36 New Species for Shiawassee Refuge

Staff, volunteers and cooperating researchers have found 36 species of wildlife previously unknown at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge in Michigan – including a duck that has been recorded in the state only once before.

The refuge has made a targeted effort to learn more about its freshwater mussels, yielding 18 new species for the refuge, including lilliput, pink papershell and ellipse mussels. All are listed in Michigan as either threatened, endangered or of special concern.

The most surprising discovery is the black-bellied whistling duck. This is only the second time the duck has been recorded in Michigan. Usually it comes no further north than Texas or Arizona. Another new species is the direct result of habitat restoration. Two singing grasshopper sparrows established territory in newly restored native prairie vegetation. The site was previously a soybean field.

Not such good news is the arrival of five invasive species that are competing with indigenous wildlife and degrading habitat. The emerald ash border has already affected green ash and general forest health. The rusty crayfish, round goby, zebra mussel and Asian clam were found during the mussel survey.

Altogether there are now 1,006 species identified at Shiawassee Refuge, which has been called an ark for wildlife in middle Michigan.

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