As travelers make their way through the Cornhusker State, they often find themselves surrounded by the rolling hills and vast prairies that define Nebraska's landscape, home to a wide variety of wildlife. Many of these species are thriving, but some are struggling to survive due to habitat loss, pollution, and other human impacts. This article highlights several endangered species in Nebraska, focusing on the threats they face and conservation efforts underway to protect them.

One of the most iconic endangered species in Nebraska is the piping plover, a small shorebird that nests on sandy beaches along the state's lakes and reservoirs. The species is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act due to habitat loss and disturbance caused by human activities such as boating and beach recreation. The Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area, a popular spot for outdoor recreation near Ogallala, Nebraska, is one of the key locations for piping plover conservation efforts. In an attempt to reduce disturbances, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has implemented measures such as restricting access to sensitive nesting areas and conducting educational programs for the public.

Another species that is struggling to survive in Nebraska is the salt creek tiger beetle, a tiny insect that inhabits the saline wetlands and streams of the state's eastern region. Listed as endangered in 2005, the salt creek tiger beetle faces numerous threats, including habitat destruction and fragmentation, invasive species, and climate change. The Salt Creek Tiger Beetle Conservation Plan, a collaborative effort between state and federal agencies, aims to protect and restore habitat, monitor population trends, and engage the public in beetle conservation.

As one explores the state's prairies and grasslands, they may come across the grassland ecosystem's most distinctive insect, the Omaha beetle. Found only in the Loess Hills region of eastern Nebraska and northwestern Iowa, the Omaha beetle, also known as the Chrysina resplendens, is a recently discovered species of scarab beetle. Currently, there is ongoing research and preservation efforts being carried out by the US Fish and Wildlife Service to determine the requirements necessary to protect this species.

Nebraska's rivers and streams support a diverse array of aquatic life, including several species of freshwater mussels. The Higgins' eye pearlymussel, for instance, is a large freshwater mussel listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Conservation efforts for this species focus on restoring habitat and improving water quality in the Platte and Missouri rivers.

The critically imperiled aplodontid, or mountain beaver as it's sometimes referred, can be found in the very southeastern area of Nebraska. Research, mapping, and safeguarding of this specific habitats would significantly help to bolster overall population growth in said area. In the past there was once aplodontid spotted more often then not up along most of the middle of Platte up through Ashland, however nowadays sightings are often sparse altogether.

Similarly threatened, species native prairie grass of the prairies are sparse, and most are mainly being saved, although smaller restoration efforts are helping. One can easily explore them while walking any of said land.

Travelers visiting Nebraska can contribute to conservation efforts by learning more about the endangered species in the state and supporting organizations dedicated to their protection. Some popular local events include the annual Sandhill Crane Migration near Kearney, Nebraska, which can further educate you on the status and preservation of said native prairies.

Lastly, some endangered species - while not yet mentioned - include the walleye, wood stork and woodhawk, all of which found homes in the lakes, rivers and many wetlands located within Nebraska.