Overall Rating Silver
Overall Score 61.55
Liaison Melissa Cadwell
Submission Date Jan. 7, 2022

STARS v2.2

Syracuse University
OP-10: Biodiversity

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.50 / 1.00 Melissa Cadwell
Sustainability Coordinator
Energy Systems & Sustainability Management
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution own or manage land that includes or is adjacent to legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, or regions of conservation importance?:
No

A brief description of the legally protected areas, internationally recognized areas, priority sites for biodiversity, and/or regions of conservation importance:
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Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify endangered and vulnerable species (including migratory species) with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution?:
No

A list of endangered and vulnerable species with habitats on land owned or managed by the institution, by level of extinction risk:
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Has the institution conducted an assessment to identify areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution?:
Yes

A brief description of areas of biodiversity importance on land owned or managed by the institution:

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


The methodologies used to identify endangered and vulnerable species and/or areas of biodiversity importance 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 the scope of the assessment(s):

The area of assessment was the main and south campus parcels of property. The person observed the wildlife periodically throughout the assesment.


A brief description of the plans or programs in place to protect or positively affect identified species, habitats, and/or ecosystems:

- 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.


Estimated percentage of areas of biodiversity importance that are also protected areas :
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Website URL where information about the institution’s biodiversity initiatives is available:
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Additional documentation to support the submission:
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Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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