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 Animals Emerald 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 Plants Multiflora 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 pt?open=514&objID=621014&mode=2 _of_endangerment.htm Do/Endangered-Species.aspx

Sources (cont.) DefineIS.html articles/article_66.mhtml