Let's not forget the honeybee - which was brought to the colonies by the
English and referred to by the Indians as "White man's flies". Where would
be be today without this small creature who is so instrumental in
pollinating our crops and therefore feeding our hungry masses?
----- Original Message -----
From: Mike and Annette Poston
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Monday, September 13, 2004 8:20 AM
Subject: Re: History of Virginia's Natural History
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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