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Species Conservation and Restoration

Bullfrog

When native plant and animal populations decline, scientists want to know why. Determining the causes behind a decline can reveal if the changes are natural or cyclical, or if there will be significant long-term detriment to the natural community.

Loss of habitat is one reason for species decline. Other reasons may include changes in the environment or direct harvesting of a species. Species declines can impact biological diversity, also known as “biodiversity,” and can impact natural resources that are important to humans.

    Biodiversity

    What Is It? Biodiversity is the variation found in life forms. It can mean the variety of genes found in one fish species, the number of fish species living in one river, or the number of fish species living in all the rivers in North Carolina.

    Why Is It Important? Biodiversity maintains the strength and adaptability of the natural world, whether it’s one population of fish or all the plants and animals of the wetland community where the fish lives. Ecosystems are made up of a complex web of interactions among plant and animal species. Reductions in biodiversity generally lower the integrity of the system and could lead to ecological collapse.

The Aquariums are committed to maintaining biological diversity by helping scientists and resource managers find answers when species populations decline or show signs of stress.

Many species of amphibians worldwide are at great risk of extinction for several reasons. These semi-aquatic animals have permeable skin that makes them particularly vulnerable to air and water pollution, and to the effects of climate change. A recently discovered fungus called Chytrid is having a devastating effect on frogs, salamanders, newts and other amphibians worldwide.

Spotted salamander

Chytrid is present in North Carolina, and there is no effective method of controlling its spread in wild populations. Scientists are currently studying the disease. The North Carolina Aquariums have joined other institutions in identifying and reporting the disease when it occurs in exhibit animals.