The Species of Pennsylvania

1. By: Megan Czekalski Period 1 The Species of Pennsylvania Invasive, Endangered, and Reintroduced

2. Table of Contents Endangered Species Invasive Species Reintroduced/ Extirpated Species

3. Endangered Species • Aspecies whose numbers are so small that the species is at risk of extinction • 5 Common Reasons • Destruction of Habitats • Introducing Exotic Species • Overexploitation • Disease • Pollution

4. How Can I Prevent It? • Protect natural habitats of animals • Stop deforestation • Build wildlife parks • Replace weeds with native plants • Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! • Avoid using harmful chemicals

5. Examples: Animals • Indiana Bat • Endangered because of human disruption, cave commercialization, incorrect gating, and a low birth rate. • Canada Lynx • Endangered because of over trapping, habitat destruction, and increased winter recreation has led to competition between it and other animals • Eastern Puma • Endangered due to hunting, devastation of their habitat, and loss of their leading food supply

6. Examples: Plants • Northeastern Bulrush • Endangered because of habitat alterations and the filling and/or ditching in a wetland • Virginia Spiraea • Endangered because it is susceptible to alterations of stream-flow patterns, road construction, and industrial expansion Back

7. Species • Invasive species- a non-native species put into an ecosystem; effects are likely to cause economic/environmental harm • Native species- a species that is native to a given region or ecosystem; its presence in that region is the result of only natural processes, with no human intervention • Introduced species- a nonnative species that was purposely or accidentally brought into an area by humans

8. The Environment and Invasive Species Ways They Enter • Imported goods contain them • Water discharged from ships has them • Soil brought in with plants holds them • Abandoned pets carry them • Attached to peoples’ apparel Negative Effects • Displace native species • Reduce native wildlife habitat • Alter ecosystem processes • Reduce forest health and productivity

9. TheCinara cupressi • originally located in and around the UK • a brownish, soft-bodied insect; it has been found around the world feeding on various trees • they suck the sap from twigs, causing browning of the undergrowth on the affected twig • effect ranges from partial damage to death of the entire tree • it has seriously damaged commercial and ornamental plantings of trees around the world.

10. The Columba livia • a native to Europe • introduced worldwide as a food source or for game • prefer to live near human habitation, such as farmland and buildings. • cause damage to buildings and monuments because of their corrosive droppings; they also pose a health hazard, since they are capable of transmitting many diseases

11. The Cygnus olor • native to Europe and north of Africa • consume submerged aquatic vegetation to the point of overgrazing, which reduces the carrying capacity • will overgraze to such an extent that certain vegetation is eliminated from the ecosystem. • will drive off native waterfowl species and has been known to attack and kill native species while defending territory. • also been known to attack and injure humans and can be especially dangerous to small children.

12. The Butomus umbellatus • native to Eurasia • an average sized, rush like plant found on shores of lakes, ponds and riverbanks; it can tolerate water as deep or deeper than 2 meters • used for décor and sometimes food • displace native plant life, and can be a problem to boat traffic • population increases and can continue indefinitely; control of this species is very difficult.

13. The Bromus tectorum • native to Eurasia • spreads pathogens • thrives in disturbed areas, stopping natives from coming back to the area • negative effects include overgrazing and potential wildfire hazards Back

14. Reintroduced/ Extirpated Species • Reintroduced species- the freeing of a species into the wild in areas previously populated by said species • Extirpated species- a species that has become extinct in a given area

15. The Martes pennanti • they are omnivores • Typically eat snowshoe hares, small mammals, birds, carrion, and/or plants • they were extirpated because of the high demand for their fur • able to climb trees, but spend most of their time on the ground Back

16. Resources http://www.endangeredspecie.com http://www.fs.fed.us http://www.mt.nrcs.usda.gov http://www.fws.gov http://www.invasivespecies.wa.gov http://www.invasivespecies.net http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov