Upland living resources endangered, threatened, and rare wildlife : a staff working paper

[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]

COA'
INFO Ri'li'A"HON C'CNTER

letis protect ouremb

NEW JERSEY

DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

OF COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT

QL
82
-K36
1976

COASTAL ZONE
INFORMATION CENTER

UPLAND LIVING RESOURCES:
ENDANGERED, THREATENED, AND
RARE WILDLIFE

A Staff Working Paper

Property Of CSC Library

Richard A. Kantor

U.S. DEPARTMENT Of COMMERCE NOAA
COASTAL SERVICES CENTER
2234 SOUTH HOBSON AVENUE
CHARLESTON , SC 29405-2413

October, 1976

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Marine Services
Office of Coastal Zone Management

P.0. Box 1889
Trenton, New Jersey 08625

Note: This staff working paper is one of a series of Issue and

Policy Alternative-Papers presenting facts, analyses, and

conceptual policy alternatives on coastal resources and coastal

land and water uses. The purpose of this draft document is to

stimulate discussion and comments that will assist preparation

of the management program for the New Jersey coastal zone.

This report was prepared in part with financial assistance from

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under the

federal Coastal Zone Management Act, P.L. 92-583.

Comments, criticism, additions, and suggestions are welcome and

should be addressed to the New Jersey Office of Coastal Zone

Management.

CONTENTS

PAGE

Introduction ............................................ 1

I. Issue .................................................. 3

II. Policy Alternatives .................................... 4

III. Environmental Characteristics and Natural Factors ...... 6

A. Wildlife Habitat Types in the Coastal Zone... 6

B. Endangered and Rare Wildlife Habitats ........ 9

IV. Analysis ............................................... 13

A. Historical Perspective ....................... 13

B. Problems Facing Rare Wildlife ......o .......... 14

1. Habitat Destruction and Degradation..... 15

2. Exploitation by Man ..... 17

3. Pollution ....... o ....................... 18

4. Natural Behavior Patterns ............... 20

C. InformationNeeds.... ...... oo ....o ... o... oo.. 21

Appendices

A. Tables ..... ...... ooooo.o..o.- ........ 23

Bo Management Tools..... ....... oo .... o- ........ 37

C. References.. ........ oo ...o..... -oooe-o 38

-ii-

INTRODUCTION

Over 500 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and

amphibians have been recorded to occpr in New Jersey (Apple-

gate, 1974). Of these, 90 species have been designated by

the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection as

endangered, threatened, peripheral, or undetermined status.

The populations of these animals is precariously low or

decreasing, mostly due to the effects of human activities.

Extinction of endangered species within the state could

result unless strong protective measures are ensured.

This paper is intended to further debate'on important

issues relating to preservation of endangered and rare

wildlife species. This first section briefly defines these

issues in the coastal zone and then presents.alternative

policies which could be incorporated in the coastal zone

management program in New Jersey.

Section III describes environmental characteristics and

natural factors which affect endangered and rare wildlife in

coastal New Jersey. The various habitats are defined.

Section IV analyzes endangered wildlife from a historic

perspective, present problems, human interaction, and some

management problems.

Three appendices conclude the paper. First, tables are

presented which generally list the occurrance of endangered

-1-

and rare wildlife in specific habitat types, and summa.riie

habitat dependency The second appendix discusses possible

management tools which could be used,to implement endangered

wildlife policies. The final appendix provides reference

sources.

-2-

I. ISSUES

Certain species of wildlife face local, state, or total

extinction unless present development trends are altered.

Destruction and alteration of critical habitats is the most

important factor effecting these "listed species" (species

listed as endangered, threatened peripheral or undetermined

by the Department of Environmental Protection, Division of

Fish, Game and Shellfisheries). Specific sites, habitats,

habitat complexes and regions of value to listed species

must be protected if populations of these species are to be

perpetuated for future generations.

Direct exploitation of listed species has in the past

had great influence on their numbers and distribution.

Though State regulations exist today making such exploitation

illegal, problems of enforcement continue. Migratory species

may face exploitation outside the state or country which

affect state populations. Pollutants, especially'pesticides,

have adversely effected wildlife populations in the past and

continue to threaten species existence. Many species exibit

behavior that has made them incompatible with man and his

activities. Such behavioral patterns have contributed to

reductions of many listed species.

A lack of knowledge presently exists regarding current

status, distributioh, factors contributing to scarcity,

habitat needs and possibilities for management of listed

species. This hampers programs aimed at stabilizing, or

increasing numbers of such species and maintaining their

needed habitats.

-3-

II. POLICY ALTERNATIVES

1. Protective status could be given to sites, habitats and

regions based on their value to maintaining listed species.

Information regarding individual sites and regions of value

to listed species could be mapped. Scale of such mapping

would depend on' use: small scale maps could be used for

reference and planning, while large scale maps would be

necessary for some types of regulatory control. (Presently,

information available to state and local environmental

officials is scattered or non-existent.)

2. A cooperative program could be encouraged to gather

existing data concerning present status and distribution of

species in the coastal area. Sources of such information

would include: federal, state, county, and local wildlife

experts, private university and wildlife organizations.

