Lake Mendota

Ecosystem Overview

The Lake Mendota ecosystem supports 100 documented wildlife species across 87 taxonomic genera. Located in Dane County, Wisconsin, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 21 frequently observed species and 19 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. This location ranks #10 for species diversity among 115 Dane County County natural areas, placing it in the 91th percentile for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Highlights

100

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

#10

Regional Rank

Out of 115 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common21 species

Common30 species

Occasional30 species

Rare19 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#10 of 115 locations

91th percentile for diversity

vs. Dane County

0% 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 100 total documented species.

Anas platyrhynchos

mallard

Very Common23 obs.

Dreissena polymorpha

zebra mussel

Very Common13 obs.

Bucephala albeola

Bufflehead

Very Common13 obs.

Branta canadensis

Canada goose

Very Common12 obs.

Aythya affinis

Lesser Scaup

Very Common9 obs.

Cygnus columbianus

whistling swan

Common7 obs.

Bucephala clangula

common goldeneye

Common7 obs.

Fulica americana

American Coot

Common5 obs.

Ondatra zibethicus

Muskrat

Common5 obs.

Aythya valisineria

Canvasback

Common5 obs.

Gavia immer

great northern loon

Common5 obs.

Larus delawarensis

Ring-billed Gull

Occasional5 obs.

Melanitta perspicillata

Surf Scoter

Occasional4 obs.

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Bald Eagle

Occasional4 obs.

Cygnus buccinator

trumpeter swan

Occasional4 obs.

Nelumbo lutea

American lotus

Occasional4 obs.

Pleurocera acuta

Sharp Hornsnail

Occasional4 obs.

Asclepias syriaca

Virginia-Silk

Rare4 obs.

Lampsilis siliquoidea

Fatmucket

Rare4 obs.

Ischnura verticalis

Eastern Forktail

Rare3 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 Lake Mendota. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

$6.99

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

100

Species Count

+54%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Dane County County, Wisconsin

Nearby Natural Areas

Dane County

Importance: 0.42

100 species

0% vs. current

City Of Middleton

Importance: 0.41

100 species

0% vs. current

Fitchburg

Importance: 0.39

100 species

0% vs. current

Stoughton

Importance: 0.37

70 species

+43% vs. current

Oregon

Importance: 0.36

18 species

+456% vs. current

City Of Verona

Importance: 0.35

18 species

+456% vs. current

Deforest

Importance: 0.35

13 species

+669% vs. current

Madison

Importance: 0.35

100 species

0% 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 Dane 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

100

Species Count

+54%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Dane County County, Wisconsin

Nearby Natural Areas

Dane County

Importance: 0.42

100 species

0% vs. current

City Of Middleton

Importance: 0.41

100 species

0% vs. current

Fitchburg

Importance: 0.39

100 species

0% vs. current

Stoughton

Importance: 0.37

70 species

+43% vs. current

Oregon

Importance: 0.36

18 species

+456% vs. current

City Of Verona

Importance: 0.35

18 species

+456% vs. current

Deforest

Importance: 0.35

13 species

+669% vs. current

Madison

Importance: 0.35

100 species

0% vs. current

About This Comparison

Ecosystem Overview

Biodiversity Highlights

100

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

#10

Regional Rank

Out of 115 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common21 species

Common30 species

Occasional30 species

Rare19 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#10 of 115 locations

91th percentile for diversity

vs. Dane County

0% species diversity

Eastern Forktail

Rare3 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

Get all 100 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.