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Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Animals
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![Nature and Science Nature and Science](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081106180129im_/http://www.nps.gov/liho/naturescience/images/8fypj68y.jpg) |
Chris Young SJR | Eastern Cottontail - |
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The diverstiy and abundance of fauna at Lincoln Home National Historic Site has undergone dramatic changes since pre-settlement times. The elk (Cervus elaphus), bison (Bison bison), and black bear (Ursus americana), that roamed the prairies and grasslands of central Illinois, have experienced severe population changes. In the early 1800s, pioneers developed the land into farms and the settlers introduced domesticated livestock to the area. As livestock grazed the grasslands, they changed the face of the tallgrass prairie. The pioneers hunted many of the wild game species such as: Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and Greater Prairie Chicken(Tympanuchus cupido), which was often found on the dinner table of local residents and at the Lincoln Home.
Today most visitors are likely to see Eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus), cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis), and an occasional red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)on site. Many species such as red bats (Lasiurus borealis), Eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus), and fox squirrel (Sciurus niger), have easily adapted to a changing habitat. Many invasive species have also made their way into the area. European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) to name one, are a common sight. The various forms of wildlife at Lincoln Home National Historic Site find suitable habitat in the shrubs and trees of the Lincoln Home neighborhood. Every now and then, a Virginia oppossum (Didelphis virginiana) is found under a porch or in a storage building.
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![Photo of Abraham Lincoln Photo of Abraham Lincoln](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081106180129im_/http://www.nps.gov/mwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/LIHO_f5oojzzw_Lincolnrighthandhighlight.jpg) Learn More about Abraham Lincoln and Lincoln Home National Historic Site more... | | ![Photo of Lincoln Home--circa 2004 Photo of Lincoln Home--circa 2004](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081106180129im_/http://www.nps.gov/mwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/LIHO_Lincoln-Home-ca-2004.jpg) Take a photographic tour of the Lincoln Home See photos of each room more... | |
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![Portrait of Ulysses S. Grant Portrait of Ulysses S. Grant](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20081106180129im_/http://www.nps.gov/mwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/LIHO_grant2.jpg) |
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Did You Know?
On April 2, 1865, two days after Confederate forces were driven out of Richmond by the forces of Ulysses S. Grant, President Abraham Lincoln came to tour the city that had symbolized the rebellion. Lincoln came to Richmond not as a triumphant victor, but seeking peace.
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Last Updated: September 10, 2007 at 10:22 EST |