Flint Hills, Kansas, USA Photograph by John Charlton/Kansas Geological Survey   Central North America: Central United States Temperate Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands   11,400 square miles (29,600 square kilometers) -- slightly larger than Maryland Vulnerable

· Rocks to the Rescue
· Special Features
· Did You Know?
· Wild Side
· Cause for Concern
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Rocks to the Rescue

The Flint Hills get their name from flinty limestone beds found under the soil. Because the soil is so rocky, it is unsuitable for corn or wheat farming, and therefore much more of this ecoregion has been saved from the plow than many other Great Plains grassland ecoregions.

Special Features

Like other grassland areas, natural fire and grazing were important factors in encouraging the tall grasses of this region to grow -- and discouraging the growth of trees. The species of this area survive on a thin and rocky layer of soil. Much of the habitat within the Flint Hills and the Osage Hills is in relatively good condition.

	Bison, which once numbered in the millions on the North American grasslands and then plummeted to the brink of extinction, have been successfully reintroduced to the Flint Hills ecoregion.

Wild Side

Big bluestem, switchgrass, and Indian grass are the tallgrass prairie species characteristic of this region. Bison and elk once roamed this area, hunted by the prairie wolf. Although the elk and wolves are gone, bison are making a comeback here. An interesting bird you can find in this habitat is the greater prairie chicken. Males have a fascinating courtship ritual where in they gather in an area called a lek and perform dances to attract females.

Cause for Concern

Although this ecoregion escaped the plow, livestock grazing has been widespread here. Yet this area has fared comparatively well and still has blocks of relatively intact habitat. Future threats are minimal, since the area is difficult to farm and conservation efforts have been successful so far. Excessive grazing of cattle remains the largest potential threat.

For more information on this ecoregion, go to the World Wildlife Fund Scientific Report.