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Natural Area Preservation has inventoried the animals in the City’s natural areas and has found over 300 species of animal. Several parks such as Furstenberg and Barton have a wide variety of habitat types, making them important reserves of biological diversity. Despite the positive effects of preservation of these natural areas, wildlife habitat continues to decline due to development and invasive species.
Source: Ann Arbor Natural Area Preservation |
Many species can be found in Ann Arbor 's ecosystems:
- 197 species of migratory and summer resident birds
- 80 species of butterflies
- 3 species of turtles
- 4 species of snakes
- 6 species of salamander
- 10 species of frogs and toads
How does animal species diversity affect the environment?
Animals play a role in a variety of important ecological processes, including plant pollination, removal of decaying matter, and control of pest species via predation or herbivory. Animals also affect the human environment by providing aesthetic, recreational and educational opportunities. In the absence of animal diversity, ecological processes can become unbalanced, resulting in negative effects on other parts of the ecosystem such as vegetation and soils.
How does natural area management help restore diversity?
By surveying natural areas to determine which animal species utilize them, management prescriptions can be developed to foster the survival of those species best suited for that ecosystem, or to improve habitat for rare species.
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Find out how YOU can help improve the State of Our Environment.
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