Amphibians are vital to the ecosystem and research. Frogs and toads, for example, act as exterminators, controlling populations of insects such as mosquitoes, which may carry West Nile Virus and Malaria. Currently, skin secretions from some amphibians are being used in the pharmaceutical industry to help treat specific conditions, including cancer. Also, amphibians are called indicator species which means that they are an organism whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects a specific environmental condition.

 

Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, together with other zoos and organizations, have launched the Amphibian Conservation Initiative to address the decline of amphibians on a global scale. This initiative includes the establishment of facilities and the training of staff, capable of quarantining amphibians and carrying out captive breeding programs. Once threats have been lowered or resolved, the offspring of the amphibians will be released back into the wild.

 

This workshop will look at threats as well as opportunities to restore populations not only abroad but in your own backyards. Hands-on experiences will be available during weather-appropriate times of the year. Tours of research facilities and/or discussions with experts are possible on a conditional basis.   

Approximately 3% of butterfly species are threatened with extinction. Monarchs have declined 85% in two decades. This decline in butterfly populations is attributed primarily to habitat loss due to urbanization and agriculture. As populations continue to decrease, a growing need to monitor species more closely is developing. Because there is little distinction between some types of butterflies, identification and classification proves to be a challenge. Very few Lepidopterists (scientists who study butterflies and moths) exist; therefore, monitoring population sizes and ranges of butterfly species is a daunting task.

 

This workshop will illustrate the different types of butterflies concentrating on Nebraska natives and looking at challenges and opportunities, as well as introducing participants to sampling techniques (weather permitting). Tagging and sampling are weather-appropriate activities, but techniques will be illustrated and explained during off-seasons. Expert visits and facility tours are available on a conditional basis.   

Coral reefs are declining worldwide due to global warming, ocean acidification, sedimentation, eutrophication, African dust storms and mechanical damage, just to name a few. There is a reproductive bottleneck that is making it increasingly difficult for these corals to reproduce sexually in the wild. SECORE has become the main coral reef conservation project in zoos and public aquariums around the world. Coral Reef Conservation on the Island of Curacao is a collaborative effort among public aquarium professionals and researchers. This collaboration links research efforts and excellence in coral reef husbandry, education, and conservation.

 

The mission of SECORE is to develop techniques for the sexual propagation of critically endangered corals. The goals are three-fold.

This workshop will help illustrate the importance of this collaboration and propagation methods of the partner organizations as well as show the techniques involved. Join researchers as they talk about their work and show coral planula as they grow.