Alabama Diversity

Alabama's unique geography and climate, with four river basins, contributes to its abundance of animals and plants. The state has more diversity than any other state east of the Mississippi River! Unfortunately, human impacts have threatened about 15 percent of these species, and Alabama has also experienced the most extinctions of any mainland U.S. state - 96 extinct species, 83 percent of which are aquatic. Rain water runoff from urban areas picks up and carries pollutants such as oil, antifreeze, and pet waste into storm drains, which eventually reach local rivers, streams, wetlands, and the Gulf, harming water quality and wildlife.

Reducing the amounts of pollutants reaching our waterways can help protect Alabama’s important ecosystems. Remember to dispose of household chemicals properly: never dump them outside or in a storm drain. Instead, take them to a household hazardous waste collection site in your community. Call 1-800-CLEANUP or visit www.cleanup.org to find a collection site near you.

(Sources: Major, Kelly M. & Major, Clinton. A home to many- Delta diversity. Mobile Bay National Estuary Program. http://www.mobilebaynep.com/site/news_pubs/news/Documents/State%20of%20Bay%20Report/e7.pdf)