GREENSBORO, N.C. — Three Allegheny woodrat pups were born March 26 at the Greensboro Science Center, marking a step forward in efforts to restore the declining Appalachian species in the wild.
The births are part of a broader conservation partnership led by the Allegheny Woodrat Working Group, which brings together wildlife agencies, universities and accredited zoos to support breeding and reintroduction programs. The pups are not on public exhibit.
Allegheny woodrats live in rocky, forested habitats throughout the Appalachian region and play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Their numbers have dropped in recent years due to habitat loss, limited food sources and disease, with significant declines reported in states such as Pennsylvania and Ohio…