Read: Endangered and Threatened Wildlife of New Jersey

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife of New Jersey

Every corner of New Jersey harbors natural wildlife of such value that it attracts birders and other naturalists from around the world. From the barrier beaches and coastal marshes at the ocean's edge, through the flood-plain forests and pine barrens, across the fertile rolling hills of the Piedmont, to the highlands; ridges, and valleys of northwestern New Jersey, the state is a cornucopia of wildlife.

With over 500 species calling the state home, New Jersey ranks as one of the most diverse wildlife habitats in the country. The state's importance doesn't end at the borders-New Jersey provides critical food and shelter to hundreds of species that use the state as a stop along their migratory route.

Yet, in the nation's most densely populated state, the loss of habitat continues at a relentless pace. The race is on to save natural areas and the species dependent upon them for survival.

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife of New Jersey is a richly illustrated color guide to the state's fifty-four most imperlled species, from bobcats to bobolinks, shortnosed sturgeons to loggerhead turtles, frosted elfins to triangle floaters, blue whales to American burying beetles.

Here, the authors detail each animal's natural history, reasons for its decline, what's been done so far-and what must be done-to keep New Jersey's wildlife flourishing. Written primarily by the people who know these species best, the biologists of the New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species program, the book is divided into seven sections-mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and bivalves.

A chapter on individual species details animal identification, distribution, habitat, diet, life cycle, status and conservation, and limiting factors and threats, as well as recommendations for preservation.

The authors also explore the particular characteristics of the species within New Jersey, including the species' distribution, population status, and breeding and migration behaviors. Sixty-three detailed maps and more than one hundred spectacular color photos provide readers with a rare glimpse of these seldom-seen species.

Wildlife serves as a harbinger for our own environment: if the air, water, and earth aren't healthy for animals, they surely can't be healthy for humans.



About the Authors
Bruce E. Beans is the chief editor/writer for the New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Program and author of Eagle's Plume: The Struggle to Preserve the Life and Haunts of America's Bald Eagle. Larry Niles was chief of the New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Program.