3. A policy could be instituted to maximize protection of

listed species from human exploitation. It would also give

increased publicity to problems facing listed species,

hopefully increasing public support of existing legislation

and programs.

4. migratory species facing problems outside New Jersey

would benefit from increased protection on a Federal level.

The state could encourage the inclusion of state listed

species into federal listing and protection.

-4-

5. A program could be instituted to discourage or prohibit
impacting activities, including discharge of pollutan@s and

use of,pesticides,.adversely effecting listed species.

5. Research and management programs of listed species in

the coastal zone could be initiated. Sixteen species listed

as "undetermined status" and present in the coastal zone,

should be investigated as to their present status and reclas-

sified. Status of listed species populations, especially

those endangered or thought to be declining could be monitored

on a regular basis to determine population trends and environ-

mental problems. Research in cooperation with other agencies

would attempt to stabilize, maintain or increase populations

of listed species. Such research could consider reasons for

present status, needs of species and potential for management.

-5-

III. ENVIRONMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS AND NATURAL FACTORS

'The physical characteristics of an area play a strong

role in determining the distribution of wildlife species.

Soil, topography, hydrologic conditions, and climate have

shaped the vegetative communities found within the New

Jersey Coastal Zone. Natural processes such as frequency of

fire, flooding, and vegetative succession help determine

vegetation type of specific sites.

A. Wildlife Habitat Types in the Coastal Zone

Natural factors and human activities have combined to

establish, perpetuate and alter various,habitat types. The

classification of these is somewhat arbitary. For the

purposes of this report, eleven identifiable New Jersey

types are distinguished. These are listed and defined

below.

Marine - ocean waters seaward from mean high tide line along

the Atlantic coastline from Sandy Hook south to Cape May

Point.

Aquatic - permanent areas of freshwater, either tidal or

non-tidal such as streams, rivers, lakes, or ponds.

Barrier Beach - areas supporting natural dunes and/or barrier

beach vegetation which includes beach grasses Ammophila sp.,

beach plums, poison ivy, block cherry, red cedar, etc.

These areas primarily are limited to State and Federal owned

-6-

open space along the Atlantic Ocean Coastline. Barrier
beaches along with salt marsh and tidal waters toge@her

comprise the estuarine zone.

Salt Marsh -,low-lying areas supporting vegetative species

adaptedto twice daily tidal flooding with brackish water.

Spartina alterniflora, S._ patens, Distichlis spicata, Iva

frutescens, and Baccharis halimifolia are dominant plant

species. Tidal wetlands (salt marshes) have been delineated

by the Department.

Freshwater Marshes - tidal or non-tidal vegetated areas with

wet mucky soils not innundated with saline waters. Dominant

plants include: cattail, Typha, sp., wild rice, Zizania;

yellow water lily, Nuphar advena, and common reed, Phragmites

communis.

Bogs - low lying open areas with a seasonal high groundwater

table, frequently underlain with peat, and with very poor

drainage. Common bog plants include leatherleaf, laurel,

swamp azalea, cranberry, sphagnum moss, sedges, pitcher

plant, sundews and curly-grass ferns. These plants are

adapted to waters extremely acidic and of low fertility.

-7-

Lowland Swamp Forest - three distinct vegetative...swamp

forests are found in the state: Atlantic white - cedar

forest, Pitch Pine lowland forest, and hardwood swamp

forest with red maple, blackgum, and sweetbay as dominant

species. Lowland forest are only found in drainage areas-

frequently flood plains.

Pine Forest - upland wooded areas of Pine Barrens supporting

predominantly pitch pine and short-leaf pines. Black cherry

and black oaks are also common but less abundant. Blueberries

are common in understory. The Plains -or Dwarf Forests

is a unique forest type of stunted blackjack oaks, and

closed cone (serotinous) race pitch pines found only in

Burlington and Ocean County. Soils are arid.

Hardwood Forest - upland areas of northern and southern New

Jersey dominated by mixed hardwoods. Common trees include:

scarlet, white, and black oak, hickory, tulip tree, dogwood,

and sassafras. Pitch pine and short-leaf pine are frequently

mixed in southern New Jersey where as hemlock is more common

in northern New Jersey.

Agricultural Fields areas presently or recently under

cultivation. Common field crops include blueberries,

soybeans, corn, tomatoes, potatoes, and wheat. Except for

blueberry fields, this habitat is restricted to inner coastal

plain region, and portions of Cape May, Cumberland, and

Monmouth Counties.

-8-

Meadows and Grasslands - moderatly moist open areas with

fertile soil, dominated by grasses. This includes pastures

and savannas.

Urban - area developed into cities, town, industrial or

residential uses, excluding rural hamlets.

B. 'Endangered and Rare Wildlife Habitats

All species of wildlife are dependent upon their environ-

ment for survival. These requirements can be quite specific

or less specific for more adaptable species. Generally,

endangered, threatened, peripheral and undetermined status

species (as officially listed in the State Department of

Environmental Protection and hereafter referred to as "listed"

species) have more restrictive requirements than more common

species. Habitats used by listed species are therefore of

great interest and importance to their continued existence.

Table 1 summarizes the habitat preference of each

species of endangered, threatened,. peripheral, or undetermined

wildlife listed in the New Jersey Register (1975).

