Mr. Jean-Pierre Montagne of the San Diego Zoo’s Applied Animal Ecology Division works in the field of the 900 wild acres at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, essentially counting animals. (Please see the Careers Journal written by Lindsay and the Conservation Journal by Amelia for more details on how to do that.)

Quantitative population data like these are the basis for calculating the status of a species: stable, vulnerable, threatened, or endangered. The work of field biologists like Mr. Montagne is the link between the state of the environment and public awareness. It would be difficult to know what species to help conserve if we didn’t have an accurate idea of how they are surviving on their own. Especially here in San Diego, in a biodiversity hotspot, we need all the help we can get to attune public awareness in order to preserve the wonderfully varying types of animals and habitats of San Diego.

Natalie, The Real World Team

When our knowledgeable arthropod keepers took us to the new bug exhibit in the Children’s Zoo, I was amazed at the beautiful exhibits and even more impressed at the sight of some wild-looking bugs. Giant spiders rested in webs spun in a mini bamboo forest, hissing cockroaches coated a moss-covered wall, and colossal walking sticks rested among leaves. The beautiful bugs certainly amazed me, which is part of this exhibit’s main purpose. In order to protect arthropods, people have to replace their fear of them with respect and admiration. Without arthropods, we would be up to our noses in trash and waste, for they play a crucial role in the food chain. A decomposer’s idea of a delectable meal is something rotten beyond distinction, something we certainly do not want to deal with.

The real highlight of the day was when we went behind the scenes at the exhibit to where the Zoo’s arthropods are bred. When people hear the word “endangered,” they usually think of mammals such as tigers or pandas. But bugs can be threatened, too, which is why Paige Howorth and Kelli Walker work toward sustainable arthropod reproduction. Although some of these invertebrates can be tiny (though species like six inch-long walking sticks are anything but small!), the breeding center requires a lot of room to work. Some species need to be individually housed because of a hot temper, while others have unique temperature requirements. Whichever the reason, we saw tanks of diving beetles and crabs, and enclosures for stick insects, grasshoppers, whip scorpions, leafcutter ants, and other insects adorned with mesmerizing patterns. Whatever they are and however many legs they have, they have inspired me to appreciate arthropods.

Lauren Zeidler, Conservation Team

San Diego is home to a plethora of habitats, the most prevalent being that of endangered coastal sage scrub. The undeveloped land that surrounds the Wild Animal Park presents a prime example of this ecosystem type and is precisely where our most recent adventure began. Mr. Montagne first began volunteering at the Park eleven years ago after receiving his bachelor’s degree in ecology and evolution from the Univerisity of California, San Diego. His volunteer position as a rhino observer soon progressed into his current paid position. When he’s not in the field, he works in the Clinical Pathology Lab where various types of animal samples are analyzed. However, for five sequential days a month he works on San Diego County’s Multiple Species Conservation Plan (MSCP)where he monitors arrays of humane pit fall traps. The MSCP monitors biodiversity and works to preserve a network of habitats and open space in the county. The San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, in cooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey, is home to 140 bucket traps. During the collection period, Mr. Montagne and two others check the traps daily. Volunteers are welcome to join the group.

On a beautifully sunny day, we trekked to the trap locations. Each bucket catch contains two pieces of PVC pipe that serves as a refuge for the animals that fall in. Inside the bucket is also a small damp sponge that provides water for the animals. On our outing we found mostly beetles and millipedes. Next to each array lies a snake trap. Wood lies over the cylindrical trap to provide shelter for the temporarily delayed snake.

Variation always captures a child’s eye, especially while driving across country. My children are bound to ask repetitive questions on road trips, just as I did. One thing is for sure: I may not know whether or not we’re there yet, but, thanks to Mr. Montagne, I will certainly know why San Diego is known for its biodiversity.

Lindsay, Careers Team

San Diego County and other areas of coastal Southern California are part of a “biodiversity hotspot,” a home to many rare and endangered species. San Diego County encompasses a myriad of habitat types in close proximity, such as chaparral, forest, grassland, coastal, and desert. Surrounding the Park is coastal sage scrub habitat, the most endangered habitat in the United States. Mr. Montagne observes the 12 different species of lizards and 16 different species of snakes to learn more about the native animals, many of which are endangered. Upon finding an animal, Mr. Montagne weighs, measures, and marks each specimen before releasing it.

During the recent wildfires, most of the back 900 acres were burned. Luckily, chaparral plants have evolved to be fire resistant and to use the fires to help them grow. Because plants such as the yucca are fire resistant, other nonnative plants will burn away, allowing for the native yucca to propagate. Even with larger plants such as the laurel sumac, we saw fresh branches growing from the base of the singed tree. Although the wildfires were devastating, it allowed for the regrowth of many natural plants that have not been seen for years. Thankfully, according to Mr. Montagne, other than a temporary displacement of critters, there has been no population decline with the reptiles.

Amelia, Conservation Team