Most Invasive The Eastern Gray Squirrel can be found in deciduous forests mainly inhabiting nut-producing trees such as hickories, chestnuts and oaks. They have been known to co-exist with several other squirrel species in Vancouver for many years due to habitat segregation. Unlike many native squirrels, the Eastern Gray Squirrel does very well in a human modified environment. Due to forestation, this has become a very important issue. Not only does the Eastern Gray Squirrel impact the competition of resources but also is a major cause of the decline in native squirrels. Common Name: Eastern Gray squirrel Scientific Name: Sciurus carolinensis Where on Earth is it a problem: Coniferous and Deciduous forests, mostly in Vancouver Where did it come from?: North America
Most Endangered This adorable Mexican Walking Fish, (ambystoma mexicanum), is extremely rare and in danger of becoming extinct. Due mostly to habitat destruction, the mexican walking fish reduced from 1500 per square mile to just 25 per square mile in the last few years. The Mexican Walking fish is constantly preyed upon by nonnative species and do not have many good defense mechanisms. The most interesting feature they have besides cuteness is their ability to regenerate body parts. Common Name: Mexican Walking fish Scientific Name: Ambystoma Mexicanum Where does it live?: Mexico
Favorite Keystone The Sea Otter, (Enhydra Lutris), can be found along the West Coast of North America. Sea Otters are essential to sea urchin populations. They keep the sea urchins in check and allow them to expand. In turn, the sea urchins effect kelp beds which are critical for spawning fish. Because spawning fish are important to fishermen, an international treaty was brought up to protect the sea otters. Common Name: Sea Otter Scientific Name: Enhydra Lutris Where does it live?: West Coast of North America
Coolest Predator Adaptation The Philippine Eagle, (Pithecophaga jefferyi) is one of the largest eagles in the world. It is second only to the Harpy Eagle of South America. This rare species of bird is found in the Philippines around the city of Davao-on near the southern island of Mindanao. The Philippine Eagle can stretch across eight feet in wingspan and has dagger-sharp talons that usually range three inches. Pursuit and ambush is the most successful venture for food for the Philippine Eagle as it can swoop down and devastate its prey. Common Name: Philippine Eagle Scientific Name: Pithecophaga Jefferyi Where does it live?: Philippines
Coolest Prey Adaptation The unique creature called the Platypus,(O. anatinus) has heavily adapted over the years. The Platypus has physical traits of mammals, birds and reptiles. The Platypus has a long tail that stores fat and even venom to fight off predators. The Platypus also has the ability to sense nearby animals through muscle fibers. This is called electroreception. Common Name: Platypus Scientific Name: Ornithorhynchus anatinus Where does it live?: River banks of Australia