West Lake Wildlife Area

Ecosystem Overview

The West Lake Wildlife Area ecosystem supports 10 documented wildlife species across 10 taxonomic genera. Located in Clarke County, Iowa, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 3 frequently observed species and 1 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. While Clarke County nearby has 86% more documented species, West Lake Wildlife Area offers unique wildlife observation opportunities.

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Species Distribution

Very Common3 species

Common3 species

Occasional3 species

Rare1 species

Regional Context

vs. Clarke County

-86% 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 10 total documented species.

Actitis macularius

Dipper

Very Common0.21 obs.

No image

Gypsophila elegans

Showy Baby'S-Breath

Very Common0.19 obs.

Ratibida pinnata

Grey-Headed Coneflower

Very Common0.19 obs.

Eupatorium altissimum

Tall Boneset

Very Common0.18 obs.

Desmanthus illinoensis

Illinois Bundle-Flower

Very Common0.1 obs.

Solidago rigida

Rigid Goldenrod

Common0.1 obs.

Podophyllum peltatum

Mayapple

Common0.09 obs.

Cercis canadensis

Redbud

Common0.09 obs.

Rubus occidentalis

Blackcap

Common0.09 obs.

Dipsacus laciniatus

Venus'S-Bath

Common0.05 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 West Lake Wildlife Area. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-62%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Clarke County County, Iowa

Nearby Natural Areas

Clarke County

Importance: 0.80

73 species

-86% vs. current

Osceola

Importance: 0.70

80 species

-87% vs. current

Murray

Importance: 0.70

1 species

+900% vs. current

West Lake Park

Importance: 0.60

16 species

-37% vs. current

East Lake Park

Importance: 0.60

13 species

-23% vs. current

Coyote Canyon Wildlife Area

Importance: 0.60

9 species

+11% vs. current

Osceola

Importance: 0.60

9 species

+11% vs. current

Vawn Wildlife Area

Importance: 0.60

3 species

+233% 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 Clarke 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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Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 10 total documented species.

Actitis macularius

Dipper

Very Common0.21 obs.

No image

Gypsophila elegans

Showy Baby'S-Breath

Very Common0.19 obs.

Ratibida pinnata

Grey-Headed Coneflower

Very Common0.19 obs.

Eupatorium altissimum

Tall Boneset

Very Common0.18 obs.

Desmanthus illinoensis

Illinois Bundle-Flower

Very Common0.1 obs.

Solidago rigida

Rigid Goldenrod

Common0.1 obs.

Podophyllum peltatum

Mayapple

Common0.09 obs.

Cercis canadensis

Redbud

Common0.09 obs.

Rubus occidentalis

Blackcap

Common0.09 obs.

Dipsacus laciniatus

Venus'S-Bath

Common0.05 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

Get all 10 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.

Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-62%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Clarke County County, Iowa

Nearby Natural Areas

Clarke County

Importance: 0.80

73 species

-86% vs. current

Osceola

Importance: 0.70

80 species

-87% vs. current

Murray

Importance: 0.70

1 species

+900% vs. current

West Lake Park

Importance: 0.60

16 species

-37% vs. current

East Lake Park

Importance: 0.60

13 species

-23% vs. current

Coyote Canyon Wildlife Area

Importance: 0.60

9 species

+11% vs. current

Osceola

Importance: 0.60

9 species

+11% vs. current

Vawn Wildlife Area

Importance: 0.60

3 species

+233% 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

Species Distribution

Very Common3 species

Common3 species

Occasional3 species

Rare1 species

Regional Context

vs. Clarke County

-86% species diversity