Brandywine Zoo celebrated its second of two World Migratory Birds days on Saturday. But this one wasn’t focused on birds.
Saturday’s event at Brandywine educated people about the importance of insects to not just the world’s biodiversity, but Delaware’s.
The all-day event featured representatives from all over the state talking about how Delawareans can help in the conservation of both insects and birds because according to Lauren Barczak, the zoo’s curator of conservation education, there is a large overlap between them.
“A lot of times the things that impact insects impact birds, so things like pesticides, lack of habitat, habitat loss is a main driver for the decline of both species,” Barczak said.
Delaware is part of the Atlantic Flyway, a major migratory route for birds and insects along the East Coast of North America. She said conserving Delaware’s part of that route is critical to keeping the habitats suitable for these important animals.
But, conservation does not always have to be a large, sweeping action. Barczak said people can help conserve these areas in their own backyards and apartment complexes.