Pike CNHI - Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program

Snakehead
(Channa spp.)
Feral swine
(Sus scrofa)
House sparrow
(Passer domesticus)
European starling
(Sturnus vulgaris)
Rock dove / pigeon
(Columba livia)
Mute swan
(Cygnus olor)
House mouse
(Mus musculus)
Norway rat
(Rattus norvegicus)
House cat
(Felis silvestris)
Prized as a food species in Asia, this species was recently introduced to the East Coast
and has quickly taken root. Currently not found in Pike County, it should be monitored
for.
Wild hogs should be monitored for due to their negative impact on livestock, property,
and natural areas.
Generally found any place humans are, this species can cause crop damage, but mainly
competes with small, native cavity nesting birds.
Competing directly with native cavity-nesting birds, this species also cause severe crop
damage.
Generally found around human structures, this species can cause crop damage, is a
known carrier for several serious human diseases, and causes a general mess where it
nests and roosts.
While considered pretty by some, this European invader causes significant damage to
wetland vegetation that it “grubs” out during feeding. Additionally, it is fiercely
competitive and will exclude all other native waterfowl from its nesting territory to the
point of killing intruders.
Ubiquitous throughout the world, this species carries many diseases, competes directly
with many native species, and can cause significant damage to crops and structures.
Generally a pest of human infrastructure, the Norway Rat is also found around rivers and
other water systems. Known as a carrier for many diseases, this species is a threat
anywhere it occurs.
House cats, both domestic and feral, can each kill several small animals in a day, causing
the death of many amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals each year.
Overall Invasive Recommendations
Although Pike County has many sites that are free from non-native species, invasive species are an increasing
threat to the biodiversity harbored within the county. Successful control of invasive plant species is a time,
labor, and resource intensive process. Prevention or control during the early stages of invasion is the best
strategy. In areas where invasive plants are well established, multiple control strategies and follow-up
treatments may be necessary. Specific treatment depends on the target species' biological characteristics and
population size. Invasive plants can be controlled using biological, mechanical, chemical, or a combination of
these methods.
The following are presented as ways to deal with invasive species in the region:
Natural Heritage Areas identified in this report can serve as useful high conservation value “focus
areas” for the priority control of invasive species.
Many educational resources are available regarding invasive exotic species. Regional groups such as
the Mid-Atlantic Exotic Pest Plant Council (MA-EPPC) can help with funding opportunities and
educational outreach on invasive species.
Pennsylvania has a Noxious Weed law that prevents the propagation, sale, or transport of thirteen weed
species within the Commonwealth. Some of these thirteen species that are currently listed are agricultural
weeds that rarely threaten natural areas, however, purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), giant hogweed
(Heracleum mantegazzianum), kudzu (Pueraria lobata), mile-a-minute (Polygonum perfoliatum),
Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense), and multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) are present on the noxious weed
list. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission maintains a list of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
that are prohibited from possession, sale, barter, or distribution within the Commonwealth (PA Code
58.71.6). This list includes the zebra mussel and the rusty crayfish, among others.
Pike County Natural Heritage Inventory – Natural History Overview / 19