| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 53.65 |
| Liaison | Melissa Cadwell |
| Submission Date | June 15, 2018 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Syracuse University
OP-10: Biodiversity
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
2.00 / 2.00 |
Melissa
Cadwell Sustainability Coordinator Energy Systems & Sustainability Management |
Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance?:
A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
- Protected habitat at South Campus
- Priority given to protect endangered species on campus (i.e. direct students around and away from peregrine falcon nests, etc)
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on institution-owned or –managed land?:
Has the institution conducted an assessment or assessments to identify environmentally sensitive areas on institution-owned or –managed land?:
The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or environmentally sensitive areas (including most recent year assessed) and any ongoing assessment and monitoring mechanisms:
A formal assessment of plant life species was conducted in spring 2017. The Campus is presently working on a program for the Peregrine Falcons that have been fledgling on campus. Presently we have two pairs nesting on campus. For other animal life we do not have a formal assessment, we rely on visual assessments from the campus community. While we do not have formal assessment, the Sustainability Management has a student intern who is a NYS Wildlife Rehabilitator with skill in species identification and knowledge of state and federal protections surrounding native wildlife.
A brief description of identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
Identified Species:
- Peregrine Falcon (Endangered in NYS)
- Red Tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Merlin, Turkey Vulture, American Crow, seasonal migratory songbirds (all protected by migratory bird treaty act)
- Northeastern Rattlesnake
- Variety of bats (considered important due to recent outbreaks of White-Nose Syndrome, decimating bat populations)
- Monarch butterflies (important pollinators)
- Rare grasses growing on South Campus
- Phenotypically unique Eastern Gray Squirrels (black fur)
Additional unprotected wildlife include:
- Chipmunks, whitefooted mouse, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, red fox, coyote, skunk, raccoon
A brief description of plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats and/or environmentally sensitive areas:
- SU protects wildlife habitat on some 26 acres at the Minnowbrook Conference Center at Blue Mountain Lake, and on about 11 acres on South Campus. In addition to protecting rare grasses, also helps ensure survival of pollinator species.
- When peregrine falcons fledge, University blocks off the nest site so that the falcons can safely learn to fly.
The website URL where information about the programs or initiatives is available:
Additional documentation to support the submission:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.