The truth about bats

Bats are one of the most misunderstood of all creatures, having been long associated with tales of vampiresand other spooky Halloween stories. But did you know bats are actually very amazing and beneficial animals? We’d like you tell the true tale of these  creatures and dismiss any rumors of them being blood suckers, or creepy flying goblins of the night!

Bats are mammals and account for more than 25% of all mammalian species. They are the only mammals capable of true flight. But don’t worry; they aren’t flying around in search of human blood.  70% of all bat species eat insects and most of the remaining 30% eat fruit, pollen, and nectar.

So why are they important to us? Bats are very vital to the ecosystems in which they live. They are considered to be the forgotten pollinators.  The seed dispersal and pollination activities of fruit and nectar eating bats are vital to the survival of rain forests. And here in North America bats account for the removal of more than 5 tons of insects nightly.

Last chance to see frogs!

Did you know that the poisonous dart frogs at the National Aquarium aren’t really poisonous? Or that there’s a 2.2 pound African bull frog living at the Aquarium? 

These fascinating creatures are only a hop away! Don’t miss your last chance to experience the beauty and diversity of some of our favorite amphibian friends in Frogs! A Chorus of Colors. After 3 years at the National Aquarium, this traveling exhibit will close on Sunday, November 2nd as the Frogs hop onto their next location.

With nearly 20 species of frogs and toads in 15 seperate habitats, the exhibit offers a close-up look at these diverse creatures from across the world! Frogs are an important indicator of our evironment’s health. So when you visit, take a moment to learn how the amphibian population is being threatened and simple things you can do to help save these spectacular and important animals.

Sharks continue to fascinate experts

It was recently confirmed that a female blacktip shark from the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach carried a shark pup with no genetic material from a male shark. This is the second case in which scientists have used DNA testing to verify a ”virgin birth” of a shark,  the first was reported from a bonnethead shark in Omaha, Nebraska. Shark experts at the National Aquarium are familiar with the studies, but are still very intrigued with the findings.

Fishes Research Specialist at the National Aquarium, Alan Henningsen, believes that this type of birth could be more common in the wild then once thought, and could be in response to declining populations and the reduced encounters with mates. However, these theories are not testable in the wild.

Another of our shark experts, Andy Dehart, agrees with others in saying that this finding will not be a fix for the falling shark population. In both cases of parthenogenesis in aquariums there was only one pup. Bonnethead liters are usually 6-8 pups and blacktips generally have 2-4 pups. It is likely these events happened as a survival instinct due to the lack of a male, but even in extreme cases if this were happening in the wild it would not be a successful way for shark populations to reestablish themselves. 

Gardening to protect our waterways: you can help!

Did you know that planting a tree or two can help save our local waterways? The National Aquarium partners with the Naval Support Facility Indian Head and the Charles Country Master Gardeners on restoration events that are rebuilding coastal habitats of the Potomac River. The next events are being held October 21-25,  and we need your help!

The goal if this project is to create a riparian buffer along the riverside. A riparian buffer is a natural biofilter that protects our waterways and prevents excess runoff from the surface pollution. In other words, planting a trees, grasses, and shrubs can be a big help in keeping our waters cleaner, and giving more animals a place to live. Ripairan buffers have played a significant role in soil conservation, improved water quality, healthy aquatic systems, and offer habitats for diverse wildlife .

Volunteers over 18 years of age and that are US citizens (due to base restrictions), are asked to join us for one or more field days from 9am-4pm on October 21-25, 2008. We can all actively do little things to help preserve our environment, no green thumb required! Click here to learn more about the event. To volunteer contact Charmaine Dahlenburg at conserve@aqua.org or 410-659-4274 by October 15.

From the Curator: National Aquarium wins best exhibit award!

From John Seyjagat, Curator of Australia Exhibits

The National Aquarium’s Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes exhibit was recently awarded best exhibit in the North America zoo and aquarium community. As the curator of this exhibit, I must say I am overwhelmingly proud to have received this coveted award given by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) each year– and the first to claim bragging rights, as this project was no easy feat for our exhibit team!

Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes is a lot more than a new exhibit. We have harnessed modern technologies, innovative designs, interactive learning, visitor friendly exhibitory and a unique Australian animal and plant collection, to create a one-of-a-kind visitor experience.

There are so many great features to this exhibit. Perhaps my favorite aspect is how the exhibit plays on the “wow” factor by incorporating prey and predators all sharing common spaces. The habitats are alive with color, movement, and noise the unique animals tell stories of their own.