Status designation are taken directly from official

listing (New Jersey Register, 1975). Definition*for each

status are as follows:

-9-

ENDANGERED A species of native fish or wildlife shal.1 be

regarded as threatened with extinction whenever

its existence in New Jersey is endangered

because its habitat is threatened with

destruction, drastic modification, or severe

curtailment, or because of overexploitation,

'disease, predation, or because of other

factors, and that its survival requires assis-

tance.

THREATENED - May become ENDANGERED if conditions surrounding

the species begin or continue to deteriorate.

PERIPHERAL - A species (usually a mammal, amphibian or

reptile) whose occurrence in New Jersey is

at the edge of its present natural range and

which may be threatened with extinction within

New Jersey although not in its range as a

whole. Special attention may be necessary to

assure retention in the State's fauna.

STATU&'UNDETERMINED - A species that has been suggested as

possibly threatened with extinction,

but about which there is not enough

information to determine the status.

More information is needed.

Relative importance of various habitat types to listed

species are to some degree reflected by the number of such
_10-

species they support (Table 2). Aquatic areas support by

far the highest number of species (42), but include 14

marine mammals (whales) and 5 marine reptiles (sea turtles)

which are seldom found within state waters. Other habitats

suppor -@,from 12 to 20 species except for urban areas which

support only 4. Within phylla some trends of habitat use

are notable. Barrier beach habitat is used by the highest

number of birds (15) with agricultural fields, salt marshes

and freshwater marshes also receiving high use. Reptiles

and amphibians use pine forests, lowland swamp forests and

aquatic areas more than other habitat types.

Because most species use more than one habitat type,

improved understanding of species needs may result from

reviewing the number of listed species supported by major

communities of the coastal zone. Habitat types similar or

adjacent to each other can be lumped into six major com-

munities: Marine (aquatic-marine habitat); Estuarine and

Barrier Beach,(aquatic-estuarine, salt marsh, and barrier

beach habitats); Freshwater Wetlands (aquatic-fresh, fresh-

water marsh, bog and lowland swamp forest habitats); Forests

(pine forest and hardwood forest habitats); Open Lands

(argicultural fields and meadow grasslands habitats); Urban

(urban centers). Freshwater wetland communities support the

greatest number of listed species (36), followed by the

marine community (33) and range down to the urban community

(4) (See Table 3). Generally, aquatic and water dominated

communities support greater numbers of listed species than

dry upland habitats. This is notably similar to endangered

and rare vegetation distributions within the coastal zone

(See Issue and Policy Alternative Paper, Upland Living

Resources: Endangered and Rare Vegetation). The majority

of endangered coastal vegetation is found in moist habitats.

Value of various habitats to listed species is not only

dependent on the number of species using such habitat, but

also the intensity and type of use, the time of year for

which the habitat is critical for species survival and

scarcity or vulnerability of such habitat. Habitat infre-

quently used by a species or a habitat casually passed

through during migration is of less value than habitats

heavily used by species or on which they are specifically

dependent. Habitats that are rare or disappearing are

worthy of more concern than those which are common, even

though in some cases, they support fewer listed species.

-12-

IV. ANALYSIS

A. Historical Pers2ective

Problems presently facing rare species can be viewed

from a historical perspective. Species now extinct or

previously threatened in the coastal zone of New Jersey

(Table 4) serve to point out the varying problems presently

threatening wildlife existence. The passenger pigeon,

exterminated by the 1900's was heavily exploited by market

hunters. Flocking (as with the eskimo curlew and many

shorebirds) and colonial nesting increased the opportunity

for exploitation, a single shot into a flock killing many

individuals. Passenger pigeons required extensive natural

oak and beech forests to provide food. Farming, land clearing

and the expanding influences of man destroyed the continuity

of such habitat and hastened their demise. Low tolerance to

change, natural disasters Affecting remaining flocks, and

altered behavior once large flocks were broken up, have been

advanced as reasons for final extinction of this species.

Many species were reduced in number by unrestricted

hunting combined with destruction of habitat. The heath

hen, white-tailed deer, turkey, mountain lion, black bear

and wolf were heavily exploited for food, fur, sport or

because of their predatory habitats (real or imagined).

Many of these species may have survived better if their

needed habitats had not been greatly altered by agricultural

and other land uses of man. Some bird species: shorebirds,

snowy egret, and wood duck were heavily hunted for feathers.

. -13-

These returned to common status once market hunting was

restricted. Deer, almost gone from New Jersey around 1900,

quickly-returned to.become a common game species after

hunting was restricted and beneficial habitat changes took

place. The anadromous Atlantic shad suffered from degrada-

tion of river systems whose quality is essential for breeding

and survival of young.

B. Problems Facing Rare'Wildlife

Species of animals occupy various locations in community

food chains (tropic levels). A simplified example of a food

chain would be plants (producers) being eaten by rabbits

(herbivors-plant eaters), which are in turn eaten by hawks

(predators). Predators high in the chain tend to exist in

lower numbers than species lower tropic levels. Predators

and secondary predators have the disadvantage of naturally

smaller populations and are therefore more threatened by

factors reducing species numbers. Generally factors leading

.to reductions of rare species remain problems today. They

are:

-14-

1. Habitat destruction and degradation

2. Exploitation by man

3. Pollution (including pesticides)

4. Natural behavioral patterns

Analysis of problems facing listed species can be

divided into these four topics, though factors work together

(synergistic) to threaten many species.

