Invasive, Keystone, Indicator, Extinct, Endangered, and Threatened Species

By Anna Blake

Invasive: European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris Linnaeus)• Native to Europe, introduced to the

United States in 1890 in an effort to bring all birds mentioned in Shakespeare’s works to the U.S.

• Identifying characteristics include an iridescent gloss on black feathers and cream-colored tips on feathers. • Because they are generalists, the starlings were able to thrive wherever they were introduced. They can eat a variety of organisms and have are able to drive out any competition.• Courses of action for removal include habitat modification to remove possible nesting sites, poisoning, shooting, and trapping.

Keystone: Coyote (Canis latrans)• Opportunists who are able to

survive in a variety of habitats in the United States including grasslands, deserts, mountainous areas, farmlands, and metropolitan areas.

• Resembles a German shepherd dog, have long, bushy tails that drag to the ground, and long, narrow muzzles.

• The coyote regulates small predator populations by preying on them. As a result, the prey of these small predators are able to survive, thus maintaining a balance in the food web.

• Coyote populations are threatened by humans who fear their proximity to developments. Most are killed by humans after attacking a human. Coyote attacks can be prevented by not feeding the coyote and building fences that coyotes cannot jump or climb.

Indicator: Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis)• Live primarily in old-growth

forests in the Pacific Northwest, including California.

• Large, have a round head with no ear tufts, and dark eyes.

• These species indicate the existence of an old-growth forest. As old-growth forests are removed due to human development and timber harvesting, the spotted owl population has declined.

• The identification of old-growth forests should be employed by timber and developing companies. Laws to protect these forests should be enacted to prevent their removal.

Extinct: Tecopa Pupfish (Cyprinodon nevadensis calidae)

• Native and exclusive to hot springs of Mojave Desert. Declared extinct in 2010.

• Dorsal fin is closer to the tail than the head, and can either have very small for no fins at all.

• Extinct after natural habitat was destroyed by developers.

Endangered: Large-flowered Fiddleneck (Amsinckia grandiflora)

• Plant that is native to California. It produces very few seeds and has a low tolerance to environmental changes. Only three populations still exist.

• Has bright orange flowers.• Reasons for status include

agriculture, invasive species, human development, and grazing.

• Reserve established to protect species.

Threatened: Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid (Platanthera leucophaea)

• Grows in open prairies in Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Maine, Michigan, and Virginia.

• Leafy stem with a creamy white three-fringed flower cluster.

• Status due to land cleared for agriculture.

• Courses of action for protection include habitat protection and careful monitoring of populations.

Bibliography• Coyote

• http://keystoneconservation.us/keystone_conservation/coyotes.html• http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/coyotes.html• http://www.predatordefense.org/docs/ecological_role_species.pdf

• Spotted Owl• http://www.eoearth.org/article/Indicator_species• http://www.defenders.org/wildlife_and_habitat/wildlife/spotted_owl,_northern.php• http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Spotted_Owl/id/ac

• Tecopa Pupfish• http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/recently-extinct-animals-list-470209• http://www.petermaas.nl/extinct/speciesinfo/tecopapupfish.htm

• Large-flowered Fiddleneck• http://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=Q1SU• http://www.centerforplantconservation.org/collection/cpc_viewprofile.asp?CPCNum=114

• Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid• http://www.ncrs.fs.fed.us/gla/tesweb/plants/plants_main.htm• http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/plants/epfo.html

• European Starling:• http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/animals/eurostarling.shtml• http://www.columbia.edu/itc/cerc/danoff-burg/invasion_bio/inv_spp_summ/Sturnus_vulgaris.html