Arkansas

Audubon Arkansas's Important Bird Areas Program was initiated in November 2001 with the establishment of the IBA Technical Committee. Committee members come from federal, state, non-profit, academic, and private organizations, and represent all areas of the state. Likewise, Arkansas's 33 recognized IBAs are located in all regions of the state and represent various types of ownership. Over 3 million acres of bird habitat have been recognized, including bottomland hardwood forest, cypress-tupelo swamp, blackland prairie, pine woodland, and even a fish hatchery. Seventeen state wildlife management areas, 8 national wildlife refuges, 6 natural areas, 3 state parks, 2 national forests, 2 national parks, and numerous private lands are part of the program. Endangered Least Terns use 7 sites for breeding or during migration. Arkansas's IBAs provide habitat for 42 WatchList species and 46 Arkansas Birds of Conservation Interest including: Trumpeter Swan, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, American Woodcock, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Bachman's Sparrow, Swainson's Warbler, Painted Bunting, and Rusty Blackbird. Audubon Arkansas's IBA program has a solid foundation from which we will build the program through monitoring, conservation, and outreach in collaboration with partner organizations, Audubon chapters, landowners, and volunteers.