Wildlife on Squam
The Squam Lakes watershed has a diverse array of wildlife. SLA works cooperatively with the State of New Hampshire, universities, and other non-profits to protect wildlife through research and habitat conservation. Examples of wildlife and wildlife viewing areas can be found in The Squam Wildlife Guide found in the
SLA Store. Below are descriptions of some of Squam’s favorite wildlife and a summary of the Squam bio-inventory. Please contact SLA for further information.
Eagles on Squam
Still listed as an endangered species in the state of New Hampshire, Bald Eagles have seen reproductive success in the past few years. Four out of New Hampshire’s five watersheds hosted breeding pairs in 2006. New post-DDT era highs occurred in 2006 with statewide confirmations of 12 territorial pairs, 11 incubating pairs, 10 successful nests, and 21 fledged young. For a complete report, please visit the
New Hampshire Audubon website.
For the first time in over 70 years, eagles successfully hatched on Squam Lake in 2003. Eagles have continued their success with a single chick fledged in 2003 and 2004. Two eaglets fledged in both 2005 and 2006 from their nesting site on Little Loon Island. The SLA is working with other local conservation organizations to protect Squam’s eagles for continued success on Squam.
Loons on Squam
By The Loon Preservation Committee
Concerted efforts to protect this sentinel species in New Hampshire began in the mid-1970’s on the Squam Lakes and have continued to the present, producing the longest, most complete study of loons in the world. Because of their place at the top of the aquatic food web, loons are sensitive indicators of environmental contamination, and can be severely impacted by changes in shoreline habitat and human lake use. Monitoring and management with artificial nest rafts and nest site barriers help buffer Squam loons from some of these human impacts.
After three decades of protection, recent attention has been focused on a sharp decline in the number of adult loons breeding on Big Squam, with a 44% drop from 16 territorial loon pairs in 2004 to nine pairs in 2005, and continued low numbers in 2006. Research into potential causes for the decline will continue during the 2007 season.
Squam boaters should exercise caution and observe these fascinating birds from a safe distance, as canoes, kayaks, and motorboats can all disturb nesting and brooding loons. Boaters should stay at least 150-200 feet away from nest sites and adults with young. For more information on how to interpret loon behavior, and how to share the lake with them, visit www.loon.org. To lend your lake time and loon watching to ongoing protection efforts, please contact the Loon Preservation Committee at (603) 476-LOON.
click on image to hear the Loon call.
Bio-Monitoring
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Snapping turtle laying her eggs at the SLA Headquarters.
Photo by Shaughn Bolton
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Biodiversity, or biological diversity, encompasses the diversity of genes within species, species within ecosystems and of entire ecosystems. Biodiversity is declining at a rapid pace on a global scale and threatens ecological sustainability. In response, SLA initiated a Bio-Monitoring Project, a proactive step toward the long-term conservation of the Squam Lakes Watershed. Recognizing the increasing significance of maintaining biodiversity, the SLA contracted with Dr. Rick Van de Poll of Sandwich to complete a comprehensive bio-inventory of the watershed. A summary of some of the findings can be found in the Species List below. Please contact SLA for further information.
Squam Species List
Amphibians & Reptiles
Birds
Fish
Mammals
Plants
Summary
Species Lists are in Adobe Acrobat format
