Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 1
One of the National Zoo's ponds. (National Zoological Park)
probably at least three times the number of resident birds. The grounds of
the National Zoo contain more than 150 tree species. Since plant species
richness sustains that of animals, it is no surprise to find rich faunas. Cer-
tainly flower-dependent hymenopterans (bees, wasps, and ants) flourish
where there is a rich diversity of ornamentals, as in many parks. It is also
true that butterflies, because of their relative conspicuousness, are easier to
count than most other insects, but their diversity probably reflects that of
less conspicuous insects. E. O.Wilson, the great evolutionary biologist, told
me that his interest in ants was whetted by his boyhood experience of col-
lecting in Rock Creek Park. With its interconnected open areas, which
include the National Zoo, this is one of the largest urban parks in the coun-
try. The zoo is visited from the park by white-tailed deer, foxes, raccoons,
and other mammals. The park also sustains a population of feral domestic
cats.
Within 25 miles of Washington, George R. Zug recorded 58 species of
amphibians and reptiles.These included 11 newts and salamanders, 15 frogs
and toads, 5 lizards, 18 snakes, and 9 turtles. (A 25-mile radius extends
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