Rainforests are probably the most identifiable ecosystem in the world
Everyone wants to go to the Amazon
But why is the Rainforest Important
What’s in our backyard
Hellbenders
Freshwater Mussels
Rainbow Darters
Every State around us has a Hellbender Working Group
December 2015 – Newport Aquarium
42 people / 23 different agencies
Each of these groups and people were working on hellbender related projects. Information sharing and best practices working together can create a faster path to success
Common Goal – Habitat Preservation / Clean Water = Healthy Habitats
Riparian Zones
Good Water Quality means Good Quality of Life for the ecosystem and the Community
AZA SAFE
180 M People
235 AZA Institutions
Dassen Island – South Africa
Top Picture – 1930 lower Picture - 2004