The Vital Signs community is interested in native, non-native, and invasive species in freshwater, coastal, and upland ecosystems across Maine. We want to know where in the state to find them. We also want to know where in the state they've been looked for and not found.
Species native to Maine
What is a native species?
Maine’s native species are plants, animals, or other organisms that have historically occurred and evolved in Maine ecosystems. Milkweed, rock crabs, and little floating heart
are examples of species that are native to Maine.
Which native species are we interested in?
Currently there are 40 native coastal species, 45 native freshwater species, and 45 native upland species accepted by the Vital Signs database. If there's a native species you would like the community to look for that is not on our list, please ask us nicely to add it. For some very good reasons, we are not encouraging the community to publicize the locations of rare and endangered plants and animals.
Non-native species living in Maine
What is a non-native species?
Non-native species are those species that have been either intentionally or accidentally introduced to Maine by humans or their activities. Established populations of non-native species do not cause environmental or economic harm. An important, not-to-be-missed distinction between non-native species and invasive species is that non-native species do not disrupt the natural functions and processes of our native ecosystems.
Which non-native species are we interested in?
For now, none. In our first years of data collection we're focusing our attention on the extremes. Just native and invasive species until we get it right. This doesn't mean that we don't want to hear from you about the non-native species you'd like us to look for in years to come.
Species invasive to Maine
What is an invasive species?
Invasive species are non-native plants, animals, or other organisms that do not historically occur in Maine. When introduced to Maine ecosystems, they develop abundant, widespread populations that negatively impact the environment, the economy, human health, or the way we live. Purple loosestrife, common reed, variable watermilfoil, and Chinese mitten crabs are examples of species that are invasive to Maine.
Which invasive species are we interested in?
Currently there are 15 invasive coastal species, 30 invasive freshwater species, and 20 invasive upland species accepted by the Vital Signs database. Some on the list like green crabs have already established populations in Maine. Others like hydrilla are being closely and carefully managed. And those like zebra mussels are on Maine's watch list of potential invaders.
