Species at Risk
What is an Endangered Animal?
Some animals are endangered, meaning that fewer and fewer of them survive and they could become extinct if we are not careful. By restoring certain aspects of the ecosystem, we can help the endangered animals survive. They need the right combination of plants, trees, and food in order to grow and raise their young. In the past, chemical pollutants and improper land use destroyed the habitat of many animals, birds and fish. These animals illustrated here are rare and significant to the ecosystem. You are lucky if you get to see one, however, remember that their lives are fragile and please don’t disturb them.
Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentine) – One of the more common, and largest, turtles, the Snapping Turtle got its name from large head, long neck and powerful jaws that are used to defend itself. The carapace (shell) has three longitudinal ridges and a serrated edge above its’ tail. The saw-tooth appearance of the tail is caused by a series of bony plates. They walk on the bottom of ponds, searching for carrion or small fish to eat. Its eggs are round like ping pong balls, and a female can lay up to 40 eggs each spring. The Haudenosaunee make a rattle from the body of the Snapping Turtle that is used in ceremonies to this day.
Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) – This hawk, grows up to 47 cm (19”), flies near the ground when it is hunting, with rapid wing beats alternating with brief glides. The female is browner and larger than the male. Both have dark bluish-grey tails with wide dark bars.
Red Breasted Nuthatch (Sitta Canadensis) – These small birds can be found on tree trunks, walking vertically, with their heads up or down. They have a cinnamon underbelly with bluish-grey tops. They have black heads white eyebrows and whitish chins, cheeks and necks. They can grow up to 12 cm (4.7”). Their call sounds like a toy horn – Yank yank!
Orchard Oriole (Icterus spurious) – This small bird is an international traveler, returning to Canada in mid-May from its wintering grounds in Central America. The male looks very different from the female, which is olive-green on top and bright greenish-yellow underneath. The male is a deep chestnut colour, with a black head, neck and shoulders. Both male and female have brownish wings with white wing bars. They grow up to 18 cm (7”) in length.
Long-eared Owl (Asio otuds) – Hiding during the day, this owl hunts at night. It had distinctive ear tufts and mottled feathers of black, brown, grey, buff and white colours. Often mistaken for the Great Horned Owl which has a white patch on its throat. This owl likes to hang out in the pine woods and will spread its wings in an imposing threat display when disturbed at its nest. They grows up to 39 cm (13.5”) in length.
Coyote (Canis latrans) – A chorus of yaps, barks and howls can be heard in the morning or at evening signaling the presence of coyotes. Changing land use patterns since the 19th century have allowed to Coyote to thrive, as their enemies, the wolves, have been diminished. They range in colour from grey, buff to reddish-grey. Their bushy tail has a black tip. When frightened, they run with their tail tucked between their hind legs. They have an ability to adapt and a varied diet allows them to survive in most habitats.
Endangered Species in the Red Hill Valley
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