Posted by Peter in Animal Origins & Fun Facts,Endangered Species,Field Research,Sea Turtles,Texas,What You Can Do,amphibians
Everything is bigger in Texas, and the biodiversity is no exception. Ten recognized eco-regions are home to an amazing abundance of wildlife and plants in the Lone Star State. Over 80 species of mammals, 600 plus species of birds, more than 250 species of reptiles and amphibians and countless thousands of species of invertebrates can be found in Texas. Of the nearly 6,000 species of plants found here, at least 325 are endemic and found nowhere else in the world.
Our Houston toad head-start program has seen over 30,000 tadpoles and toads released to their natal ponds this year alone. One of the most critically endangered birds in the United States, the Attwater’s Prairie Chicken, is hatched and reared for release to augment their ever dwindling wild population. Our Education staff conducts field and science based programs for local school children to foster appreciation for this endemic grouse. Outreach programs also focus on the restoration of the black bear to the dense Pineywoods of East Texas, our vanishing coastal prairies, endangered sea turtles and local amphibian declines. In a state that is 97 percent private, we continue to expand collaboration with landowners – both working with them directly and assisting with workshops to teach them to manage their property for endangered wildlife. Other local research and field activities include turtle road mortality and mitigation, sea turtle nest patrols, and assistance with ongoing graduate projects with local universities.
The Houston Zoo’s conservation mission is to make the Houston Zoo a leader in conservation as it relates to the survival of threatened wildlife, the wise use of natural resources, and the appreciation of our natural world by our zoo visitors. We take wildlife conservation in Texas seriously and we would like for all Texans to appreciate the State’s unique habitats and heritage.
Want to hear more about what makes Texas so special? Then join us on November 17th for a very special speaker event featuring Carter Smith, Executive Director, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. 6:30pm-8:00pm in our Brown Education Center. Link here for tickets.
Posted by Rachel in Field Research,Texas,Uncategorized
Female Missouri River Cooter
Like the chicken of legend and lore, the answer to the question is to get to the other side. But in the process, turtles crossing one East Texas highway are finding the journey fraught with peril and one that could change the very make up of their population and irrevocably alter their future.
Each spring, prehistoric, bony plated animals begin an arduous journey in Texas. The journey, one that has occurred since the time of the dinosaurs, is undertaken by a determined and tenacious animal – the female fresh water turtle.
Since the summer of 2008, researchers from the Houston Zoo have been conducting road mortality surveys for wildlife on approximately 2 miles of State Highway 190 crossing Steinhagen Lake between Jasper and Tyler counties. So far, Zoo researchers have counted over 500 dead turtles, most of which are female Red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) and Missouri river cooters (Pseudemys concinna metteri) that are crossing the road to nest alongside the highway.
Houston Zoo Biologists
The rate of mortality in the first year of our research equals to approximately 115 turtles killed per mile per year on this stretch of road, making the area near Steinhagen Lake second on the list of the top 5 highest mortality spots for turtles in North America. According to published findings at other locations similar to the highway near Steinhagen Lake, research indicates this type of road mortality is not sustainable and will eventually result in a male biased population resulting in the eventual decline of the turtle population in the lake.
Turtle road mortality
The Houston Zoo is currently working with partners to identify possible solutions to reduce the number of turtle deaths. The most likely solution would be a 2-mile fence running along side State Highway 190 to prevent the female turtles from crossing the road. Such fences have reduced mortality up to 98% in other high mortality locations.
Hatchling Turtles
To learn more about freshwater turtles and get savvy on turtle facts and myths, click here.
Posted by Renee in Endangered Species,Field Research,Texas,What You Can Do,amphibians
When I was a kid I always knew that I wanted to work with animals. I used to tell everyone I’d be a marine biologist. I didn’t really know what that meant at the time, but I knew they got to work closely with whales and dolphins. I had every pet my parents would allow and asked to go to every aquarium and zoo that I could find, just to get close to animals. As I got older I started to question what I could realistically do with this desire. Anyone that got to work with them in the field or in captivity were like celebrities. I don’t think I ever thought of it as a job — it was more like a dream. The only animal related career that I was really exposed to was a veterinarian. And when I decided against that, it was difficult to visualize what I could do. I was very fortunate to meet the curator of a small zoo that took me under his wing and brought me into the wonderful world of zoo keeping. But I have been very aware that not everyone gets this type of opportunity.
