:endangered, threatened, and rare wildlife : a staff working paper/Richard A. Kantor. Kantor, Richard A. New Jersey.Office of Coastal Zone Management. Trenton, N.J.:New Jersey Dept. of Environmental Protection, Division of Marine Services, Office of Coastal Zone Management,1976. 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, 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 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 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 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 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 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