Frequently Asked Questions About Endangered
Species in New Jersey
- Endangered Species General Information
- Endangered Species Act (ESA)
- State-Listed Species
- Federally Listed Species in New Jersey
- Endangered Species and You
- Other Sources of Information
- See All Questions
Why is it important to conserve endangered
species?
What does endangered mean? Threatened?
Section 3 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) defines an "endangered species" as "any species which is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range," other than certain insect pests. The law defines a "threatened species" as "any species which is likely to become an endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range."
Why do species become endangered?
The primary threat to the continued existance of most federally listed species found in New Jersey is loss or degradation of habitat. For example, of the 12 federally listed species under Service jurisdiction occurring in New Jersey, 10 live or feed in wetlands. According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 39% of New Jersey's wetlands were lost between the 1780s and the 1980s. Wetland losses have slowed in recent years because of new efforts to conserve these areas. However, impacts from upland development still threaten many wetland habitats with increased sedimentation, hydrologic changes, and pollution. Other significant threats to listed species in New Jersey include collection, disturbance from vehicle or foot traffic, litter and pollution, and vegetational succession. The nature and severity of threats is different for each species; please see more specific information for particular listed species.
How many federally listed species are there in the
U.S.? Worldwide?
Where can I find the complete list of threatened and
endangered species?
Threatened and Endangered Wildlife and Plants
Where can I find detailed information about particular
listed species?
What is a Recovery Plan? Where can I find the Recovery
Plan for particular listed species?
A Recovery Plan is a planning document that outlines a strategy to prevent a species from becoming extinct. A Recovery Plan is prepared by the Service for each listed species, in cooperation with other agencies, organizations, and experts on the particular plant or animal. Recovery Plans include a full discussion of the species biology, an analysis of threats to the species' continued existence, and an outline, time line, and cost estimate of tasks necessary for the species' recovery. Most Recovery Plans are available online.
Who is responsible for listed marine
species?
Implementation of the ESA with regard to marine species is handled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries (Fisheries) (previously known as National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
|
|
Passed by the U.S. Congress in 1973, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (87 Stat. 884; 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) is the most comprehensive law ever enacted by a Nation for the preservation of endangered species. The law establishes that endangered and threatened animals and plants "are of aesthetic, ecological, educational, historical, recreational, and scientific value to the Nation and its people." For more information, see "The Endangered Species Act and What We Do."
What are the main provisions of the
ESA?
Where can I read the complete ESA?
Where can I find federal regulations implementing the
ESA?
|
|
Is there a State law in New Jersey to protect threatened and endangered species?
The New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Conservation Act of 1973 (N.J.S.A. 23:2A et seq.) establishes a list of wildlife species designated by the State of New Jersey as threatened and endangered. The law prohibits taking, possessing, transporting, exporting, processing, selling, or shipping listed species. "Take" is defined by the law as harassing, hunting, capturing, or killing, or attempting to do so. A separate New Jersey State law, the Endangered Plant Species List Act, (N.J.S.A. 13:1B et seq.) "finds and declares that plant species have medicinal, genetic, ecological, educational and aesthetic value to the citizens of New Jersey; [and] that the perpetuation of many plant species native to New Jersey or the United States is in jeopardy," and establishes an official State list of endangered plants. New Jersey State laws are available online from the New Jersey State Legislature.
Which species are State-listed?
A list of State-listed wildlife species, and a list of wildlife species of State concern are available online from the New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Program. A list of State-listed (endangered) plant species and plant species of State concern is available online from the New Jersey Natural Heritage Program.
What is the State Landscape Project?
The Landscape Project is an ongoing effort by the New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Program to "protect New Jersey's biological diversity by maintaining and enhancing imperiled wildlife populations within healthy, functioning ecosystems." Protection of mapped habitats is reflected in New Jersey's Land Use Regulations. Please note the following:
Federally Listed Species in New Jersey:
How many
federally listed species are found in New Jersey?
Federally listed species found in New
Jersey:
"Extirpated" species are not presently known to occur
in New Jersey, but were found in the State historically.
