Invasive, Endangered, and Reintroduced Species of Pennsylvania

By: Aidan Luffy

Endangered Species

• The definition of endangered species is that the species is in danger of dying out and may become extinct.

5 of the Most Common Reasons for Endangerment

• Destruction of habitats

• Introduction of new species

• Diseases and parasites killing species

• Pollution affecting the air and water killing off many bird species and aquatic species

• Limited distribution confining some species to small areas

What Can Be Done to Prevent Endangerment

• Increasing the funds for endangered species

• Making new habitats or restoring old ones

• Stopping the spread of invasive animals in the area

Endangered Animals

» Indiana bat- It is endangered because it has been disrupted during hibernation, causing them to burn up fat keeping them warm during the winter.

Black-crowned night heron- It is endangered because of human-caused destruction and natural destruction both. Humans have been shooting at them which caused their population to decrease.

Peregrine Falcon – The wide spread of DTT is the main reason for peregrine falcons being endangered.

Endangered Plants

Small whorled pogonia – It is endangered because of the past and continuing losses of population due to urban expansion. Some forestry practices eliminate habitat.

Northeastern bulrush- It is endangered because its habitat may be destroyed. Also, it is greatly exploited by humans.

Native, Introduced and Invasive Species

• Native species- species that are common to a certain area

• Introduced species- species that are not common to the area and came from a different area

• Invasive species – species that may cause harm when introduced into a certain area

5 of the Most Common Ways Invasive Species Get Into the U.S.

• In shipping boxes

• Smuggled goods may bring some invasive species of insects

• People from other countries may bring some invasive species into the U.S.

5 of the Most Common Ways Invasive Species Get Into the U.S.

(cont.)

• Some invasive species have been released by humans into the U.S.

• Some invasive species may have come to the U.S. by accident

4 of the Most Common Ways That Invasive Species Negatively Affect Our Environment

• They threaten to completely kill off certain species

• They can affect the water we drink by sickening it

• They can infect the food we eat

• They can causes diseases in many species

Invasive AnimalsEmerald ash borer – scientific name: agrilus planipennis, natural environment- eastern Russia, northern China, and Japan. Niche in the natural and introduced environment: They feed on foilage and on all ash tree species. Problems they cause: Emerald ash borers feed on foliage and infest trees, which kills most trees.

Zebra Mussel – scientific name: dreissena polymorpha natural environment- The Black sea and Caspian sea in Eurasia. Niche in the natural and introduced environment: filter feeder removes particles from the water. Problems they cause: they kill off native species of mussels, and clog waterways for water treatment plants

Invasive Animals (cont.)

Round Goby – scientific name: neogobius melanostomus natural environment- Caspian sea. Niche in invasive environment: competes for food with native species but is also a food source for them. Niche in natural environment: a predator that feeds on crustaceans, mussels, fish eggs, small fish and insect larvae. Problems they cause- competes with native species for food and shelter.

Invasive PlantsMultiflora rose- scientific name rosa multiflora natural environment- Asia. Niche in natural environment: provides a food source for birds and mammals Niche in invasive experiment: provides food for birds and mammals but also forms dense thickets. Problems it causes: it prevents other native plants from growing, and it easily invades soil that has been disturbed.

Japanese stilt grass- scientific name microstegium vimineum. natural environment- eastern Asia. Niche in invasive and natural environment: warm season grass that is highly shade tolerant. Problems it causes: It invades areas prone to soil changing, and it makes large patches so that no native plants can grow.

Reintroduced/Extirpated Species

• Reintroduced species- a species that is put back where it lived in the first place.

• Extirpated species- a species that has been wiped out; extinct.

Reintroduced specie

American Elk

Why- It was reintroduced because it was no longer in danger of becoming extinct.

When- in 1999

How- they plan to relocate them across different areas of the U.S.

Sources

• http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=621014&mode=2

• http://www.endangeredspecie.com/causes_of_endangerment.htm

• http://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/What-We-Do/Endangered-Species.aspx

Sources (cont.)

• http://www.invasivespecies.org/resources/DefineIS.html

• http://www.sprep.org/topic/Invasive.htm#2

• http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/pae/es_map/articles/article_66.mhtml