I am so excited for this generation of animal lovers in Houston. The Houston Zoo offers so much to get kids involved and connected to the animal world. It would have been a dream come true to be a part of the zoo camps and internships they offer here!
Recently, I’ve had the pleasure and privilege to assist with a new, unique, interactive conservation education program called Toad Trackers. It was developed by my very talented coworker, Rachel Rommel, and allows kids to connect with the world of research and animal science.
Rachel with students
The Toad Tracker students are introduced to the same equipment field biologists use in their research and are exposed to some of the methods used in the scientific study of animal populations. I got to assist with the evening class where the students get to actively search for a common toad species on Zoo grounds: the Gulf Coast Toad. When it came to listening for the toads, the kids were very serious and quiet. I was so impressed with their level of concentration, and how well they were able to control their excitement and really focus on the task at hand. When a toad was found, they remembered exactly what they were taught in the classroom about approaching and handling it. The students were then carefully guided through weighing and measuring each individual, determining its’ gender, and recording its’ GPS coordinates, citing exactly where it was found. The kids then got to observe as Paul Crump (the Houston Zoo’s Amphibian Conservation Programs Manager) pit tag each toad, which is similar to the microchip in your cat or dog. They were very intrigued by this process.
Students measuring toad
Over time, the locating and tagging of these toads will provide valuable information on their growth rates, reproductive events, and movement patterns on zoo grounds. As important as this data is, more importantly, this program is inspiring local kids and leaving them hungry for more. I really felt the gratitude of the kids involved in this program; their intrigue was tangible! Rachel is creating a whole army of amphibian advocates and future biologists through Toad Trackers.
To learn more about this program check out the Houston zoo Toad Tracker website and join the Toad Trackers group on Facebook.
Posted by Renee in Endangered Species,Field Research,Texas
Attwater Prairie Chicken
This week I was very fortunate to get the opportunity to spend the day working with the zoo’s most exciting captive breeding and re-introduction project.
We wheeled out of the zoo gates early in the morning with a carefully selected group of Attwater Prairie Chickens that were hatched here at the zoo and headed to the release site. The chickens stayed very quiet in the back of the van for the hour and 45 minute ride. We arrived at the Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge’s visitor center and brought all the birds in to get fitted with radio collars and to receive their final physical before they were released into the wild.
Attwater Prairie Chicken radio collar
Attwater Prairie Chicken getting fitted with a radio collar
The Houston Zoo, and all of Texas for that matter, has every right to be immensely proud of this captive breeding and re-introduction project. I worked with a few re-introduction recovery projects back home in Canada, and they have been the most rewarding and exhausting experiences of my life! These programs frequently commence when a species population has dropped to a ridiculously low number, and are dangerously close to extinction. There are harsh ups and downs in the recovery of a critically endangered species, but knowing you are bringing a species back from the brink of extinction is a powerful and unparalleled experience. Our bird department (Hannah Bailey, Mollie Coym and the rest of the dedicated staff) work tirelessly to ensure the success of this project. They really seem to live and breathe chickens!
Attwater Prairie Chickens being carried out to the pre-release site in Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge
After the processing we took the birds out to the pre-release sites in the Refuge with a man named Dr. Mike Morrow. It is an honor to meet the heroes that have been with the projects from the start. He has been with this project from the beginning and has done everything in his power to give this project life. This year Mike, our bird department staff and everyone who have been involved in this project over the last 20 years are experiencing a major “up”. For the first time, Mike has had the privilege of observing captive bred re-introduced birds successfully raising chicks in the wild. Before this year they could only speculate that this was indeed happening. This is a pivotal point for any re-introduction project, when captive animals prove they can raise young in the wild!
Dr. Mike Marrow and the bird department staff preparing for release
Everyone that has been involved in this project should take a bow! The Attwater Prairie Chicken recovery effort is far from being over, but this observation is evidence that it is well on its way. It takes a team of passionate individuals and solid partnerships to keep these projects growing and thriving. How about a round of applause for the team of zoo staff, Mike and everyone else involved who are tirelessly working to save this Texas species!
