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Six of the species found in Ann Arbor parks are protected as threatened or endangered (5 birds and 1 butterfly). An additional 14 species are of special concern.
Source: Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation |
Animal species whose range is limited by their narrow habitat requirements, or other factors such as predation, habitat loss, or human activity, are listed as endangered, threatened, or special concern by the State of Michigan. Those animals listed as endangered or threatened are granted legal protection from harm.
What animal species of greatest conservation concern are present in Ann Arbor?
The Ann Arbor parks’ resident animal species with the greatest conservation concern is the Duke’s Skipper, a small brown butterfly that inhabits wetlands, and is listed as threatened in the State of Michigan. Natural Area Preservation manages its habitat by removing invasive wetland plants such as purple loosestrife and glossy buckthorn, and by avoiding prescribed burning in the areas in which it is known to be found. Other special species identified as residing in the parks, rather than being migratory, also receive special attention during selection of management activities.
How do threatened and endangered species affect our local environment?
Many people feel a special affinity for rare species. Those who see a threatened Osprey or Loon along the Huron River during migration in the spring feel connected to other places far away. Those seeing our resident threatened and special-concern species, such as Grasshopper Sparrow or Blanding’s Turtle, are also reminded of the careful balance between all species. The presence of these species thus affects our human environment as well as the ecological balance.
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