1. Habitat Destruction and Degradation

Habitat destruction and degradation is the major problem

facing wildlife populations in New Jersey (See Issue and

Policy Alternative Paper, Upland Living Resources: Upland

Wildlife Habitat). With listed species however, extinction

may be the result of continuation of present t rends. Listed

species, expecially those with restricted habitat needs,

require protection of remaining habitat which supports them.

Rare habitats, including aquatic habitats, subject to degra-

dation and specific combinations of habitats appear of

greatest concern.

Barrier beach islands have been highly exploited by

man. most have little remaining natural vegetation. This

rare habitat is crucial to great numbers of birds during

fall migration, including many listed species. It is also

the winter home of the Ipswich sparrowl listed as threatened

by both the State and Federal governments. This species is

found exclusively in this habitat type and is dependent on

-15-

natural dunes for its survival. Many species depend on rare

or specific decreasing freshwater wetland types for survival.

The Eastern tiger salamander and gray treefrog are dependent

largely on gravel pit ponds, obviously rare. The bog turtle

is dependent on isolated pockets of highly specialized

habitat, sphagnum bogs, swamps and marshy meadows having

clear bottoms. The Pine Barrens treefrog and the carpenter

frog-greatly depend on the Atlantic white-cedar swamps, a

relatively rare but productive habitat. Meadows support

several listed species. The Henslow's sparrow and short-

billed marsh wren rely on sedge habitat. The upland plover,

short-eared owl, bobolink, and vesper sparrow are almost

totally dependent on open habitat, particular meadows and

fields. The marsh hawk nests almost exclusively in cattails

and salt marshes.

Complexes of habitat types are critical for many listed

species. Amphibians usually need suitable forested uplands

adjacent to their specific breeding wetlands. Low mobility

of these species requires that such habitats be in close

proximity. Birds such as the osprey, bald eagle and yellow-

crowned night heron need forest nesting sites near the

-16-

areas where they catch fish. Often specific habitat require-

ments or requirements of combinations of habitats are largely

unknown.

2. Exploitation by Man

over exploitation, long a problem to wildlife, has been

greatly restricted by State and Federal legislation.

Special protection exists on State or Federal levels for

many endangered or threatened species, nevertheless over-

exploitation remains a problem causing endangerment of some

species. Hawks, eagles, and owls have long been persecuted

because of their predatory habits. Though illegal, and of

no real value in maintaining game species numbers, killing

of predator birds, including listed species, continues.

Falconers to often harass or rob nests of raptors, illegally,

to obtain birds for their sport. Endangered species, valuable

because of their scarcity are sought out and collected for

sale to zoos or private individuals. The bog turtle and

other rare reptiles and amphibians may be subject to signifi-

cant exploitation from this source. Species which are

migratory and present in New Jersey for only part of their

lives may face exploitation problems outside the state. Few

species listed -in New Jersey are given special Federal

status (Table 5). While protection may be adequate within

New Jersey, protection in other states or outside the country

may be limited or non-existent. Marine reptiles and mammals,

especially those of commerical value, have been greatly

reduced in number in all oceans of the world. Listed species

-17-

occur in state coastal waters only rarely, often beached

when sick or injured. The Division of Fish, Game and Shell-

fisheries has developed a procedure to deal with such occur-

ences. Some birds are highly migratory and may face problems

of habitat destruction, exploitation or contamination from

pollutants on their travels to other states and countries.

Solutions to such problems can only be accomplished on the

Federal level through cooperative efforts of all states

which they pass.

3. Pollution

Pollution in its many forms, affects a number of listed

species. Direct effect on survival and reproductive ability-

or degradation of needed habitats are the main problems.

Energy stored in body tissues pass through the food

chain eventually reaches those species at the top. Some

chemicals which are retained in lower animals in lesser

concentrations, tend to concentrate at high levels in species

high in the food chain. Predators accumulate the sum of

such.materials found in their prey. This process is called

biomagnification. Potential toxins, such as chlorinate

hydrocarbons (pesticides such as DDT) are concentrated in

specific organs, such as ovaries, with high fat content.

Reproductive inabilities in birds, resulting from this

process have been well documented.

The osprey, bald eagle, and peregrine falcon have

undergone drastic reductions over large portions of their

ranges due to pesticides. Ospreys once had their highest

breeding populations in Long Island and New Jersey. Repro-

ductive success in New Jersey has been poor in recent

years. Restrictions in the use of DDT has resulted in some

signs of recovery. Only a single bald eagle pair was known

to nest in New Jersey in 1976. Peregrine falcons have not

bred successfully for many years in the U.S. east of the

Mississippi River. In New Jersey, the Palisades was once a

productive breeding area for these birds. Effects of pesti-

cides to other species are not entirely known. Eleven of

the 28 birds on the state list are raptors. Indications are

that effects of pesticide and other pollutan ts which con-

centrate in the food chain reach a variety of listed raptors

and other predators besides the three discussed here.

