Summary of Conservation: true generational wealth – Zoo Atlanta:
This content discusses the concept of compound interest and applies it to conservation efforts. The article highlights two examples: the reintroduction of eastern indigo snakes in Alabama and the preservation of diamondback terrapins in Georgia. It emphasizes the importance of investing in conservation now to reap the benefits in the future. It also emphasizes the need for collaboration and involvement from local communities to achieve successful conservation outcomes.
1. Compound interest can also be applied to conservation efforts, leading to remarkable returns on investment in the future.
2. Zoo Atlanta is investing in the conservation of species in its region, such as the eastern indigo snake and diamondback terrapin.
3. The reintroduction of eastern indigo snakes into their native habitat has shown promising results, including discovery of wild-born snakes.
4. The diamondback terrapin plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem in the Golden Isles of Georgia.
5. Zoo Atlanta supports the Georgia Sea Turtle Center in their efforts to conserve diamondback terrapins and protect the marshes.
Conservation: True Generational Wealth – Zoo Atlanta
Compound interest is a powerful concept often associated with finances and investments. Investing in something and seeing it grow over time can lead to remarkable returns on investment. However, compound interest is not limited to money alone. We can also apply this concept to our conservation efforts, and there is no better place to start than in our backyard.
At Zoo Atlanta, we firmly believe that the conservation efforts we invest in today can have substantial dividends in the future. This applies to our partnerships with organizations such as Conservation South Luangwa and the Golden Lion Tamarin Association and our work within our region. We have several species that urgently need our help, and by investing in their conservation, we can ensure their thriving existence for generations to come.
Let’s start by talking about the eastern indigo snake, a majestic creature found in the longleaf pine forests of Alabama. These snakes are the longest species in the United States and play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. They prey on small rodents and even venomous snakes, ensuring the sustainability of the ecosystem through their predation.
Unfortunately, the numbers of eastern indigo snakes began dwindling in the early 20th century due to habitat destruction and human interference, such as the pet trade and the killing of individuals. By the 1950s, they were almost extinct from the sandy soils of Alabama. However, in the early 2000s, Zoo Atlanta, in collaboration with the Orianne Society, Auburn University, Central Florida Zoo, and others, started a partnership to reintroduce these snakes into their natural habitat.
The Eastern Indigo Snake Reintroduction program operates by breeding these snakes at Central Florida Zoo and then transferring them to Zoo Atlanta to continue their growth. Once a year, we all gather in the Conecuh National Forest in Alabama to reintroduce these snakes to the area. During these events, we introduce new snakes and scan the existing ones for identification tags. This helps us understand how long the snakes have been in the wild and assess their progress. In 2020, we made an incredible discovery—a snake without a tag was found! This meant that the snake was born in the wild, indicating that our program was beginning to succeed. With the continued reintroduction and breeding efforts, we are excited about the potential growth of the eastern indigo snake population in the coming years.
Now, let’s shift our focus to the diamondback terrapin, a captivating reptile that plays a crucial role in the delicate ecosystem of the Golden Isles of Georgia. These terrapins keep the balance in the ecosystem by feeding on marsh snails. An excessive population of marsh snails can cause the marsh grasses to be overtaken, transforming the marsh into a mud flat without vegetation. Hence, the diamondback terrapin’s role is vital in preventing such a scenario.
The diamondback terrapin population has suffered from habitat loss and vehicular accidents, as they often have to cross roads that cut through the marshes to access the beaches used for recreation. To mitigate these threats, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center at Jekyll Island undertakes patrols along these roads and works on conserving these terrapins. They also monitor and protect terrapin nests with their eggs.
Zoo Atlanta supports the Georgia Sea Turtle Center’s Jekyll Island Causeway Conservation Project by rearing young terrapins for eventual release into the wild. Our efforts not only assist in preserving this species but also contribute to preserving the marsh grass. This, in turn, helps sustain the marshes and barrier islands, providing an invaluable natural buffer against powerful hurricanes as they make their way inland.
It is important to note that conservation efforts alone are not enough to achieve significant results. To see the best conservation outcomes, we must work together with local communities and invest in preserving and restoring the ecosystems where these animals belong. The people of Jekyll Island have truly embraced this idea, and their investment in saving their local ecosystem sets a remarkable example.
Organizations like Zoo Atlanta can assist and support conservation efforts, but the true power lies in local communities coming together to protect their natural spaces. We are investing in our future by investing our time and efforts in preserving these spaces. Saving species from the brink of extinction, allowing ecosystems to thrive, and ensuring the presence of natural spaces for generations to enjoy is a priceless investment. The legacy we leave behind for future generations is a true generational wealth that cannot be measured in financial terms but in the beauty and resilience of our natural world.
In conclusion, compound interest is not limited to finances; it can also be applied to conservation efforts. Conservation is an investment in our future, and Zoo Atlanta is dedicated to making that investment count. Through initiatives such as the Eastern Indigo Snake Reintroduction program and our support for the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, we are actively contributing to preserving species and restoring ecosystems. However, our work is only effective in partnership with local communities who understand the importance of preserving their natural spaces. Together, we can secure a future where wildlife thrives, ecosystems flourish, and the beauty of nature is enjoyed by generations to come.
