Highland

Ecosystem Overview

The Highland ecosystem supports 88 documented wildlife species across 81 taxonomic genera. Located in Madison County, Illinois, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 18 frequently observed species and 17 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. While Alton nearby has 12% more documented species, Highland offers unique wildlife observation opportunities. This location ranks #4 for species diversity among 16 Madison County County natural areas, placing it in the 75th percentile for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 16 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common18 species

Common27 species

Occasional26 species

Rare17 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#4 of 16 locations

75th percentile for diversity

vs. Alton

-12% species diversity

Ecosystem Overview

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Biodiversity Highlights

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Species Distribution

Very Common‌

Common‌

Occasional‌

Rare‌

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

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Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 88 total documented species.

Sassafras albidum

White Sassafras

Very Common2 obs.

Vespula maculifrons

Eastern Yellowjacket

Very Common1 obs.

Sitta carolinensis

White-Breasted Nuthatch (Interior West)

Very Common1 obs.

Libellula luctuosa

Widow Skimmer

Very Common1 obs.

Pachydiplax longipennis

Blue Dasher

Very Common1 obs.

Perithemis tenera

Eastern Amberwing

Common1 obs.

Choephora fungorum

Common1 obs.

Helicoverpa zea

Bollworm

Common1 obs.

Neoscona crucifera

Spotted Orbweaver

Common1 obs.

Pelegrina proterva

Common White-Cheeked Jumping Spider

Common1 obs.

Marmota monax

Waldmurmeltier

Common1 obs.

Trachemys scripta

slider turtle, red-eared terrapin, red-eared slider

Occasional1 obs.

Melanerpes carolinus

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Occasional1 obs.

Colaptes auratus

common flicker

Occasional1 obs.

Libellula incesta

Slaty Skimmer

Occasional1 obs.

Poecile carolinensis

Carolina Chickadee

Occasional1 obs.

Baeolophus bicolor

tufted titmouse

Occasional1 obs.

Cardinalis cardinalis

Northern Cardinal

Rare1 obs.

Sialia sialis

Eastern Bluebird

Rare1 obs.

Languria mozardi

Rare1 obs.

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Most Common Species

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Get Your Personalized Field Guide

Download a professional PDF field guide featuring all the species found in Highland. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

$6.99

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Download a professional PDF field guide featuring all the species found in Highland. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

+80%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Madison County County, Illinois

Nearby Natural Areas

Alton

Importance: 0.50

100 species

-12% vs. current

Edwardsville

Importance: 0.50

53 species

+66% vs. current

Madison County

Importance: 0.49

100 species

-12% vs. current

Wood River

Importance: 0.37

6 species

+1367% vs. current

Bethalto

Importance: 0.37

85 species

+4% vs. current

Godfrey

Importance: 0.37

39 species

+126% vs. current

Glen Carbon

Importance: 0.37

10 species

+780% vs. current

Troy

Importance: 0.35

1 species

+8700% vs. current

About This Comparison

These comparisons are based on documented wildlife observations from citizen science data. Locations with higher species counts may have more observation activity, different habitat types, or larger coverage areas. Regional rankings help identify biodiversity hotspots and unique natural areas within Madison County County.

Regional Comparison

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Regional Ranking

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Species Count

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vs. Regional Average

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Nearby Natural Areas

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About This Comparison

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

+80%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Madison County County, Illinois

Nearby Natural Areas

Alton

Importance: 0.50

100 species

-12% vs. current

Edwardsville

Importance: 0.50

53 species

+66% vs. current

Madison County

Importance: 0.49

100 species

-12% vs. current

Wood River

Importance: 0.37

6 species

+1367% vs. current

Bethalto

Importance: 0.37

85 species

+4% vs. current

Godfrey

Importance: 0.37

39 species

+126% vs. current

Glen Carbon

Importance: 0.37

10 species

+780% vs. current

Troy

Importance: 0.35

1 species

+8700% vs. current

About This Comparison

Ecosystem Overview

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 16 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common18 species

Common27 species

Occasional26 species

Rare17 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#4 of 16 locations

75th percentile for diversity

vs. Alton

-12% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 88 total documented species.

Sassafras albidum

White Sassafras

Very Common2 obs.

Vespula maculifrons

Eastern Yellowjacket

Very Common1 obs.

Sitta carolinensis

White-Breasted Nuthatch (Interior West)

Very Common1 obs.

Libellula luctuosa

Widow Skimmer

Very Common1 obs.

Pachydiplax longipennis

Blue Dasher

Very Common1 obs.

Perithemis tenera

Eastern Amberwing

Common1 obs.

Choephora fungorum

Common1 obs.

Helicoverpa zea

Bollworm

Common1 obs.

Neoscona crucifera

Spotted Orbweaver

Common1 obs.

Pelegrina proterva

Common White-Cheeked Jumping Spider

Common1 obs.

Marmota monax

Waldmurmeltier

Common1 obs.

Trachemys scripta

slider turtle, red-eared terrapin, red-eared slider

Occasional1 obs.

Melanerpes carolinus

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Occasional1 obs.

Colaptes auratus

common flicker

Occasional1 obs.

Libellula incesta

Slaty Skimmer

Occasional1 obs.

Poecile carolinensis

Carolina Chickadee

Occasional1 obs.

Baeolophus bicolor

tufted titmouse

Occasional1 obs.

Cardinalis cardinalis

Northern Cardinal

Rare1 obs.

Sialia sialis

Eastern Bluebird

Rare1 obs.

Languria mozardi

Rare1 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

Get all 88 species with 3-4 high-quality images each, detailed descriptions, and a downloadable PDF for offline use.

Premium field guide includes identification tips, seasonal patterns, and professional layout optimized for field use.