Africa
Nearly half of Americans have little or no knowledge of grasslands, the largest natural habitat in the United States, according to a new national survey released by the America’s Grasslands Coalition.
The survey, conducted by GlobeScan between April 16 and April 28, 2026, found that 47 per cent of respondents were unfamiliar with grasslands, while only 16 per cent said they had significant knowledge of the ecosystem.
The coalition said the findings underscored the need for greater public awareness of grasslands, which play a critical role in supporting biodiversity, storing carbon, sustaining food production and maintaining ecological balance.
According to the survey, public appreciation for grasslands increased significantly after respondents received information about the ecosystem.
While only 31 per cent initially ranked grasslands among the three most important ecosystems, the figure rose to 68 per cent after participants learned more about their environmental and economic value.
The survey also showed that only 24 per cent of respondents considered grasslands among the nation’s most threatened ecosystems, suggesting that the scale of the challenges facing them remains largely underestimated.
America’s grasslands, including savannahs and shrublands, cover nearly one million square miles.
However, conservationists estimate that only about half of the country’s historic grasslands remain.
The coalition warned that continued loss of grasslands threatens wildlife populations, rural livelihoods and efforts to strengthen climate resilience.
Martha Kauffman, Vice President of the Great Plains Programme at WWF, said the findings highlighted both a challenge and an opportunity for conservation efforts.
“Grasslands are among America’s largest natural habitats, supporting wildlife, food systems and communities across the country, but too few Americans realise how important they are.
“The encouraging news is that people are ready to act once they make that connection,” she said.
The survey found strong public support for conservation, with 71 per cent of respondents expressing willingness to support grassland protection initiatives.
It also revealed that 47 per cent believe the future of grasslands affects them personally, while 58 per cent said individual actions can contribute to protecting the ecosystem.
In response to the findings, major conservation organisations have established the America’s Grasslands Coalition, with 10 partner organisations leading a national campaign aimed at raising awareness and strengthening support for grassland conservation.
The campaign, scheduled to run in multiple phases through this summer and next year, seeks to elevate grasslands as a national conservation priority.
Ginette Hemley, Senior Vice President for Wildlife Conservation at WWF, said protecting grasslands was essential to preserving the nation’s natural heritage.
“As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, this is a moment to recognise the landscapes that have shaped the nation.
“From iconic species such as bison to the communities that depend on them, grasslands are part of that heritage, and protecting them is part of our shared future,” she said.
The survey was based on responses from 2,014 participants and is considered nationally representative of the U.S. population.
F.O
Tags: Grasslands Survey