Pesticide use has killed large numbers of songbirds. Orchard

orioles exist mostly in rural farmlands and in orchards

where-pesticides are not used. Various pollutants effect

water quality discouraging use by amphibians and fish.

Breeding sites of amphibians, often specific as to pH and

other water characteristics, can easily be altered by pollutants

to eliminate successful breeding. Fishes, particularly ana-

dromous species, are susceptable to effects of pollution.
Five of seven listed fish species are anadromous, breeding

_19-

in fresh water but living most of their lives in the sea.

Such species must navigate estuaries and river systems to

reach breeding sites sometimes in small streams. Pollution

blockages, including thermal pollution, may prevent this

upstream migration or foul breeding sites thereby preventing

successful breeding.

4. Natural Behavior Patterns

Animal behavior covers a large range of topics, some

already discussed, which effect the survival capabilities of

various species. Listed species are often unable to adjust

to man's activities or vulnerable to persecution by man.

Obvious examples include problems faced by migrating species.

Anadromous fish are often prevented from moving upstream by

the construction of dams. Migratory birds flying at night,

often collide with lighthouses, buildings or telephone

wires. Other species often fall prey to automobiles, this

is true of many less mobile reptiles and amphibians as well

as bird species. The red-headed woodpecker, a prime example,

tends to swoop low over roads when feeding or flying from

tree to tree. Flocking, colonial nesting, or ground nesting

species face a disadvantage due to their increased potential

for harassment by man and his domestic animals. Flocking

-20-

birds have received greatest damage from unrestricted or

illegal hunting. Some species, besides ones at the top of

the food chain, appear to have never been present in large

numbers in New Jersey, though it is within their range.

Among birds, whose past and present occurrence is well docu-

mented relative to members of other phylla, the king rail,

yellow rail, roseate tern, and Ipswich sparrow would fall in

this.category. Species adaptation which limit numbers in

this way are not clearly understood. Perhaps the listed

species, most unfortunate in terms or behavior, are those

which directly interfere with or endanger man and his domestic

animals. Eagles, hawks, owls, mammalian predators such as

bobcat and black bear, and timber rattlesnakes are listed

species which have been or continue to be limited by man

because of their habits or reputations whether real or

imagined.

C. Information Needs

Determination of species status, needs, and potential

for management are not well known for many listed species.

TwentY7three of 73 species listed are of undetermined status.

Others may have changed in status since the list was published.

Species not currently listed may be added to the list if

numbers are decreasing or threatened. For most listed

species there is no ongoing program to monitor populations.

Fragmented field observations presently supply information

regarding change in status. Information regarding species

-21-

distribution, important breeding sites, migration stops and

wintering areas of endangered species are not well known.

This information is fragmentary and when present not compiled

by any one agency or in any one location. Maps of this

information are'not available to check the effects development

of particular sites on listed species.

.Needs and potential for management of listed species

are little known. Many species have become rare for unknown

reasons. Knowledge of habitat needs varies greatly among

species, publicly recognized or economically important

species generally have attracted more research and concern.

The Non-Game and Endangered Species Project, Division of

Fish, Game and Shellfisheries has coordianted research and

management of certain listed species. Unfortunately, such

activities so far have been largely confined to a few

specific species such as the peregrine falcon, osprey, bog

turtle and eastern tiger salamander. Little or no other

management specific to listed species in the coastal zone

has been initiated by other agencies or groups. Without

management, recovery of many listed species is doubtful.

-22-

APPENDIX A,
TABLES

Table 1. Habitats used by endangered, threatened, rare and peripheral animals in New Jersey. (Table prepared in cooperation with personnel of the
Endangered and Nongame species Project,NJ Division of Fish, Game, and Shellfisheries.)

IV03ITATS

Range Coastal Aquatic Barrier Salt Fresh Rog Lowland Pine Hard- Agricul- Meadow Urban Remarks
Anitnals (status) in N.J. Zone Beach Marsh Water Swamp Forest Wood ture Grass-
Mammals Marsh Forest Forest Fields lands

Long-Tailed Shrew (u) north no Specific
Sorex dispar habitat use
unknown

Water Shrew (p) north no x x
Sorex palustris
New England Cottotail (P) north no - x x
Sylvilagus transitionalis

Snowshoe Rabbit (p) north no - x x
Lepus americanus
.1
Lj Porcupine (P) north no x
Erethizon dorsatum

Indiana Bat (e) ? no One known
Myotis sodalis record in N.J.

Keen's Myotis (Bat) (t) state yes - x x
Myoti s keenii

Eastern Woodrat (P) north no - x
Neotoma floridama

Woodland Jumping Mouse (u) north no - x
Napeozapus insignis

Southern Bog Lemming (t) state yes - x x x colonial
Synaptomys cooperi

(e) = endangered
(t) = threatened
(p) = peripheral
(u) = undetermined
W = occurrence in habitat
Sources: Applegate (1974) C Ilins (1959!) Hje@ntzeAman (19 1)
McCormick (.970) and J. Bur au of Wi d i fe agemen
7

HABITATS

Table I (continued)
Range Coastal Aquatic Barrier Salt Fresh Bog Lowlan d- !Agricul- IlMeadow!Urban! Remarks
d Pine Har
Animals (Status) in N.J. Zone Beach Marsh Water Swamp Forest Wood ture lGrass-1
Marsh Forest Forest Fields lands

