Cache-Lower White Rivers. 21/11/89; Arkansas; 99,166 ha; 34°17’N 91°09’W. This Site, representative of the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley Ecosystem, is part of the remaining 20% of wetlands in this area, which are accordingly vital for the survival of the numerous species that depend on them. It is the most important breeding area for Wood ducks in Arkansas and one of the most important wintering areas for Mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) in North America. Apart from supporting bird species during critical stages of their life cycles, this Site also acts as a fish spawning and nursery area. Furthermore, it also provides important habitat for threatened or endangered species such as the ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalus), least tern (Sterna antillarum), piping plover (Charadrius melodus) and fat pocketbook mussel (Potamilus capax). The wetlands of the Cache-Lower White Rivers are rich in biodiversity and support 250 species of birds, 60 species of reptiles and amphibians, 60 species of mammals, 40 of mussels and 100 of fish as well as over 70 species of trees and over 50 of shrubs. The main threats to the Site are associated with long-standing agriculture, forestry and oil and gas development. The threats include altered hydrology and flood regimes, reduced water quality, invasive plant and animal species, loss of natural communities, forest fragmentation, and the overall cumulative habitat effect of land and water resource development activities. Site No. 442. Most Recent RIS information: 2011.

Arkansas