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Missouri River
Protected Species

The ecosystem of the Missouri River provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including three species under federal protection. The endangered least tern and the threatened piping plover are shorebirds that use nonvegetated sandbars and reservoir beaches for springtime nesting. The river currently does not naturally build the habitat these birds need to nest and feed. The endangered pallid sturgeon is an ancient fish species that lives in large rivers. Loss of habitat and changes to the river's natural flows may be contributing to the pallid sturgeon's decline.
Interior Least Tern
Links to more information on the Interior Least Tern:

  • Species Fact Sheet
  • Chick Aging Guide
    • Piping Plover
    Links to more information on the Piping Plover:

  • Species Fact Sheet
  • Chick Aging Guide
    • Pallid Sturgeon
    Links to more information on the Pallid Sturgeon:

  • Species Fact Sheet


    • Additional information about protected species within the Missouri River basin can be found through the following links and information. Select the appropriate link to the left or below.
    Pallid Sturgeon Hatchery Support The Pallid Sturgeon Hatchery Support program is focused on raising pallid sturgeon in hatcheries and stocking them in the river. Visit this section to learn more about the hatchery program.
    Least Tern and Piping Plover Management Actions Learn more about management actions to protect least tern and piping plover nesting sites and improve species productivity.