Deer Mouse (p) ? yes x x
x x
Peromyscus maniculatus

Marsh Rice Rat (u) south yes x x x x
Oryzomys palustris

Ermine (p) north no x x
Mustela erminea

Bobcat (p) north no x
x
Lynx rufus

Black Bear (p) north no x
Ursus americanus

Sperm Whale (e) coastal yes x
marine
Physeter catodon

Blue Whale (e) coastal yes x marine
Sibbaldus musculus

Finback Whale (e) coastal, yes x
marine
Balaenoptera physalus

Sei Whale (e) coastal yes x marine
Balaenopters borealis

Sourced: Applegate (1974)
Collins (1959) Heintzelman
7
(1971) McCormick (1970)
and N.J. Bureau of Wildlife
Management

Table 1 (continued) HABITATS

Animals (status) Range Coastal Aquatic Barrier Salt Fresh Bog Lowland Pine Hard- Agricul- Meado Urban!' Remarks
in N.J. Zone
Beach Marsh Water Swamp Forest Wood ture Grass
Birds Marsh Forest Forest Fields lands

Sharp-Shinned Hawk W state yes Rare breeder
x x x x
Accipiter striatus

Cooper's Hawk (e) state yes x x
Accipiter cOoperii known nester

Red-Shouldered Hawk M state yes x x x Wet wood preferred
.Buteo lineatus

Bald Eagle (e) coastal yes x x x x
Haliaeetus leucocephalus near water
eats fish
Marsh Hawk W state yes x x x x x coastal marshes
Circus cyaneus grasslands,
a,
I rare breeder

Osprey (e) coastal yes x x x x
Pandion nuliaetus 7 near water
eats fish
Peregrine Falcon (e) state yes x x x once nested in
Falco peregrinus Palisades
Merlin (Pigeon Hawk) W coastal yes x x x x x no current nests
Falco columbarius coastal imigrank
Turkey (p) north no x Sussex County
Melegris gallopavo

Least Bittern (t) state yes x
Ixobrychus exilis x wading bird

Yellow-Crowned Night Heron(t) coastal yes x x x x j Wading bird
Nyctanassa violacea breeds on bar-
rier islands

King Rail M state yes x x
Rallus elegans i mostly fresh
i water

Sources': Applegate (1974) Collins (19 9) Heintzelman
(19 0 & 197 Mcco ick .970)@.Mr. Riciard Kane Mr. Ri hard Ryan and N.J. Burl Pau of Wildlife
Mgt.

HABITATS
Table 1 (continued)

Range Coastal Aquatic Barrier Salt Fresh Bog Lowland Pine Hard- Agricul- Meadow'Urban! Remarks
Animals (status) in N.J. Zone Beach Marsh Water Swamp Forest Wood ture Grass-i
Marsh Forest Forest Fields Ilands I

Yellow Rail (u) state yes x x x x mostly coastal,
Coturnicops noveboracenis very rare

Black Rail M coastal yes x x south coast,
Laterallus jamaicensus iDelaware Bayshore

coastal yes x x
Piping Plover M
Charadrius melodus
Upland Plover M state yes x x land airport margins
Bartramia americana.

Roseate Tern M coastal yes x x no known breeders
Sterna dougallii

_j Barred owl M state yes - x x x x Swamp forest
Strix varia preferred

Long-Eared Owl (u) state yes - x x x winters near
Asio otus garbage dumps

Short-Eared Owl (t) state yes - x x x x x open country,
Asio flammeus mostly coastal

Red-Headed Woodpecker (t) state yes - x x x x local breeder
Melanerpes erythrocephalus

Short-Billed Marsh Wren M coastal yes x x x x sedge habitat,
Cistothorus platensis rare, local

Sources; Applegate (1974)
Collins (1959) Heintzelman
(1970) McCormick (1970), Mr.
Richard Kane, Mr. Richard
Ryan, and N.J. Bureau of
Wildlife Management

_LABI!@ATS
Table 1 (continued)
Animals (status) Range Coastal Aquatic Barrier Salt Fresh Bog Lowland Pine Hard- Agricul- Meadow Urban Remarks
in N.J. Zone Beach Marsh Water Swamp Forest Wood iture Grass-!
Marsh Forest Forest Fields -Lands

x
Bobolink M north yes
Dolichonyx oryzivorus

Orchard Oriole (u) state yes x x x Along Route 9
Icterus spurius lCape May Ocean Co.

