By: Shelby Coulton, Communications Intern, CDRW
April 4th - April 8th, 2022 is National Wildlife Week - a time to celebrate the colorful and fascinating animals that inhibit environments across the country and to inspire continued protection by advocating for conservation legislation, such as the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act. To raise awareness for wildlife conservation within the Delaware River Basin states, CDRW is highlighting seven endangered or threatened species that are native to the watershed. These species, and many more, all play a role in creating a harmonized ecosystem that is vital to a healthy watershed.
Bald Eagle
Distinguished for their white-feathered heads as adults, Bald Eagles can be spotted throughout the Delaware River watershed. Bald Eagles have a wing span of 6-7 feet, making them one of the larger birds of prey in the watershed. Though they primarily eat fish, eagles will also eat waterfowl, rodents, and carrion. Because eagles feed on fish and are part of a larger ecosystem, the health of eagle populations indicate the health of the entire ecosystem.
Though it is not rare to see them flying along the Delaware River today, populations suffered greatly in the 1900s due to over-hunting and the use of DDT, a man-made pesticide. Once ingested, DDT severely weakened the shells of unhatched eggs, diminishing the number of hatchlings and the overall population. Fortunately, the federal banning of DDT in 1972 and additional conservation efforts have led to the increase of populations in recent decades. Bald Eagles were officially removed from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s endangered species list in 2007, but are still protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Unfortunately, Bald Eagles are presently threatened by habitat loss, illegal shooting, and lead poisoning. As a result, New Jersey still lists Bald Eagles as endangered.
Blue spotted salamander
Unique in coloring, Blue Spotted Salamanders have dark blue bodies that are covered in light blue spots. Once mature, adult salamanders reach around 10-14 centimeters in length. This species inhabits mature forests where they can hide within downed trees, rocks, and leaves. Additionally, woodland ponds, marsh ponds, and roadside puddles are all ideal for female salamanders to lay their eggs. Because young salamanders are not terrestrial, breeding ponds must be filled sufficiently to prevent drying up, but also must not be deep enough to host predatory fish species. Preferred ponds have muddy bottoms and plenty of leaf and twig litter to hide between. Though populations numbers are considered stable globally, local populations within the watershed are threatened by habitat destruction and pesticide use. Due to these ongoing threats, New Jersey listed the Blue Spotted Salamander as endangered in 1974.
Indiana Bat
Image courtesy of The Nature Conservancy.
Similar to other North American bat species, Indiana Bats can be identified by their small size and consistent brown coloring throughout their bodies. Due to comparable appearances, Indiana Bats can be easily mistaken for Northern Long-eared Bats and Little Brown Bats. Yet, Indiana bats can be distinguished by their slightly smaller and less hairy feet, and also have less contrast between their belly and back fur. Body length for the Indiana Bat ranges from 41-49 millimeters and forearm length is around 35-41 millimeters.
Between October and April, Indian Bats hibernate alongside other bat species in limestone caves and abandoned mineshafts. During summer months, females roost under dead tree bark in forested areas in the basin. Roost site populations can reach numbers as high as 100 females! Additionally, areas in and around floodplains are prime habitat due to higher numbers of insects. As a result of human disturbances at major hibernation sites, the Indiana Bat was listed as endangered by the federal government in 1967. They are also currently listed as endangered in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Shortnose Sturgeon
Image courtesy of NOAA Fisheries.
Shortnose Sturgeons have yellowish brown bodies with dark tops, and are known for their short and wide mouths. Mature Shortnose Sturgeon are typically 18-22 inches in length but can grow much larger. Females can grow to a maximum of about 49 inches, while males can reach around 39 inches in length. This fish species prefers to dwell in the mouths and estuaries of the Delaware River, but may occasionally travel into the ocean. The Shortnose Sturgeon is historically and presently threatened by severely restricted range. As a result, they have been listed as a federally endangered species since 1973- when the Endangered Species Act was initially enacted. They are also listed as endangered in New Jersey, New York, and Delaware.
Bog Turtle
Bog Turtles are identifiable for their black and brown carapaces, dark plastrons with yellowish centers, dark limbs with hints of orange, yellow, and red spots, and orange patches on the sides of their heads. They are tiny creatures, measuring only around 3-4 inches long as adults! As their name suggests, Bog turtles inhabit bogs and moist grassy areas. They also prefer open areas for basking and nesting. Pastures used for livestock may serve as ideal habitat, but overgrazing and livestock runoff can alter water quality and encourage overgrowth of unfavorable vegetation- weakening available habitat. Overall, Bog Turtle populations are threatened locally and nationally due to habitat loss and illegal collection. As a result, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed them as threatened in 1997. They are also listed as endangered in New Jersey, New York, and Delaware, and threatened in Pennsylvania.
Bobcat
Bobcats are one North America’s smaller wild cat species. Their height averages at about two feet tall and their weight ranges from 14-40 pounds. They can have yellowish brown or reddish brown fur with either a dark stripe or spotted pattern. They also have a short, “bobbed” tail. Rocky areas, fallen trees, and vegetation coverings are prime locations for Bobcat dens- making wooded and mountainous areas vital for reproduction. Bobcats are also thought to be most active during dusk and dawn, when they do most of their hunting. Their diets consist of many small animals, including rabbits, mice, squirrels, and songbirds. Luckily, because Bobcats do well in a variety of habitats, populations are dispersed across the country. Unfortunately, deforestation and over-development threaten Bobcat numbers in the Delaware River Watershed. Bobcats are currently listed an endangered in New Jersey.
Freshwater Mussels
Image courtesy of Partnership for the Delaware Estuary.
There are a variety of freshwater mussel species native to the Delaware River Watershed. Some of these include: the Dwarf Wedgemussel, Yellow Lampmussel, Eastern Lampmussel, Green Floater, Brook Floater, Eastern Pondmussel, and Eastern Pearlshell. Freshwater mussels are bivalve filter feeding mollusks, making them indispensable within the Delaware River ecosystem. They provide water clarity, stabilize river beds, and enrich the environment for other species. Habitat destruction and substandard water quality are the largest threats to mussel populations in the watershed. Many of the above listed species are recognized as endangered or threatened in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. To combat declining populations, a variety of conservation measures have been enacted or planned, such as the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary’s mussel hatchery program.
For more information, please visit each state’s Endangered and Threatened Species list: