Black Squirrel: Eastern Grey Squirrel (Questions 1-4)

The Black Squirrel is a melanistic subgroup of the Eastern Grey Squirrel. These squirrels are native to New  York and exist in more concentrated enclaves in Southern New York. Based on observation, this “black squirrel” is not necessarily rare in Central Park, however for the most part the area is dominated by the squirrel’s gray counterpart. Compared to the gray squirrel, the habitat most suitable for the black squirrels are denser forests and colder climate. The reason for a higher population of the gray squirrel is that deforestation caused natural selection to favor the lighter furred squirrel, however central park allows the black squirrels (though in smaller numbers) to fend better than they would in the streets. While the black squirrel is not considered invasive in New York, in places like the UK, such squirrels out-compete the native red squirrels. One affect these squirrels have on their habitat is they strip the bark off trees, and in extreme cases kill them. Yet, the abundance of resources for the squirrel in Central Park manage such affects.

 

 

 

 

House Sparrow

Based on its large population, one may be surprised to learn that the house sparrow is NOT native to New York. In fact, it originated in Asia, Europe, and areas surrounding the Mediterranean. The house sparrow, is both  the most common bird in New york City, but also likely in Central Park. Based on observation alone they are extremely prevalent throughout the park. Its habitat must consist of grain, weeds and insects for its diet; all very common in Central Park. It can become well-adapted to almost any habitat save tundras. While the house sparrow is not considered invasive in New York, in areas like Western Australia, the state has resisted the spread of this bird by killing each that appears. Since house sparrows often nest in urban areas, it is suggested they have little affect on the biodiversity of where they live. However, the House Sparrow is aggressive is known to break the eggs of other birds and take of their nesting sites. They also tend to dominate the niche of seed feeding birds. In this way, their appearance in an area may cause the decline in populations of other birds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The American Black Duck anas rubripes (questions 1-4)

The American Black Duck (ducky brown duck) we found was in a small water lake in Central park by Bethesda fountain. The black duck was a male black duck, indicated by his yellow bill. The black ducks are native to the United States as well as Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico and Bermuda. The American Black Duck population has been on a continuous decline since the 1950’s. Some explanations for this decline are unclear but in locations where there is a lot of hunting and fishing the ducks are affected, and exposed to lead poisoning. There are combined conservation efforts of the United States and Canada that may have the numbers on the rise.

We only observed one American Black Duck in Central park that afternoon, and based on the information stating that their population is on decline, we would assume that the black ducks are not that common. However, they are native to the United States so it would not be rare to see the black duck in Central park water habitats. However, black ducks are most common in the Atlantic and Mississippi flyways, distributed along the Atlantic coast to Florida.

The American black duck can be found in any fresh water habitats:

• Marshes
• Lakes
• Ponds
• Swamps
• Streams
• Coastal mudflats
• Estuaries.

Ducks in general provide a source of food for people, and provide fertilization for the earth.

American Black Duck

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Canada Goose (questions 1-4)

We located a group of Canadian geese in one of the small lakes in Central park by Bethesda Fountain. The Canada goose is a wild goose belonging to the genus brata species. The geese are native to North America including Canada and some of the Northern United States. The normal migration pattern included the geese flocking to the US, and after some time it seemed the geese decided not to leave after the normal migration period would end.

Through research we have decided that we do not believe the geese are invasive, but however, are a nuisance. The Canadian geese population in New York City is very large. It was at times headlined in New York City that “war” was declared against the Canadian geese, because of their large population and behavioral patterns. They are aggressive geese, and often bite.

The Canadian geese contribute specific things to their environment. For one, Canadian geese contribute a large amount of poop to whatever environment they inhabit.

The Canadian geese are a very common species in New York City, and Central park. In NY alone the population is over two hundred thousand geese. They merely require a body of water such as:

• Ponds
• Rivers
• Lake shores
• Reservoirs
• Bays

They are commonly found in the city, suburban parks, waterfront yards, and golf courses.

Canadian Geese

 

 

 

 

Video of Geese

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bumble Bee (likely the Eastern Bumble Bee) 

The Eastern Bumble Bee is a species of Bumble native to New York (and the East coast from Maine to Florida and West through Ohio). Though it is also not considered invasive, after the Western Bumble Bee’s population was decimated by disease, the Eastern Bumble Bee was introduced and flourished in the Western part of the United States as well. Though we did not personally encounter many of these bees (because their season is from April to September)–they are very prevalent in Central Park and the rest of New York State. Habitats suitable for these bees generally include higher altitudes and latitudes because they have the ability to regulate their body temperature based on solar radiation. They feed on nectar extremely prevalent in the flower life throughout Central Park. The bumble bee has a very positive effect on its environment. It is an effective pollinator of flowers, fruits and other plants. That being said it likely plays an integral part in the pollination of plants throughout Central Park.

Fly

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rock Pigeon (Street Bird)

While not New York City’s most common bird, the Rock Pigeon is perhaps its most well-known. Commonly known as “flying rats”, these pigeons have come to dominate New York City and thus are extremely prevalent in Central Park. This pigeon is not a native species in North America and were instead introduced by Europeans some 400 years ago. Yet as pesky they might seem, these birds are not considered invasive. Because they are so closely tied with human activity, they have neither had major ecosystem impacts nor displaced any native species. Before introduction to the North America, the Rock Pigeon’s habitat generally consisted for high cliffs usually on the coasts. Fittingly, the birds commonly perch on the skyscrapers of Manhattan Island (How’s that for adapting?). Now, a large portion of their diet comes from ingestion of bread and other kitchen scraps. While these birds definitely benefit from the existence of humans, besides their large numbers and sometimes disease spreading characteristics, they have no large or lasting natural affect on their ecosystems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Central Park’s ecosystem and natural diversity is a haven for birds migrating during the spring and fall, as well as a site of attraction for other animals such as raccoons, opossums and even coyotes. (centralparknyc.gov) Animals we found included geese, squirrels and bugs that weren’t originally inhabitants of the park. However, As scientists and scholars have witnessed, central park’s biodiversity continues to grow and adapt. Geoffrey Carleton, a librarian at N.Y.U. & amateur ornithologist, put out his first catalogue of Central Park birds in 1974 and revised it in 1958. On his first list were 225 species. These lists were followed by a supplement covering the years 1958-1967 and added species that brought total to 257. In 1967 Roger Pasquier, a young environmentalist took over as head keeper of the Central Park bird list.  His work has led to the discovery of  9 other species, bringing the Park total to 266 ( Kinkead, Eugene).The addition of species to the park’s ecosystem is a clear indication of non human processes at work in central park.

 

 

6. The existence of animals we identified in the park mostly reflects peoples influence in the habitats of animals. Many of the species we identified in the park, such as the House Sparrow and the Rock Pigeon are not native to New York. The Feral Rock Pigeons that inhabit New York City are the descendants of domesticated pigeons in North America which escaped and returned to the wild. This specific species is actually native to Europe. The House Sparrow is native to the Middle East and was actually brought to New York in the mid 1800’s. The areas in which both the Rock Pigeon and House Sparrow can be located is also influenced by people. When they were not in bushes or trees, these two species of birds were located in areas populated by people, who tended to be eating (i.e. park benches, the open area outside of Hunter West). Both species of birds tend to flock to bits of food discarded by people.

 

 

7. Central park’s distinction in biodiversity stems from its unusually close location to an urban world, consequently adapting and integrating itself to the city that surrounds it. With over a quarter of all bird species on the continent found in central park, the value in the biodiversity is unparallel. Few other locations teem with natural biodiversity per square mile as Central Park does. Scientist Felicity Arengo’s work involved preserving rare species and significant ecosystems, as well as being able to study them. Central Park’s human and non human role in these subjects allows for a perfect home and blend of nature, with the added benefit that anyone in the area can interact and be a part of the experience of its biodiversity. Central Park, as well as all other protected ecosystems, play a vital role for science, nature and education. As Dr. Arengo suggests, it is necessary to continue working to understand and protect the nature around in an effort to overcome the human race’s seemingly irreversible capacity to cause extinction.

