the future, please consider donating $40 to help us write our next 40 stories. For every $40 you give, fish and wildlife will benefit from an additional $74 in federal funds!
Every donation can make a difference to Indiana's nongame and endangered fish and wildlife. Recent projects include research on endangered gray bats, surveys of rare marshbirds, and restoring populations of endangered freshwater mussels. Learn more about the Rare & Endangered Wildlife Program by following our Instagram and subscribing to our e-newsletters.
Ornithology
Wood Thrush Update
DNR ornithology team contributed to an international effort to learn more about wood thrush migration and movement patterns, using motus technology.
Mammalogy
Franklin's Ground Squirrel Reintroduction, Year 2
2025 marked the second year of efforts by DNR mammalogists and partners to reintroduce endangered Franklin's Ground Squirrels.
Herpetology
900+ Crawfish Frogs Released
DNR staff worked to head start over state-endangered crawfish frogs, before releasing over 900 into the wild. This will give the young frogs a better chance at surviving.
Aquatics
Snuffbox Mussel Restoration
DNR's nongame aquatic biologists are working to restore snuffbox (federally endangered freshwater mussel) populations in the Tippecanoe River. This species reproduces by releasing glochidia (parasitic larvae) onto the gills of a host fish (logperch) where they remain attached and grow until they can survive independently. To improve reproduction rates, the team collects logperch, infects them with glochidia, and allows the baby snuffbox to grow in a safe environment before placing them at an augmentation site in the Tippecanoe River.