Dr. Mike Marrow ready to release an Attwater Prairie Chicken
Posted by Rachel in Endangered Species,Texas,What You Can Do,amphibians
With all the rain and flooding we have gotten over the last couple of days, little toads will make their way out of their hiding places and hop around our neighborhood streets and driveways looking for a nice puddle or ditch to hunker down and sing their little hearts out to attract lady toads.
You may hear the low trill of Gulf coast toads outside your bedroom window or the quiet chirp of the Rio Grande chirping frog.
Let’s not silence these melodious songs by squashing them under our monster tires! We need our slimey friends around to munch mosquitos and other pesky insects.
What can you do to help our amphibious friends on rainy nights? Give amphibians a brake! Drive a tad slower and watch out for toads and other amphibians crossing our streets and driveways!
Have you been lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a googly eyed toad in the last day or so? If so, please share!
Below, feast your eyes upon the handsome Houston toad at the Houston Zoo, one of the most endangered amphibians in the world!
Posted by Peter in Animal Origins & Fun Facts,Texas,Travel
Just received a note from some friends at Texas Parks and Wildlife promoting Horned Lizards:
Everyone loves horny toads, but for many Texans the fierce-looking yet amiable reptile is only a fond childhood memory. Once common throughout most of the state, the horny toad (or Texas Horned Lizard) has disappeared from many parts of its former range over the past 30 years. However, for those horny toads left, the best time to see them is now—from May through August in West and South Texas. Take some time to learn more about this native Texan and what you can do to help conserve the few that are left.
Yes, I know Houston is not in West or South Texas. But many of you travel across the state throughout the summer so keep an eye out for these little reptiles.
You can find a nice article on the Horned Lizard at Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine, Join the Texas Horned Lizard Watch Program, Join the Horned Lizard Conservation Society, or my favorite – Watch the Legend of Old Rip! The Lizard who apparently survived 31 years in a time capsule in Eastland, Texas beginning in 1897. “He’s our most famous citizen – he’s dead, but he is still our most famous citizen”.
Four Fun Horned Lizard Facts:
1. Horned Lizards are reptiles with scales, claws and eggs laid on land. However, the horned lizard’s scientific name, Phrynosoma, actually means “toady-body,” based on the lizards’ short, fat body shape
2. Horny Toads squirt blood from their eyelids at their targets, which usually consist of canine predators, such as foxes, coyotes and even dogs. 3. The primary source of food for Horned Lizards is ants- harvester ants that is! They can eat over 100 per day.
4. Scientists continue to research why the Horned Lizard has declined so dramatically in many parts of the state. Their disappearance has been blamed on many factors, including the spread of the red imported fire ant, changes in land use, collection for the pet trade, and environmental contaminants.
Posted by Renee in Endangered Species,Texas,amphibians
Houston Toad
The nonprofit Center for Biological Diversity offers free ringtones of rare and endangered animals. Download their haunting hoots, sensational songs and crazy croaks to your cell phone. Available are calls of the blue-throated Macaw, Beluga Whale, Boreal Owl, Mountain Yellow-legged Frog, Houston Toad, or any one of over forty other endangered critters.
Rareearthtones.org was designed by the Center for Biological Diversity, a non-profit group with over 30,000 members that has been working to protect endangered species and wild places since 1989.
“The goal is to get people talking about and learning more about endangered species. Some of the sounds are so unusual that when people hear the phones ring, they’re bound to ask, ‘What is that?’ That’s what we want.” says Peter Gavin, conservation director for the center.
Posted by Rachel in Endangered Species,Featured,Field Research,Sea Turtles,Texas,Uncategorized
While on my sea turtle patrol yesterday I intercepted this female Kemp’s ridley sea turtle awkwardly flapping and slowly inching her way along the beach to the dunes to nest and deposit her eggs. What an experience to share space and be alone with this magnificent sea dwelling animal on a sunny June afternoon! At a time of so much frustration and worry for the Gulf and all of it’s inhabitants-it is so hopeful & special to see one of the most endangered animals in the world both surviving, and thankfully, recovering from near extinction only a few decades ago.
She must have been a picky mom because she dug a few holes and went back into the water without depositing her eggs. She was looking for just the right spot. A shot of her making her way back to the sea…
There’s nothing like the cool and refreshing splatter of the ocean water after baking in the hot sun!
Find out more about sea turtle conservation at the Houston Zoo and in Texas!
Would you please share with me and other Houston Zoo blog readers one of your most memorable wildlife experiences?