"Extant" species
are presently found in New Jersey.
| Endangered | Threatened | Total | |
| Land and Freshwater | |||
| Extant Animals | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Extant Plants | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Extant Subtotal | 4 |
8 |
12 |
| Extirpated Animals | 7 | 0 | 7 |
| Extirpated Plants | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Extirpated Subtotal | 7 |
0 |
7 |
| Land and Freshwater Subtotal | 11 | 8 | 19 |
| Marine * | |||
| Extant Animals | 10 | 2 | 12 |
| Total | 21 | 10 | 31 |
Which federally listed species are found in New
Jersey?
Federally Listed and Candidate Species in New Jersey [PDF]
Are any listed species found only in New
Jersey?
New Jersey is home to the only known extant occurrences of Knieskern's beaked-rush. New Jersey is also considered the global stronghold for swamp pink, with 60% of known extant populations of the plant occurring in the State. New Jersey also has the most known occurrences of bog turtle of any State.
Have any species native to New Jersey become
extinct?
Many species formerly found in New Jersey, including 5 federally listed species, are now extirpated (no longer found) in the State. Although extirpated from New Jersey, these species are still found in other States. Other species that were once found in New Jersey are now extinct, meaning there are none left anywhere. Some examples include the passenger pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius) and the heath hen (Tympanuchus cupido cupido); both became extinct in the early 20th century.
Have any previously listed species found in New
Jersey recovered?
Formerly listed as endangered, the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) was removed from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants in August 1999. The species will be monitored for 13 years to ensure that the species' numbers remain strong for two generations of birds. The peregrine falcon continues to be protected by State law and by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prohibits the taking, killing, possession, transportation, and importation of migratory birds, their eggs, parts, and nests except when specifically authorized by the Department of the Interior. For more information, see the Service's web site regarding the recovery and deslisting of the peregrine falcon.
Formerly listed as endangered throughout its U.S. and international range, the Eastern subspecies of the brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis carolinensis) was primarily threatened by environmental contaminants which caused eggshell thinning and other adverse effects. Decreasing effects of contaminants and increasing population levels led the Service to de-list the brown pelican on the Atlantic Coast (including New Jersey) and in Florida and Alabama in 1985. Brown pelicans are still listed as endangered in Gulf Coast and Pacific States and in Central and South America. Brown pelicans continue to be protected throughout their range by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
The bald eagle (Haliaetus leucocephalus) was re-classified from endangered to threatened in 1995. In July 1999, the Service proposed delisting the bald eagle in the lower 48 States. Following delisting on August 8, 2007, the bald eagle is still be protected by New Jersey State law, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. For consistency with these laws, the Service recommends protection of bald eagles consistent with the National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines. See the Northeast and Midwest Regional web sites for more information.
What are candidate species? Are any found in New
Jersey?
"Candidate species" are species that appear to warrant consideration for addition to the federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. Although these species receive no substantive or procedural protection under the ESA, the Service encourages federal agencies and other planners to give consideration to these species in the environmental planning process. When possible, the Service works with other agencies, organizations, and private landholders to develop Candidate Conservation Agreements. Through these agreements, candidate species can be protected, avoiding the need to list them as threatened or endangered. Three candidate species are found in New Jersey: red knot (Calidris canutus rufa), bog asphodel (Narthecium americanum), and Hirst's panic grass (Dichanthelium hirstii). Also see the Service's list of candidate species and candidate conservation web page.
What are proposed species? Are any found in New
Jersey?
A "proposed species" is a plant or animal that has been officially proposed in the Federal Register for addition to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, but has not yet been officially added to the List. The Service must propose a species for listing before actually listing it, to allow for a public comment period. Proposed species receive many of the same protections as threatened and endangered species under the ESA. There are currently no species proposed for listing that occur in New Jersey. See the Service's list of proposed species.
What is critical habitat? Is any found in New
Jersey?
"Critical habitat" refers to specific geographic areas essential to the conservation of a listed species, which may require special management considerations or protection. Critical habitat for a particular species is designated by federal regulation at the time a species is added to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants. If the Service determines that designation of critical habitat would not be prudent for a particular species, it may elect not to designate critical habitat. For example, designation of critical habitat may not be prudent for a species that is threatened by illegal collection. There is no designated critical habitat in New Jersey. See additional information about Critical Habitat.