 

8. The street animals we identified were different from those in the park with the exception of one overlapping species. Inside of the park, we identified the Canada Goose, the Black Squirrel, the House Sparrow and the American Black Duck. With the exception the House Sparrow, the animal species we identified in Central Park have an environment that suits their particular needs well, inside of the park. The Black Squirrel for example is most adept to survive in a dense forest habitat. This dense forest that the Black Squirrel needs is not however found on the streets of New York City, and therefore the species is rarely cited in the streets. Ducks and Geese are water birds, hence Central Park with its various ponds and lakes is a perfect home for them. Such water birds would not be seen roaming the streets of the Upper East Side. The House Sparrow, which we identified both in and outside of the park is adept to live in both places. House Sparrows usually live in habitats adequate in weeds, grains and insects, both of which can be found in abundance in and out of Central Park. The species we found outside of the park, two insect species and the Rock Pigeon, can also both be found in and outside of Central Park as their needs can be met in both habitats. It seems that many species who live outside of the park can exist just as well inside the park, yet species such as the Canadian Goose or the Black Squirrel which have very specific needs in their habitats can only live in places that suit them like Central Park.

9. The variety of animal life found in NYC streets is not as extensive as that of Central Park, although it was greater than expected. Not many people notice bees unless it is during an unfortunate incident. However, there are over 3500 bees in north America, many of which can be found in NYC. Similarly, there are many other animals that do not make themselves known but that coexist with us in our very own city. The fact that we weren’t able to spot many of them is no surprise. New York City is not as hospitable to wildlife as central park is, which in large part explains why there is less diversity of animal species in the streets than in the park.

 

Fauna in Central Park: Species Locations

View MHC 200 Lab 4 Group 4 in a larger map

 

Works Cited

Kinkead, Eugene. The Birds of Central Park. The New Yorker. August 26, 1974.

www.centralparknyc.gov

LOVE CANADA GEESE. Web. Oct. 2011. <http://www.articles.lovecanadageese.com/pollution.html>.

“My Central Park Bird List: Connecticut Warbler.” Urban Hawks. Web. Oct. 2011. <http://urbanhawks.blogs.com/photos/cpbl/ctwarbler.html>.

1.

American Linden

 

 

 

 

 

 

Native to north America, particularly texas and South Carolina.

Big Leaf Linden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet Crab Apple Tree (we tasted the fruit)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mostly endangered. Native to North America.

Gramineae (poaceae)

Invasive, or related to a species of invasive grass. Not Native to North America.

Northern Red Oak

 

 

 

 

 

 

native to North America.

Jack Pine

 

 

 

 

 

 

Native to north America.

Honey Locust

 

 

 

 

 

 

Native to North America. We found it outside the park.

 

Pin Oak

 

 

Native to North America, mainly in the eastern United states from Conneticut west to eastern Kansas. Grows best in wet clay soil. Cannot grow very well in shade.

American Elm

 

 

 

 

 

 

This type of tree is endangered and native to North America.

Ginkgo Biloba

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gingko Bilboa is not native to the United States, however it has been commonly cultivated in America for over 200 years.

2. The diverse group of plant species in Central park exist in relative abundance, even those that are classified as endangered, such as the American elm. The park has done a tremendous job preserving the trees despite nearby pollution and littering. The big leaf linden is very noticeable, is frequently planted as an ornamental tree in parks, and consequently is out in open spaces or common pathways. Gramineae (poaceae) is a type of perennial ryegrass that is related to an invasive species. This particular type of grass is not native to North America. It looks very similar to lemon grass as well, which isn’t native to North America either. The crab apple trees were not as prevalent as other trees and were within distance of each other, so perhaps it was a preferred spot to grow them.