Ipswich Sparrow W coastal yes x
winters on
Passerculus princeps
coastal dunes
Henslow's Sparrow (t) state yes x x Old fields,
Passerherbulus henslowii sedges
Grasshopper Sparrow (t) state yes x x x Old fields along
I Ammodraimus savannarum
coast, Cape May
00
Brigantine
Vesper Sparrow (t) state yes x x x in migration
Poaecets gramineus

Sources: Applegate (1974)
Collins (1959) Heintzelman
(1971) McCormick (1970),
Mr. Richard Kane, Mr. Richard
Ryan and N.J. Bureau of
Wildlife Management

HABITATS
Table 1 (continued)

Animals (status) Range Coastal Aquatic Barrier Salt Fresh Bog Lowland Pine Hard- Agricul- Meadow Urbanj Remarks
I i
in N.J. Zone Beach Marsh Water Swamp Forest Wood ture lGrass-
ME@L@bians Marsh Forest Forest Fields lands

Jefferson Salamander (u) north no x x
Ambystoma jeffersonianum

Blue-Spotted Salamander (e) north no x x
Ambystoma laterale

Silvery Salamander (u) north no x x
Ambystoma platineum

Eastern Tiger Salamander (e) south yes x - x x x Pine Barrens
Ambystoma tiqrinum Gravel pits
Mountain Salamander (u) north no - - x x Damp woods
Desmognatus ochrophaeus
%O
Eastern Mud Salamander (u) south yes x - - - x x x Pine Barrens,
Pseudotriton montanus springs
Pine Barrens Treefroq (t) south yes x - - x x x Pine Barrens
Hyla andersoni white-cedar swamps

Gray Treefrog (u)
very similar
Hyla versicolor (northern) state yes x - x x x x x x iCape May, Toms Rive
Hyla chrysoscelis (southern) south yes iNorth, New Jersey
x - x x x x x x Fape May, Cumber-
and counties.
New Jersey chorus Frog (u) south yes x - x x - x subspecies
Pseudacris triseriata kalmi

Upland Choruis Frog (u) north no x - x x - x
Pseudacris triseriata fercarup

Carpenter Frog (u) south yes x x x x x Pine Barrens
Rana virgatipes white-cedar swamps

Sources: Applegate (1974)
Collins (1959) Heintoelman (197 McCormi k (1970) and N. J. Bureau of Wildtfe Ma. agem nt

Table 1 (continued) HABITATS

Animals (status) Range Coastal Aquatic Barrier Salt Fresh Bog Lowland Pine Hard- Agricul- I Meadow; Urban@ Remarks
in N.J. Zone Beach Marsh Water I I
Swamp Forest Wood ture Grass-!
Marsh Forest Forest Fields lands

Reptiles

Bog Turtle (e) State Yes
Clemmys mublenbergi x x x Pine Barrens,
sphagnum bogs,
marshy meadows.
W00A Turtle (u) State Yes x x x x x
Clemmys insculpta

Red-bellied Turtle (u) State Yes x x x x
Chrysenys rubriventris

Atlantic Leatherback (e) Coastal Yes x Marine
Dermocheiys coviacea
Atlantic Green Turtle (e) Coastal Yes x Marine
Chelonia mYdas

Atlantic Loggerhead (p) Coastal Yes x Marine
Caretta caretta

Atlantic Hawksbill (e) Coastal Yes x
Marine
Eretmochelys imbricata
Atl4ntic Ridley (e) Coastal Yes x Marine
Lepidochelys kempi

Sources: Applegate (1974)
Collins (1959) Heintzelman
(1971) McCormick (1970) and
N.J. Bureau of Wildlife Manage-
ment

HABITATS
Table 1 (continued)

Animals (status) Range Coastal Aquatic Barrier Salt Fresh Bog Lowland Pine Hard- Agricul- imeadovUrban! Remarks
in N.J. Zone Beach Marsh Water Swamp Forest Wood iture Grass-I
I
Marsh Forest orest IFields lands

Ground Skink x Pine Barrens
Leiolopisma laterale (P) south yes

Five-line Skink (u) state yes Pine Barrens
x x x
Eumeces fasciatus rotten logs

Eastern Earth Snake M south yes x x x x
Virginia valeriae

(u)
Corn Snake state yes x x x x x roadsides
Elaphe guttata

Northern Pine Snake (u) south yes x x
Pituophis melanoleucus
Northern Scarlet Snake (u) south yes x x x @unaer'gxound, sandy
Cemophora coccinea or mucky soils

Timber Rattlesnake W state yes x x x
Crotalus horridus

Sources: Applegate (1974)
Collins (1959) Heintzelman
(1971) McCormick (1970)
and N.J. Bureau of Wildlife
Management

HABITATS
Table 1 (continued)
Range Coastal Aquatic Barrier Salt Fresh Bog Lowland Pine Hard- lAgricul- Meadowiurban@ Remarks
Animals (status) in N.J. Zone Beach Marsh Water Swamp Forest Wood ture Grass-i
Marsh Forest Forest Fields lands

Fishes

Shortnose Sturgeon (e) Coastal Yes x Anadromous
Acipensor brevirostrus

Atlantic Tomcod (t) Coastal Yes x Anadromous
Microgradus tomcod

Rainbow Smelt (p) Coastal Yes x Anadromous
Osmerus mordox

American Shad (u) Coastal Yes x Anadromous
Alosa sapidissima

Atlantic Sturgeon (u) Coastal Yes x Anadromous
Acipenser oxyrhynchus

Slimy Sculpin (u) Coastal Yes x Freshwater
Cottus cognatus species
Spotfin Killfish (u) Coastal Yes x Also called
Fundulus luciae Lucy's
Killifish,
esturine

Sources: Breeder (1948)
Collins (1959) McCormick (1970)
and N.J. Bureau of Wildlife
Management

Table 3. Numbers of listed-spepies present in major coastal zone communities.

