1. By Anna Blake

2. Native to Europe, introduced to the United States in 1890 in an effort to bring all birds mentioned in Shakespeare’s works to the U.S. Identifying characteristics include an iridescent gloss on black feathers and cream-colored tips on feathers. Because they are generalists, the starlings were able to thrive wherever they were introduced. They can eat a variety of organisms and have are able to drive out any competition. Courses of action for removal include habitat modification to remove possible nesting sites, poisoning, shooting, and trapping.

3. Opportunists who are able to survive in a variety of habitats in the United States including grasslands, deserts, mountainous areas, farmlands, and metropolitan areas. Resembles a German shepherd dog, have long, bushy tails that drag to the ground, and long, narrow muzzles. The coyote regulates small predator populations by preying on them. As a result, the prey of these small predators are able to survive, thus maintaining a balance in the food web. Coyote populations are threatened by humans who fear their proximity to developments. Most are killed by humans after attacking a human. Coyote attacks can be prevented by not feeding the coyote and building fences that coyotes cannot jump or climb.

4. Live primarily in old-growth forests in the Pacific Northwest, including California. Large, have a round head with no ear tufts, and dark eyes. These species indicate the existence of an old-growth forest. As old- growth forests are removed due to human development and timber harvesting, the spotted owl population has declined. The identification of old-growth forests should be employed by timber and developing companies. Laws to protect these forests should be enacted to prevent their removal.

5. Native and exclusive to hot springs of Mojave Desert. Declared extinct in 2010. Dorsal fin is closer to the tail than the head, and can either have very small for no fins at all. Extinct after natural habitat was destroyed by developers.

6. Plant that is native to California. It produces very few seeds and has a low tolerance to environmental changes. Only three populations still exist. Has bright orange flowers. Reasons for status include agriculture, invasive species, human development, and grazing. Reserve established to protect species.

7. Grows in open prairies in Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Maine, Michigan, and Virginia. Leafy stem with a creamy white three-fringed flower cluster. Status due to land cleared for agriculture. Courses of action for protection include habitat protection and careful monitoring of populations.

8. Coyote http://keystoneconservation.us/keystone_conservation/coyotes.html http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/coyotes.html http://www.predatordefense.org/docs/ecological_role_species.pdf Spotted Owl http://www.eoearth.org/article/Indicator_species http://www.defenders.org/wildlife_and_habitat/wildlife/spotted_owl,_northern.php http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Spotted_Owl/id/ac Tecopa Pupfish http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/recently-extinct-animals-list-470209 http://www.petermaas.nl/extinct/speciesinfo/tecopapupfish.htm Large-flowered Fiddleneck http://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=Q1SU http://www.centerforplantconservation.org/collection/cpc_viewprofile.asp?CPCNum=114 Eastern Prairie Fringed Orchid http://www.ncrs.fs.fed.us/gla/tesweb/plants/plants_main.htm http://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/plants/epfo.html European Starling: http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/animals/eurostarling.shtml http://www.columbia.edu/itc/cerc/danoff-burg/invasion_bio/inv_spp_summ/Sturnus_vulgaris.html