 

3. The variety of plants found through out Central Park does not exactly resemble any of the ecological neighborhoods described by Sanderson in Mannahatta. These groupings of plant species in the park however, most resemble the “old-growth forest.”  Central Park is dominated by a variety of tall trees, with species of flower and shrubs growing beneath them. Trees that dominated the old-forests of Mannahatta such as the oak, hickory and pine species can all be seen in Central Park. Specifically, we identified the Jack Pine, Pin Oak and Northern Red Oak.  The Jack Pine and the American Linden trees we identified had a variety of different wildflowers and shrubs growing beneath them in the shade. In the days of Mannahatta’s old forests, fauna living in such an ecological neighborhood would live off of wild nuts and fruit produced from the trees. Our discovery of a crab apple tree growing fruit resembles something that would be found in the old-growth forests described by Sanderson. Unlike the old-growth forests however, the trees of central park are not in a constant battle between in each other over sunlight. They are well dispersed and trimmed, so that all trees have an equal opportunity at growing.

4. Pin oak grows primarily on level or nearly level, poorly drained floodplain and river bottom soils with high clay content. It is usually found on sites that flood intermittently during the dormant season but do not ordinarily flood during the growing season. Red oak is prized for its high quality wood, which is used for flooring and furniture. In Central Park it is the second to pin oak in occurrence. It has a rapid rate of growth for an oak and develops into a tall, wide-spreading tree that takes up a lot of space. It is regarded as vital to New York City’s ecosystem. The gingko biloba, most commonly found in China, is planted in New York City as well. It grows best in environments that are well-watered and well-drained and is relatively shade intolerant, which explains why we found it in open area and not where buildings can block sunlight. Crabapple trees are widely grown as ornamental trees, grown for their beautiful flowers or fruit, with numerous ones selected for these qualities and for resistance to disease.  Many of the species have sweetly-scented, bell-shaped flowers that produce a sweet, edible nectar. Breaking of the Honeysuckle’s stem releases a powerful sweet odor. The fruit contains seeds; in most species the berries are mildly poisonous. Some species, like the Japanese honeysuckle, are invasive, but we were not able to discern its specific subgroup.

 

5.  Based on the variety and geographic distribution of the trees in Central Park, it is clear that there was a large human influence.  Three major aspects seem to be considered: the aesthetic quality, the viability of the trees, and the cohesiveness of the ecosystem. Those trees planted on the sidewalks and surrounding areas were planted based on aesthetic appeal,  and viability to the “sidewalk environment” of New York City. Therefore they adapted well to High PH’s, high wind, high pollution, and grew smaller than some of the tremendous trees within central park. These factors are key to their management by city officials. Within Central Park, officials must balance the value of the scenery and the sustainability of the tree life with other surrounding plants. For instance, trees that do not outcompete each other for resources are more likely to be planted in close proximity of one another. None of these factors are more important than any other; rather they all play a pivotal role in the how man manages the park.

 

6.  The vast diversity of Central Park in many ways mirrors that of the surrounding sidewalks. In fact, many of the trees we found in the park itself including the American Elm, Pin Oak, Linden and Honey Locust trees are commonly planted/recommended for planting trees (http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/trees_greenstreets/species_list.html) The trees cultivated on the sidewalks are chosen for their size, and resilience to pollution, salt, high PH and wind. Within central park there is a much larger concentration of plant life as it represents a fuller ecosystem and space. Even still, fittingly, trees that easily adapt to the climate of New York are found in the park and sidewalks alike therefore the species therein are similar.

 

7.  The plant life within the confines of Central Park is vastly diverse. The trees alone have origins ranging from North America to Japan. In fact, approximately half of the trees that we identified and examined were non-native to New York. While the Pin Oak, American Linden, Hickory 34, American Elm, and Big leaf Linden are trees originally found in New York; the Jack Pine (Canada), Gingko (Japan—though found as a street tree, the tree is also common in the park) and Crabapple trees (elsewhere in the United States, Europe and Asia) are non-native to New York. While we only identified two street plants, the Ginkgo of Japan and the Honey Locust (South Dakota, Texas and New Orleans), it was clear that the trees that adapt well to New York climate and are thus present in central park similarly find their way to the sides of the surrounding areas, therefore their species are equally diverse.

 

 

Flora in Central Park: Plant Locations

View MHC 200 Lab 3 Group 4 in a larger map

Alice In Wonderland

+40° 46′ 7.02″, -73° 58′ 10.98″

We didn’t give up