F@hylla Number in Marine Esturine Freshwater Forests Open urban
Coastal Zone and Barrier Wetlands Lands
Beach

Mammals 19 14 3 2 2 3 1

Birds 27 -8 is is 11 13 2

Reptiles 6 5 0 -8 .9 3 1

Amphibians 1-5 0 0 6 5 1 0

Fish -6 6 6 5 - - -

TOTAL 73 33 27 36 27 20 4

Totals do not add across because species are present in more than one community.

Table 2. Numbers of listed species supported by various coastal zone habitats.

Phylla Number in Aquatic Barrier Salt Fresh Bog Lowland Pine Hardwood Agricultural Meadow Urban
Coastal Zone Beach Marsh Marsh Swamp Forest Forest Fields Grass-
Forest lands

Mammals 19 14 2 1 1 1 1 0 2 1 3 1

Birds 27 9 15 11 11 1 3 7 9 12 9 2

Reptiles 15 8 0 0 1 3 .7 8 7 2 3 1

I Amphibians 6 5 0 0 3 4 5 5 2 1 0 0
Lj

Fish 6 6 - 0 0 0 - - - - - -

TOTAL 73 42 17 12" 16 9 16 20 20 16 15 4

*Totals do not add across because many species use more than one habitat.

Table 4. Some species whose populations were greatly-reduced

in the coastal zone before 1920 and their present

status'.

Species Present Status

Timber wolf extinct in N. J.

Black bear recovering in north

White-tailed deer recovered

Mountain lion extinct in N. J.

Bobcat recovering in north

Eskimo curlew extinct as a species

Other sandpipers most have recovered

Wood duck recovered

Snowy egret recovered.

Heath hen (race of Prairie Chicken) extinct as a race

Passenger Pigeon extinct'as a species

Diamond-backed terrapin recovered

Atlantic salmon extinct in N. J.

-35-

Table S. Federal endangered or threatened species foiind

in New.Jersey.

Endangered

Shortnose sturgeon

Bald eagle

Peregrine falcon

Sperm whale

Blue whale

Finback whale

Sei whale

Humpback whale

Right whale

Threatened

Bog turtle

Pine Barrens treefrog

Ipswich sparrow

*Resource Publication 114, March 1973

-36-

TABLE B
MANAGEMENT TOOLS

Upland Living Resources: Endangered and Rare Wildlife

Title 23 of the New Jersey Statutes contains numerous

laws regulating the capture and hunting of upland living

resources. The broadest statute currently regulating such

resources is the New Jersey Rare and Endangered Species Act

NJSA 23:2A-1 et seq.

Under the mandates of this law the State must accord

special protection, to maintain, and enhance species or

subspecies of wildlife indigenous to the State.

The State must also assist in the protection of species

which are deemed to be endangered elsewhere; by regulating

the possession, transportation, exportation-, sale, or offer

for sale or shipment within this State of species of wild-

life including those on any federal endangered species list.

The Director of the Division of Fish, Game and Shell-

fisheries within DEP is to conduct investigations on wild-

life to develop information relating to populations, destri-
bution, and habitat needs, to determine if management mecha-

nisms will be necessary for.the species to sustain themselves.

An official listing of rare and endangered species has been

proposed for adoption.

-37-

References

Applegate, J. E. The Wildlife Resources of New Jersey in

New Jersey Trends, T. P. Norman Ed. Institute for

Envrionmental Studies, Rutgers State University, 1974.

Breeder, C. M., Jr. Field Book of Marine Fishes of the

Atlantic Coast, G. P. Putnam's Sons, New York, 1948.

Collins, H. H. Complete Field Guide to American Wildlife,,

Harper & Row, New York, 1959.

Heintzelman, D. S. The Hawks of New Jersey, New Jersey State

Museum, Bull. No. 13, Trenton, New Jersey, 1970.

Heintzelman, D. S. Rare or Endangered Fish.and Wildlife of

New Jersey, New Jersey State Museum, Science Notes No.

4. Trenton, New Jersey, 1971.

Kane, R. New Jersey Audubon Society and New Jersey Nongame

Council. -(personal communication) Helped in review of

Table 1.

McCormick, J. The Pine Barrens, A Preliminary Ecological

Inventory. Research Report No. 2, New Jersey State

Museum, Trenton, New Jersey, 1970.

New Jersey Devision of Fish,, Game, and Shellfisheries,

Bureau of Wildlife Management, Endangered and Nongame
Species Project, Ms. Joan Galli assisted in review and
-39-

preparation of Table 1.

New Jersey Register Endangered, Threatened, Peripheral and
Undetermined Wildlife Specie@ in New Jersey - official

List. New Jersey Register, Vol. 7, April 10, 1975.

Robbins, C. S., B. Bruun, and H. S. Zim. Birds of North America,

Golden Press, New York, 1966.

Ryan, R. New Jersey Nongame Council (personal communication)

Helped in review of Table 1.

U. S. Department of Interior Threatened Wildlife of the

United States, Resource Publ. 114, Bur. Sport Fish.

Wildlife, Washington, D.C., 1973.

APPENDIX C
REFERENCES

COAST' K'ill E
INFO PxMiAT 10 N CENTER

ISERTy., ZRITIr

1 76

3 6668 00002 7096