In Chapter 10 of the book, "Protecting New Jersey's Environment" we again see how protective New Jersey residents can be when it comes to protecting their wildlife. We have proven to be forward thinking about environmental issues, like protecting our native species, and stopping their extinction due to such things as our encroachment on their territory, or use of pesticides. Belton explores the reasoning behind the lessening of several species native, found in, or have a stop during their migration in New Jersey, including the Pinelands timber snake, the Bald Eagle, the red knot, and the horseshoe crab. All of these animals have been effected or appear to be effected by human actions.
The most amazing and fascinating information relayed in this chapter was about the Bald Eagles. I might just be naive or ignorant, but I actually had no idea we had Bald Eagles living in New Jersey - besides in zoos. I always thought of them living in somewhere super unpopulated and wild like Alaska. Little did I know that there are probably more than 264 according the numbers recorded in 2008, living here in my state. Even more incredible to me was the fact that they had such a huge come back since 1980 where we only had ONE active nest!!! It took 8 years just to have a second active nest appear. But, once Larry Niles instituted the "hacking program" the numbers thankfully rapidly increased until the 69+ active nests now. That information made me so happy, especially since this bird means so much to this country.
Besides the Bald Eagles, it was also interesting to hear about the Pinelands timber snake and how it had been effected by the developments in its habitat. Though I do not like snakes, and am quite scared of them, I do understand they have an important purpose in the ecosystem. Belton's story about the snakes in his campground was fascinating but also incredibly scary. i could not imagine being in that situation. I do not think I would ever go into the woods again, and certainly never sleep outside. He had a snake sleeping on him! Ew! It was interesting to hear about the precautions they took to protect the snakes, such as the culverts to stop the snakes from going on the roads, and helping them go back into the forest.
Finally, the connection between the horseshoe crab and the red knot bird was interesting. I have seen both of these animals down at the shore when I go in the summer. The horseshoe crabs in particular are always fun to find. They are so alien looking. Unfortunately most of the ones we do find have already been eaten the sea gulls or other animals. A live one is always a welcomed site, and after looking at him for a bit we throw it back in the water. I was glad to hear, even though the red knot birds were not native to New Jersey, we were doing our part to not have us be the reason they go extinct. We are a stop on their migration journey, so we play a large part in their survival, because if they cannot find adequate food here they would not be able to continue their migration - a vital part of their life cycle.