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Mammals

Red wolves

Although they were once common to the entire southeast, Red wolves are now federally endangered and are now thought to only have hope through captive breeding programs in a few locations (USFWS, 2007). Originally decimated as a form of predator control and over-hunting, these canids continued to decline in abundance as habitat alterations, parasites, competition for food and interbreeding with non-native coyotes have resulted in the systematic extirpation and eventual extinction, declared by USFWS, of this species in 1980 (Webster et al, 1985;USFWS, 2007;IWF, 2004). Although little is known about their preferred habitats Red wolves appear to be adaptable to many environments, an attribute that, when combined with the desire to keep them out of contact with humans, makes isolated coastal areas in North Carolina prime spots for reintroduction and captive breeding programs.

The Alligator River Wildlife Refuge in northeastern NC is currently home to more than 100 wolves in the wild and another 150 in the captive breeding program through the Red Wolf Recovery Project (USFWS, 2007). Although contact with humans and hybridization with coyotes remains a threat to the reproductive future of the red wolves the project is optimistic with goals set to 2 20 red wolves in the wild and 330 in captivity in the wolves historic range (USFWS, 2007).

Eastern puma

http://www.wildliferehabsanctuary.org/puma-cougar.htm

http://www.cites.org/eng/resources/species.html

This amazing big cat was once widespread throughout the United States but is considered by many to be extirpated from North Carolina (USFWS, 2007). Habitat preferences for Eastern pumas is (or was) highly variable, ranging from dry coniferous forests (long leaf pine stands) to swamps and pocosins; they can essentially live anywhere that prey is abundant. Eliminated by over-hunting, loss of food source (white-tailed deer) and habitat, Eastern pumas, sometimes commonly called mountain lions or cougars, are on the CITES red list, categorized as an appendix 1 species and is listed as endangered federally and by the IUCN (CITES, 2007). Although decimated in numbers (334 worldwide) as their major prey species, white-tailed deer, increases in numbers it is hoped that this big cat may make a comeback to the east coast (Big Cat Rescue, 2007).

Rafinesque’s big-eared bat

http://www.batcon.org/home/index.asp?idPage=51&idSubPage=44

Rafinesque’s big-eared bat is restricted to the mountains and the coastal plains of North Carolina and roosts in hollows, whether they are trees, caves or run-down houses, which are near permanent standing water (Webster et al, 1985). Considered a species of federal concern (USFWS, 2006), this little bat is extremely vulnerable to human disturbance; any disruption of the hibernation stage will cause the bat to use up very important food reserves, and dramatically increase the bats’ risk of starvation (SCDNR, 2006). In addition, rare older swamp forest stands are important; big-eared bats are known to switch roosts often, presumably to avoid predators and parasites, a tactic made difficult in young swamp forests that have few cavities in high demand ( Clark, 2000). As hardwood swamp tree species are increasingly harvested for timber and coastal wetlands are drained for agriculture and development, these bats are ousted from their habitat and populations are decreasing across the southeast.

West Indian Manatee (Trichechus manatus)

http://www.nrca.org/yourenv/biodiversity/Species/gifs/manatee.jpg

The West Indian Manatee is a large, slow moving creature that feeds on aquatic plants and sea grasses. They can be found in Florida and parts of the Caribbean year round and in the summer months they can migrate as far north as Virginia. They can be seen in bays, wetlands, rivers, and the ocean. Unfortunately for these creatures, they have high mortality rates in their younger years, are slow growing and they don’t reproduce until later in life. The West Indian Manatee faces many challenges and dangers that have also contributed to its low population. As a coastal animal, they are subject to a great deal of habitat degradation and loss, pollution and accidental mortality in the form of powerboats. They are also quite sensitive to natural disasters such as flooding, droughts and temperature changes. (Sirenia Specialist Group, USFWS)

Whales

http://www.beringclimate.noaa.gov/essays/FinWhale-Lori.jpg,http://www3.nationalgeographic.com/animals/images/primary/humpback-whales-singing.jpg,

There are numerous species of whales that migrate through North Carolina waters. Some of these species include Fin Whales ( Balaenoptera physalus ), Humpback Whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae ) and the Northern Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis ). All three species have baleen, which are plates of huge hairline frays of keratin, used to filter feed on things such as plankton, shrimp, copepods and even some small fish. The Fin Whale is the second largest whale in the world and can go up to speeds of 30mph. The Humpback Whale is known for singing, tail lobbing and flipper slapping. The Northern Right whale is the most endangered of these species with only 300-350 individuals left. All of these whales used to be subject to harvesting until they became protected between the early to mid 1900’s. Now they are subject to pollution, industrial noise, ship collisions and entanglement in fishing gear. The Right Whale is especially susceptible, migrating directly in shipping routes. They are also easily captured in fishing gear that can get wrapped around their jaws, flippers and tail. ( American Cetacean Society, Right Whale Consortium, Specialist Group.)

http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/delaware2/images/oldpics/2005/right%20whale%20smiling.JPG