Natural resource inventory town of hammonton, atlantic county
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- TABLE 13 HABITAT ASSOCIATION OF THREATENED ENDANGERED PLANTS
- 6.05 Fire Hazard
- TABLE 14 WILDLAND FIRE HAZARD CLASSIFICATION
- SECTION 7.00 Wildlife
- 7.01 Mammals
- TABLE 15 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS OF MAMMAL SPECIES
TABLE 12 (Continued) THREATENED & ENDANGERED PLANT SPECIES
Although not all the above species are known or likely to occur in the Town of Hammonton, they were all listed because detailed studies to identify populations of many species are sketchy or lacking for certain areas. One significant trend which is recognized in the table is the relative number of species associated with the different habitats. Of the fifty-four (54) species listed, it is the various lowland habitats which support disproportionately higher numbers of species as compared with the upland pine-oak or oak-pine forests. Cumulative totals of species by habitat association are listed in the following table. TABLE 13 HABITAT ASSOCIATION OF THREATENED & ENDANGERED PLANTS
SOURCE: N.J. Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan. It is important to note that by the very definition of threatened and endangered plants, they can only be protected by the maintenance of suitable habitat. Many human activities can impact the survival of these species. Normal flowering and seed production of some species is affected by excess nutrients which may enter the environment through septic systems, lawn fertilizers, or agricultural runoff. Those native plants which are in danger are accustomed to the naturally low fertility of the soils and any increase in nutrient levels may favor more competitive species which previously were unable to grow in the region. Alterations to water levels in wetlands or other changes to natural drainage patters can have adverse effects on some species. These types of influences should be considered when designing or reviewing projects for development. In this way, adverse impacts can be eliminated or minimized.
SOURCE: N.J. Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan. SECTION 7.00 Wildlife In much the same way as vegetation types are a reflection of the localized habitat conditions, so are animal species controlled by the type and quality of habitat available for their survival and propagation. Each species requires a certain combination of soil, vegetation, and water features. As time goes by, changes in the landscape will necessarily produce changes to the wildlife of the area. Certain species are rather secretive and may be rarely seen by humans, even though substantial populations may exist. Others adapt readily to human presence, and still others are actually attracted to disturbed sites or suburban environments. Despite the relative ease with which wildlife populations can be studied in the Pine Barrens, very little has been done beyond compiling species lists and habitat associations, Once again, the Vegetation Map (No.3) is the best indicator of locations within the Town of Hammonton where certain species are likely to be found. The species lists which are included in the following tables were compiled primarily by professional consultants to the Pinelands Commission and represent the latest available data on the species composition of the region. The combined reports of wildlife experts who study the Pinelands fauna have identified thirty-nine (39) species of mammals, two hundred ninety-nine (299) bird species, fifty-nine (59) reptile and amphibian species, and ninety-one (91) fish species in the Pinelands. Of the total four hundred seventy-eight (478) species, two (2) are listed as endangered by the U.S. Department of the Interior and thirty-two (32) are listed as threatened or endangered by the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection. ENDANGERED – Species whose prospects for survival within the State are in danger due to one or many factors – a loss of or change in habitat, over-exploitation, predation, competition, disease. THREATENED – May become endangered if conditions surrounding the species begin or continue to deteriorate. 7.01 Mammals The largest animal species in the region are mammals, but some mammals range down to sizes smaller than many birds and fish. Mammals are distinguished from other animals by the presence of hair (as compared with feathers on birds, hairless skin on reptiles and amphibians, and scales on fish). In addition, only mammals possess mammary glands by which they provide their young with milk. TABLE 15 HABITAT ASSOCIATIONS OF MAMMAL SPECIES
SOURCE: N.J. Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan. * Explanation of Status Codes: Abundant (A) - The species reaches its highest population densities in the Pinelands when compared to other areas of New Jersey. Common (C) - The species population is at a level consistent with the habitat available in the Pinelands, but the density here is exceeded in other areas of New Jersey. Uncommon (UC) - The species population level is below the level which the Pinelands is capable of supporting, or the species is rarely encountered because of a scarcity of habitat. Undetermined (UD) - A species about which there is not enough information available to determine status. Extirpated (Ex) - A species that occurred in the Pinelands within the last three hundred (300) years, but no longer exists within the region. Peripheral (P) - The species reaches the limits of its distribution in the Pinelands. It may be uncommon to abundant. This designation will be used along with another status. † Potential habitats exist for these extirpated species. Although three (3) mammal species which formerly existed in the region were completely eliminated by human activity, one (1) has been re-introduced with considerable success. The beaver, once trapped out of existence, was re-introduced and now is firmly re-established in streams, lakes and swamps of the area. The black bear and bobcat were also former residents of the region, and although suitable habitat exists, plans to re-introduce these mammal species were shelved in response to public criticism of the proposals. Download 1.1 Mb. Share with your friends:
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