NJDEP Proposed Changes to the Endangered Species List

The NJDEP is proposing changes to the state's endangered species list that would affect 30 species that would see increased concern under the proposed rule. They include butterflies, freshwater fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, and land mammals. Not all species are additions as some would be a changed or upgraded status.

The Atlantic sturgeon would be moved to the endangered list as less than 250 adults are believed to return to the Delaware River each year to spawn. 

Eleven butterfly species are proposed for endangered or threatened status, owing to population declines. 

The barn owl, eastern meadowlark, Kentucky warbler, king rail, and salt marsh sparrow each would see heightened concern under the proposal. The barn owl would be considered threatened and the eastern meadowlark endangered under the proposal.

The ruddy turnstone, a small wading bird, would be moved to special concern from stable, based on a significant population decline.

Cattle egrets and peregrine falcons would move to stable from special concern, and non-breeding red-headed woodpeckers would move to special concern from threatened.

The bobcat, the only mammal on the endangered list, would be upgraded to threatened as its population has increased, particularly in the area north of Interstate 80 and west of Interstate 287.

The Cope’s gray treefrog (below), although still restricted to the four or five southernmost counties, appears to be expanding northward. This may be due to shorter periods of cold and warmer winters associated with global climate change It would be upgraded to threatened from endangered.

Four bat species would be considered endangered under the proposal.

The bald eagle would see its conservation status changed from endangered to special concern. The osprey would be changed from threatened to stable. 

Species such as the bald eagle get lots of attention but we should also note that lesser-known species, such as the rusty-patched bumblebee are of concern. This bee used to be one of the most common bees in New Jersey, but no populations of this pollinator have been documented in the state since 1999, so the proposed rule would change its status to endangered.

SOURCE: sierraclub.org/new-jersey...