CONSERVATION INITIATIVES
Previous Conservation Research and Projects
In addition to its active conservation grants, CuriOdyssey has previously partnered with the following organizations by contributing to funding of their conservation projects.
BAY AREA BOBCAT PROJECT
This project within Felidae Conservation Fund aims to assess local bobcat (Lynx rufus) populations to better understand their conservation needs. Bobcats are native to the Bay Area, but face a variety of threats, including loss of habitat and habitat fragmentation, vehicle collisions, rodenticide poisoning, and hunting. Since 2013 CuriOdyssey has supported the Bobcat Study in their efforts to understand how human populations are affecting local bobcats.
PLANET BEE FOUNDATION
Planet Bee Foundation is dedicated to creating a green-minded generation by spotlighting the struggling bee. They work to foster environmental literacy and stewardship. They also provide distance learning programs for local elementary schools.
RAPTORS ARE THE SOLUTION
Raptors Are The Solution (RATS) is a nonprofit that educates on the dangers of rodenticides to native wildlife. Rodenticides work their way up the food chain injuring countless species and putting poisons into the environment. RATS disseminates informative newsletters and engage in public outreach.
RINGTAIL RESEARCH PROJECT
Little is known about the shy and elusive ringtail (Bassariscus astutus), but Sacramento City College professor David T. Wyatt aims to understand more about these charming animals, including what they eat, where they sleep, and where they are found in California. CuriOdyssey has been supporting ringtail research efforts since 2014 and we are able to share Dr. Wyatt's findings with other zoos that house ringtails.
RIVER OTTER ECOLOGY PROJECT
Have you fallen in love with the river otters at CuriOdyssey? Did you know there are otters in the Bay Area? The presence of river otters (Lontra canadensis) indicates a healthy watershed habitat, but little is known about the habits and ecology of river otters in the Bay Area. The River Otter Ecology Project has been studying river otters since 2012 and is aiming to discover more about our local otter populations to promote conservation of otters and their habitat.
UC BERKELEY URBAN BEE LAB
Did you know California is home to over 1600 species of bees? That's great news, because bees are a gardener's best friend! Bees are pollinators responsible for the growth of many foods that we eat, such as fruits, vegetables, and almonds. The UC Berkeley Bee Lab studies Bay Area bee species (there are over 90!) and works with local farmers to build and maintain bee habitats. CuriOdyssey partners with the Urban Bee Lab and helps further their efforts of conserving native bees.
URBAN WILDLIFE RESEARCH PROJECT
BAY LANDS GRAY FOX
The San Francisco Wildlife Corridor runs the length of the Peninsula and is essential for allowing wildlife to travel the full length of their ranges and connect with other populations in the Bay Area. Gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) are predators on the Peninsula that may be affected by development that restricts the corridor. The Urban Wildlife Research Project looks at the genetics of local fox populations to see how they're being affected and what can be done to help them out.
WESTERN POND TURTLE ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
Stanford graduate student Maria W. has been studying western pond turtles (Emys marmorata, Emys pallida) for years, hoping to gain a better understanding of their ecology and how they can be used an indicators of environmental health. Wild populations of western pond turtles have been declining for several, mainly due to habitat destruction/loss and increased populations of non-native species such as the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta elegans). Western pond turtles are a Species of Special Concern in California and endangered in Washington state, so it is crucial to gather as much information as possible in order to understand how to best protect them in the wild.
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LOCATION
1651 Coyote Point Drive
San Mateo, CA 94401
Ohlone Land Acknowledgement
650-342-7755
[email protected]
CuriOdyssey is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Tax ID 94-1262434
