Endangered, Invasive, and Reintroduced Species of Pennsylvania

1. Endangered, Invasive, and Reintroduced Species of Pennsylvania By Julia Moore Period 3

2. Endangered Species An endangered species is a species whose numbers are so low that they are in danger of becoming extinct. Common Reasons for Endangerment: • 1. habitat loss (usually caused by humans) • 2. poaching • 3. wildlife trade • 4. climate change • 5. invasive species

3. Preventing Endangerment • Learn about endangered species in your area, and teach your family • Volunteer at a nature center • Make your home wildlife friendly • Secure trash, clean bird baths, reduce use of water • Plant native vegetation in your yard • Minimize use of pesticides • Recycle • Report harassment of endangered animals

4. Endangered Species in PA Animals: • 1. Northern Flying Squirrel • 2. Indiana Bat • 3. Great Egret Plants • 1. Bugleweed • 2. American Lotus

5. Northern Flying Squirrel The population has declined over the years due to a parasite carried by the Southern Flying Squirrel.

6. Indiana Bat It was first listed in 1967 due to human disturbance during hibernation, killing large numbers of bats. Indiana bats are extremely vulnerable to disturbance because they hibernate in large numbers in only a few caves (the largest hibernation caves support from 20,000 to 50,000 bats).

7. Great Egret The Great Egret used to be hunted for its feathers. This caused a great decline in population. Now reasons for endangerment include water pollution and disturbance of Nesting colonies.

8. Bugleweed The Bugleweed is endangered due to pollution and disappearance of its wetland habitat.

9. American Lotus These plants are endangered because of habitat destruction and pollution. American lotus specimens also have little genetic diversity, since they copy themselves to increase their numbers. This leaves them vulnerable to disease and defects.

10. Invasive Species Native Species:a species that normally lives and thrives in the particular ecosystem Introduced Species: a species living outside its native ecosystem due to human interaction • could be either deliberate or accidental, and the outcome could be negative or beneficial. Invasive Species: a species that has been introduced to an environment that it is not native to, and has since become a threat to native species due to rapid spread and increase in numbers

11. Invasive Species Common Ways Invasive Species Get Into the US: • 1. hidden in wooden packing material • 2. hidden in other vegetation (nursery trade) • 3. hidden aboard ships • 4. through foreign ship-ballast water • 5. brought in for population control and pets Negative Effects on the Environment: • 1. Increased Competition • 2. Destroy other plant life • 3. Genetic stock alterations • 4. Destruction of Habitat

12. Invasive Species in the US Animals: • 1. Zebra mussel • 2. Hemlock Wooly Adelgid • 3. European Corn Borer Plants • 1. Purple Loosestrife • 2. Russian Olive

13. Zebra MusselDreissenapolymorpha The Zebra Mussel originates from the Caspian Sea region in Asia. They are filter feeders. They out-compete native animals for food. They also clog intake pipes at power plants and urban water sources.

14. Hemlock Wooly AdelgidAdelgestsugae The Hemlock Wooly Adelgid originates in China and Japan. It causes up to 90% mortality in eastern hemlocks. Eastern hemlocks are important for shading trout streams, and provide habitat for about 90 species of birds and mammals.

15. European Corn BorerOstrinianubilalis The European Corn Borer originates from Europe. It feeds on 250 kinds of plants. PA sweet corn, pepper, and snap pea losses are very high. Average field corn loss is 3.5%.

16. Purple LoosestrifeLythrumsalicaria The Purple Loosestrife originates from Europe. They are used as a medicinal herb for treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, bleeding, wounds, ulcers and sores. Invasion of this plant into a wetland can result in the suppression of native plants and the change of the wetland’s structure and and function. Large groups eliminate food sources for various threatened and endangered native plants and wildlife.

17. Russian OliveElaeagnusangustifolia The Russian Olive originates from Asia. The fruit is used to relieve joint pain. The species was introduced into North America in the late 19th century, and later escaped cultivation. Its fruits are savored by birds, which disperse the seeds. Russian olive is considered to be an invasive species in the United States because it thrives on poor soil, has low seedling mortality rates, and outcompetes native species.

18. Reintroduced & Extirpated Species Reintroduced Species: a species that has been deliberately released into an area it previously inhabited, but disappeared from for any number of reasons Extirpated Species: a species that has become extinct in a given area

19. ElkCervuscanadensis A study of captive elk in PA shows that the elk were disappearing due mostly to gastrointestinal parasites or bacterial infections (mostly pneumonia). They have since been reintroduced to Pennsylvania.

20. Sources Commonwealth Enterprise Portal: http://www.portal.state.pa.us/ Animal Extinction and Endangerment: http://www.tropical-rainforest-animals.com/Animal-Extinction.html National Resources Conservation Service: http://www.plants.usda.gov/java/ The United States National Arboretum http://www.usna.usda.gov/Gardens/invasives.html Invasive Species in Pennsylvania: http://www.defenders.org/resources/publications/invasives/pennsylvania.pdf U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: http://www.fws.gov/invasives/faq.html#q3