Most Invasive About a century ago, over-hunting of Canada Geese nearly brought the species to an early extinction. That is, until New York state officials,in an attempt to save the dwindling species, released scores of geese into state forests. Huge flocks emerged from this introduction of Canada Geese into the New York area. The populations of Canada Geese grow so quickly because the have adapted well to living in habitats found in suburban and urban development and fly relatively short distances to winter. Aslo, Canda Geese have virtually no predators in urban areas. These factors contribute to the consistently high survival and reproduction rates of Canada Geese. Today, Canada Geese swarm the northeastern coast of the United States, with about 200,000 Canada Geese in the state of New York alone. Canada Geese endanger public health by soiling parks and lakes, eating vrops on farmer's fields, and interfering with airplane travel. For example, the 2009 Miracle on the Hudson plane crash was caused by the infamous Canada Geese. (Source:www.dailyfinance.com08/25//2010/10-invasive-species-that-cost-the-us-a-bundle) Common Name: Canada Geese Scientific Name: Branta canadesis Where on Earth is it a problem: Primarily in New York;They erode the soil and grassy areas of New York,overgraze pastures,(including state parks and farmland), and at airports they are a huge safety threat, resulting in dangerous takeoff and landing conditions. Where did it come from?: Canada and temperate regions of the northern United States
Most Endangered Climate change is the primary reason for the rapidly decreasing numbers of Pacific Walruses. Pacific Walruses use the Arctic Ice as a place to rest, give birth, and raise/nurse calves. They also use the ice as protection from predators below the deep waters. Global warming has caused the melting of Arctic ice,and this has contributed to substantial habitat loss for Pacific walruses. Also, Pacific Walrus' habitat is being auctioned of to oil companies for commercial purposes. These extreme conditions have caused the Pacific Walrus to recently be added onto the Most Endangered Species List (2009). Efforts are currently being made to protect the habitat and lives of Pacific Walruses. For example, the Marine Mammal Protection Act places regulations so that oil companies can no longer demolish the habitats of Pacific Walruses. (Source:www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/wildlife/6927330/top-10-most-endangered-species-in-the-world.html) Common Name: Pacific Walrus Scientific Name: Odobenus rosmarus Where does it live?: Pacific Walruses are most commonly found in the Arctic's Bering and Chukchi Seas along the Alaska's northwestern coast.
Favorite Keystone Tiger Sharks gained the nickname "wastebasket of the sea" because they eating anything within their grasp. They serve as regulators of biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems. For example, Tiger Sharks are essential to the Shark Bay, Australia aquatic ecosystem because they control the populations of dugongs and sea turtle who feed on sea grass beds there. Sea grass serves as a nursery habitat for various fish, so overgrazing on the bend would result in a sharp decline in fish populations. If there were no Tiger Sharks present to regulate sea turtle and dugong populations, grazer populations would increase and the number of sea grass beds would decrease. This,in turn, would result in a decrease in species diversity. Essentially, by controlling the population of the grazers,Tiger Sharks help maintain overall biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems. (Source:www.esther-eder.suite101.com/three-marine-keystone-species-a75928) Common Name: Tiger Shark Scientific Name: Galeocerdo cuvier Where does it live?: Tiger Sharks inhabit many tropical and temperate regions of the earth's oceans, and are especially common around islands in the central Pacific (e.g. Shark Bay in Western Australia).
Coolest Predator Adaptation The Great Horned Owl's spectacular binocular vision allow them to easily pinpoint prey and see in low light. They have eyeballs as large of that of a human, and their sense of smell is also exquisite. Great Horned Owls have better depth perception and better perception of sound elevation than humans do. The owls use such adaptations of keen sight and smell to catch their prey of small to medium sized mammals and small rodents. Also, Great Horned Howls use their powerful feet and razor sharp talons to capture and kill their food. Their grip is equivalent to that of a 60lb object and is more powerful than that of any other North American bird of prey. Such adaptations make the Great Horned Owl a highly powerful,malicious, and successful bird of prey. (Source:www.gpnc.org/great.htm) Common Name: Great Horned Owl Scientific Name: Bubo virginianus Where does it live?: Great Horned Owls are most commonly found in the dense forests,plains, deserts,and city parks across North,Central, and South America.
Coolest Prey Adaptation As is fairly obvious from its name, the leaf frog can change its appearance to look like a variety of leaves. This mimicry is a result of cryptic coloration, which is what serves to camouflage the animal. This adaptation is designed to evade predators.Leaf frogs blend into the forest bed and patiently wait for predators to pass/overlook them. Also leaf frogs use their camouflaging abilities as an ambush strategy to lie and wait for unsuspecting prey to pass by before quickly jumping up to grab them. (Source:www.naturemalaysia.com/leaf-frogs.htm) Common Name: Leaf Frog Scientific Name: Megorphyrus annae Where does it live?: Leaf frogs are most commonly found in tropical rainforests of Central and South America (e.g. Amazon Rainforest)