Although we did not add them, bullfrogs are an important part of the ecosystem-they are predators of insects, small turtles, small mammals, and even other frogs.

Since opening in 2019, the wetland habitat has been a big hit with local wildlife-we have recorded over 150 animal species! Plants and algae are utilized year-round for food and shelter by fish, protozoans, aquatic insects, frogs, and turtles, so no matter what the season, both types of greenery are very important! Check out our field guide!Īll the usual suspects have graced us with their presence dragonflies are abundant, as are wading birds like egrets, herons, and ducks, and of course frogs are a staple… but the last two seasons, we have seen an incredible abundance of bullfrogs. The main part of the exhibit was created to be a self-sustaining ecosystem (meaning we let nature take its course), and we have been delighted to watch the changes with each season and through each year as the habitat matures. McGovern Texas Wetlands exhibit turns four this May. To the keen observer, a wetland environment is a treasure trove of natural interactions between plants, microbes, algae, fish, mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, and birds, both above and below the surface of the water. From saltwater and freshwater marshes to peat bogs, prairie potholes and vernal pools, each type of wetland habitat is simply bustling with an abundance of plant and animal life! The species assemblage associated with each habitat type or location can vary greatly, with some organisms being rare and perhaps found nowhere else (endemic fish and plants), and others that just drop by seasonally (such as migrating birds making a pit stop to rest and refuel, or toads wanting to lay eggs). When it comes to biodiversity, you would be hard-pressed to find an ecosystem with more complexity than a wetland. Zoo News Blog Houston Zoo Celebrates World Wetlands Dayįebruby Karen Sprague, LSS Water Quality Technician Photo by Mike Fannin.

Planet zoo wetlands download