the Soque River - Fauna
The Soque River provides a home for various species of wildlife. From insects to mammals, all the creatures of the watershed play an important role. Here we provide some information regarding those creatures and pictures taken by wildlife enthusiasts.
If you have a picture of a native Soque animal, please feel free to email it to srwa@windstream.net and provide your information so we can credit you as the photographer.
Adult Dragonfly
American Salmonfly Pteronarcys dorsata
Stoneflies like the American Salmonfly are indicators of excellent water quality. They require clean, cold water with high levels of dissolved oxygen and little to no pollution. The health of streams and rivers may be evaluated by examining the diversity, abundance, and pollution tolerance of aquatic insects like this one.Bachman's Sparrow Aimophila aestivalis
The Bachman Sparrow is the only sparrow found exclusively in the United States. Most populations are found in a pine woods/wiregrass environment. Our watershed is at the northern end of this bird's range. These ground nesters have suffered from habitat loss due to development as well as fire suppression. The decline in their numbers and secretive nature makes encounters with these birds rare. Photo by James F. Flynn Jr.Grey Squirrel
Photo by Lane Gresham
Shovel Nose Salamander Desmognathus marmoratus
The Shovel Nose Salamander is one of Georgia's only fully aquatic salamander species. It is found in headwater streams in our watershed like Baker Branch and the three prongs of the Left Fork Soque River. These creatures are nocturnal feeders and seek refuge under rocks in fast-moving water during the day.
Southern Appalachian Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis
The Brook Trout is Georgia's only native trout species. It is found primarily in small, headwater streams in our watershed (tributaries to the Right Fork and Left Fork Soque River and Raper Creek). Brook trout populations have suffered from human activities that have affected their habitat. They also declined due to competition for food and habitat with introduced sport fish species like rainbow and brown trout. A collaborative effort between GA Department of Natural Resources, the US Forest Service and Trout Unlimited is underway to maintain and restore populations and habitat for these native Georgians. For more information on how to support these efforts, see www.georgiatu.org and help "Back the Brookie".