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Missouri's recent weather could be affecting it's ecology this year

We all know how drought can affect farmers, but it now it might reak havoc on some of Missouri's smaller inhabitants.

Sarah Smithies has more from the Capitol.

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This year, Missouri is experiencing an early drought.

Some areas of Southwestern Missouri are as many as 9 inches behind in rainfall.

But it's not just farmers who are affected.

David Urich , Wildlife Management Chief of the Department of Conservation, says the drought could effect Missouri's salamander population, which depends on rainy evenings for breeding.

"If we don't get those cold, rainy nights, then salamanders don't breed, and so they go a year without reproducing."

Urich says the long-term effects of a drought on salamanders will be minimal.

He says he would expect the population to eventually bounce back.

From Jefferson City, I'm Sarah Smithies.

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You might be enjoying the warm weather, but it might become a pest this summer.

Sarah Smithies has more from the state capitol.

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Missouri experienced unusually high temperatures this week.

Temperatures were as high as 86 degrees in Southwestern Missouri on Wednesday.

David Urich, Wildlife Management Chief for the Department of Conservation, says if the warm weather stays, Missouri could see an increase in the insect population.

"There could be more abundant insects in the spring and summer because there wasn't a could enough winter to kill insects and larvae."

Urich also says if the warm weather continues, plantlife could develop earlier, making for abundant food sources for wildlife like turkeys and deer.

From Jefferson City, I'm Sarah Smithies.