Don't limit your concern to animal species.  Remember that the dandelion and
the roadside mullein (Verbascum thapsis) are not native to the U.S.

Mike Poston
Rockville, Maryland
----- Original Message -----
From: <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, September 12, 2004 9:23 PM
Subject: History of Virginia's Natural History


> As you may have concluded, the Potomac River has a new resident species
> in the Snakehead fish. Also, a couple of years ago zebra mussels were
> found in a Northern Virginia quarry-lake.
>
> This has brought me to thinking about what other major events have
> occurred in Virginia's natural history. I am curious as to what if any
> Virginia animal or plant species have become extinct in Virginia during
> historic times and when. Also when and what new animal, plant, or
> disease species have arrived or been discovered to have arrived in
> historic times.
>
> Some invasive species I am particularly curious about are
>
> cat
> European dog breeds
> cattle
> black rat
> norway rat
> coyote
> gypsy moth
> house sparrow
> house mouse
> house finch
> domestic pig
> European starling
> chicken
> nutria
> rock dove
>
> Some major species losses I am interested in include the red and gray
> wolves and the buffalo.
>
> particular questions that come to mind also include
>
> Has an evasive species in Virginia ever been successfully eradicated, as
> the state hopes to do to the Zebra Mussels?
>
> What immigrant diseases have dramatically shaped Virginia's environment?
> For example the fungi that decimated the American chestnut trees, or the
> disease that decimated Virginia's native oysters.
>
> I am also interested in if there is a source that discusses these
> matters in any great detail.
>
> Thank you in advance for any information you may have.
>
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