Biological Resources
The biologists of the National Park Service provide the expertise and leadership needed to protect, preserve, and manage biological resources and related ecosystem processes in the national park system
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Over 400 threatened and endangered species--in over a thousand populations--are known to occur in national park system units making parks important to the recovery of many species. |
With 83 million acres of terrestrial and aquatic habitat, national parks are vital for many migratory species. In a time of climate change, it is important that wildlife corridors and landscape-scale connectivity be preserved. |
Learn how to get involved with your national parks. Many national parks use volunteers in their resource management activities, such as invasive plant control or migratory bird monitoring. You can help! |
A non-native Burmese python and native species alligator in battle.
The national park system was created to conserve some of our Nation's most cherised landscapes. Non-native plants, bugs, snails, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals can harm the environment, economy, or human health. For example, Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park compete with native alligators and prey on native species, some of which are endangered. Cheatgrass, a native of Eurasia is replacing native plants at Zion National Park. More than 30% of the hemlock trees at Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area have been killed by hemlock woolly adelgid, an introduced insect from Asia.
Invasive species can hitchhike on boats, cars, pets, equipment, and even your clothes. You can help by inspecting and cleaning your vehicles, pets, and belongings before entering a national park. more»
Today, we hear more and more about the effects of
“climate change.” Scientists tell us there is little doubt
that human activities are having a major impact on the
atmosphere and ecosystems of our planet. In response, biologists in the National Park Service and the Department of Interior are beginning to plan for the realities and implications, such as changes in plant and animal ranges and assemblages, and changes in disturbance regimes (fire, flood, disease, insect infestation...). more »
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With increasing global threats, National Park Service units are becoming critical reserves of biodiversity. Through efforts such as All-Taxa Biodiversity Inventories (ATBI’s) and Bioblitzes, many parks are partnering with researchers, taxonomists, school groups, volunteers, and even the National Geographic Society to learn more about the diversity of plants and animals, inlcuding invertebrates, non-vascular plants, and fungi. This engages citizens of all ages and backgrounds in discovery and the stewardship of our nation’s heritage.
Biodiversity Stewardship Gains Momentum in Parks »
When white-nose syndrome (WNS) was first seen in bats in the northeastern U.S. in winter 2006, there was hope among biologists that the disease might disappear as rapidly as it appeared. Unfortunately, WNS has devastated populations of hibernating insectivorous bats and has the potential to place some bat species in danger of extinction.
NPS is collaborating with scientists across the country to investigate WNS and explore management options. Before planning any caving activity, visitors should inquire about cave closures and gear/clothing restrictions.
For more information, view the NPS Fact Sheet. (PDF 502 KB).
more »
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 DID YOU KNOW?
...Mosquitoes are an important part of the food chain and assist in pollination. Both male and female mosquitoes eat nectar from plants, however, only the female mosquitoes bite. Female mosquitoes require a blood meal which supplies the protein needed to produce eggs. Learn how you can avoid becoming a meal for mosquitoes: more »
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