If the proposed project may affect estuarine or marine environments or
species, then project review should also be requested from the NOAA Fisheries Service at the following address:
Endangered Species Coordinator
NOAA Fisheries Service
Protected Resources Division
Northeast Regional Office
One Blackburn Drive
Gloucester, Massachusetts 01930-2298
(978) 281-9300
The New Jersey Natural Heritage Program maintains the most up-to-date
information on federal candidate species and State-listed species in New
Jersey. To avoid adverse impacts to these species, the Service recommends that
planners request a species review from the Natural Heritage Program. The New Jersey Natural Heritage Program may be reached at the
following address:
New Jersey Natural Heritage Program
Division of Parks and Forestry
P.O. Box 404
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
(609) 984-0097
Additionally, information on New Jersey's State-listed wildlife species may
be obtained from the following office:
Endangered and Nongame Species Program
Division of Fish and Wildlife
P.O. Box 400
Trenton, New Jersey 08625
(609) 292-9400
The New Jersey Division of Land Use Regulation reviews proposed projects for impacts to federally and State-listed species as part of the State permitting process.
New Jersey Division of Land Use Regulation
501 E. State Street, Second Floor
P.O. Box 439
Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0439
(609) 777-0454 (Freshwater Wetland and Highlands)
(609) 984-0162 (Waterfront Development, Coastal, and Stream Encroachment)
If information from any of the aforementioned sources reveals the presence of any federal candidate species within a project area, the Service should be contacted to ensure that these species are not adversely affected by project activities.
For properties or projects not located in New Jersey, contact the appropriate Ecological Services Field Office.
What if I want to develop my property and it
contains a listed species?
Through technical assistance or the consultation process pursuant to Section 7 of the ESA, the Service will provide assistance to determine if project implementation will adversely affect a listed species, and will make recommendations to reduce adverse impacts. Section 7 consultations in New Jersey have been consistently effective in assisting federal agencies in developing projects that avoid harm to listed species and help maintain a healthy environment. For example, from 1999 through 2005, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s New Jersey Field Office conducted 9,920 Section 7 consultations. The planning efforts involved with those consultations resulted in some projects being modified to be more environmentally responsive, but the Endangered Species Act did not stop one project. Maintaining a healthy environment and protecting declining species populations should not be equated with stopping development or creating large-scale job loss.
I think I have a listed species on my property--
what can I do to protect it?
Contact the New Jersey Field Office (see contact information at the bottom of this page). We will help you determine if you have a listed species on your property. If a threatened or endangered species is present, we will make conservation recommendations to help you protect the species. Some landowners decide to enter into a voluntary conservation agreement. The Service provides ongoing technical assistance to these landowners, and recognizes their commitment to natural resources stewardship with the presentation of a plaque. Most land in New Jersey is privately owned. Voluntary conservation efforts by New Jersey's residents are a critical component in the conservation and recovery of threatened and endangered species.
What can I do to help conserve endangered
species?
Note: Links to non-Service web sites are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply any endorsement of the opinions or ideas expressed therein, or guarantee the validity of the information provided. Please see the Service disclaimer.
|
|
Where can I find
educational resources for kids and teachers?
Note: This is only a partial list of the many environmental education resources available on the World Wide Web. Links to non-Service web sites are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply any endorsement of the opinions or ideas expressed therein, or guarantee the validity of the information provided. Please see the Service disclaimer.
Government Sites:
The Nature of Learning Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Endangered Species Education
Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Endangered Species Kids'
Corner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Kids' Page, U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service
Kids'
Corner, USGS Biological Resources Division
Education Resources, National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration
New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, Education
Non-Governmental
Sites:
Project WILD, Council
for Environmental Education
Environmental Education, National
Wildlife Federation
National Geographic Online
Environmental Education on the Internet
(EE-Link): Endangered Species Page
Note: This is only a partial list of the many web directories of non-governmental environmental organizations. Links to non-Service web sites are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply any endorsement of the opinions or ideas expressed therein, or guarantee the validity of the information provided. Please see the Service disclaimer.
Environmental Education on the Internet
(EE-Link): Endangered Species Page
Environmental Organization Web
Directory
Yahoo!
Environmental and Nature
Visit the Service's Endangered Species Home
Page and Endangered
Species FAQ.
For more general questions, try the Service FAQ.
If you still
need additional information, contact us at NJFieldOffice@fws.gov
or